| Abstract | Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare, life-threatening complication of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection. Current treatments are directed at reducing virus-induced immune dysregulation. Addition of agents that eliminate EBV-infected B cells may improve therapeutic efficacy. On the basis of the observations that the anti-CD-20 monoclonal antibody rituximab reduces disease burden in individuals with EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders, we treated a patient with severe EBV-hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis using a combination of rituximab and chemotherapy. This patient demonstrated a rapid clinical response and an 18-fold reduction in EBV viral load within 24 hours of receiving rituximab. He remains free of disease 8 months after completing treatment. |
| Authors | Naomi J Balamuth, Kim E Nichols, Michele Paessler, David T Teachey
(Affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.)
|
| Journal | Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology : official journal of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
(J Pediatr Hematol Oncol)
Vol. 29
Issue 8
Pg. 569-73
(Aug 2007)
ISSN: 1077-4114 United States |
| PMID | 17762500
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antineoplastic Agents
- rituximab
|
| Topics |
- Adolescent
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(therapeutic use)
- Antineoplastic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease-Free Survival
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections
(complications, drug therapy)
- Herpesvirus 4, Human
- Humans
- Immunosuppression
- Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic
(drug therapy, virology)
- Male
|
