CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) for therapy of Epstein-Barr virus lymphoma after hemopoietic stem-cell transplantation

After bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using T-cell-depleted marrow from an unrelated donor or HLA-mismatched related donor, the risk of developing lymphoproliferative disease associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ranges from 1% to 25%. We have shown that administration of donor- derived EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) is effective prophylaxis and treatment for this complication, and we routinely generate CTL for high- risk patients. However, EBV lymphoma can occur in recipients of matched- sibling transplants for whom CTL are unavailable or in patients for whom CTL administration is contraindicated. We report on 3 such patients, who were successfully and safely treated with rituximab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody. The patients remain disease free 7, 8, and 9 months, respectively, after therapy. We conclude that CD20 antibody may be a useful alternative treatment strategy in patients with EBV lymphoma after BMT. (C) 2000 by The American Society of Hematology.