Epstein-Barr virus-associated T-cell lymphoma in solid organ transplant recipients

Biomed Pharmacother. 2001 Sep;55(7):366-8. doi: 10.1016/s0753-3322(01)00081-6.

Abstract

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLDs) are a heterogenous group of lymphoid proliferative disorders occurring in transplant patients. Most PTLDs are B-cell in origin; T-cell PTLDs are seldom reported, and EBV-associated T-cell PTLDs are rare. The first case of a T-cell, non-EBV-associated PTLD was first described in a renal allograft recipient in 1987. A total of 40 cases of T-cell PTLDs in solid organ transplant recipients have been reported. However, so far only 16 cases of EBV-associated T-cell PTLDs have been reported in the literature. The sites of occurrence of EBV-associated T-cell PTLDs were in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, bone marrow, skin, liver and spleen. The pathogenesis of EBV-associated T-cell PTLD is uncertain; it is speculated that the EBV may infect a subset of T-cells that express the CD21 receptor. The present treatment of EBV-associated T-cell PTLD consists of surgical removal, reduction or withdrawal of immunosuppression and/or radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The prognosis is uncertain, and the 1-year survival for patients who were followed up for 1 year was 50%.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / etiology*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology
  • Organ Transplantation*