Chemotherapy does not nullify the ability of donor lymphocyte infusions to mediate graft-versus-host reactions

Bone Marrow Transplant. 1998 Aug;22(3):303-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1701323.

Abstract

Two patients with multiple myeloma in relapse after allogeneic BMT received donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) but later required chemotherapy for treatment of myeloma-related complications. In both patients, recovery from chemotherapy-induced aplasia was accompanied by manifestations of graft-versus-host reactions. The first patient developed grade II acute GVHD and a complete remission which has lasted >22 months. The second patient developed grade III acute GVHD but died with co-existing GVHD and extensive extramedullary myeloma. These results demonstrate that chemotherapy does not nullify the ability of donor lymphocytes to mediate graft-versus-host reactions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology*
  • Graft vs Tumor Effect
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Transfusion*
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Plasmacytoma / therapy
  • Recurrence
  • Tissue Donors
  • Transplantation, Homologous