Survival outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants with EBV-positive or EBV-negative post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, A CIBMTR study.

BACKGROUND

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT). Although most PTLD is EBV-positive (EBV ), EBV-negative (EBV ) PTLD is reported, yet its incidence and clinical impact remain largely undefined. Furthermore, factors at the time of transplant impacting survival following PTLD are not well described.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2014, 432 cases of PTLD following alloHCT were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR). After exclusions, 267 cases (EBV = 222, 83%; EBV = 45, 17%) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eight patients (78%) received in vivo T-cell depletion (TCD) with either anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) or alemtuzumab. Incidence of PTLD was highest using umbilical cord donors (UCB, 1.60%) and lowest using matched related donors (MRD, 0.40%). Clinical features and histology did not significantly differ among EBV or EBV PTLD cases except that absolute lymphocyte count recovery was slower, and CMV reactivation was later in EBV PTLD [EBV 32 (5-95) days versus EBV 47 (10-70) days, P = .016]. There was no impact on survival by EBV status in multivariable analysis [EBV RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.94-2.15, P = .097].

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference in survival outcomes for patients with EBV or EBV PTLD occurring following alloHCT and 1-year survival is poor. Features of conditioning and use of serotherapy remain important.