Successful Treatment of Methotrexate-associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder with the Pola-R-CHP Regimen

Intern Med. 2025;64(1):123-127. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3634-24. Epub 2025 Jan 1.

Abstract

Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD) constitutes a subset of lymphoid proliferations and lymphomas that are associated with immune deficiency and dysregulation. The clinical management of MTX-LPDs is contingent on their histopathological subtypes. Polatuzumab vedotin is a novel therapeutic approach that is particularly beneficial for selecting patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL); however, DLBCL-type MTX-LPD is still treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) because of the exclusion of MTX-LPD from clinical trials. We recently encountered a case of DLBCL-type MTX-LPD with parathyroid hormone-related protein-C (PTHrP)-mediated hypercalcemia that was managed with polatuzumab vedotin, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (Pola-R-CHP). We herein report our experience to encourage hematologists to explore the safe and effective use of Pola-R-CHP under such conditions.

Keywords: MRH; MTX-LPD; PTHrP; Pola-R-CHP; R-CHOP; hypercalcemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / therapeutic use
  • Cyclophosphamide* / adverse effects
  • Cyclophosphamide* / therapeutic use
  • Doxorubicin* / adverse effects
  • Doxorubicin* / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / drug therapy
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders* / chemically induced
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Methotrexate* / adverse effects
  • Methotrexate* / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisone* / adverse effects
  • Prednisone* / therapeutic use
  • Rituximab* / adverse effects
  • Rituximab* / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vincristine* / adverse effects
  • Vincristine* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Methotrexate
  • Rituximab
  • Prednisone
  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • R-CHOP protocol