Adoptive Cell Transfer of Allogeneic Epstein-Barr Virus-Specific T Lymphocytes for Treatment of Refractory EBV-Associated Posttransplant Smooth Muscle Tumors: A Case Report.

Authors:
Bjoern-Thore Hansen, Petra Bacher, Britta Eiz-Vesper, Steffen M Heckl, Wolfram Klapper, Karoline Koch, Britta Maecker-Kolhoff, Claudia D Baldus, Lars Fransecky
Year of publication:
2021
Volume:
12
Issue:
-
Issn:
1664-3224
Journal title abbreviated:
Front Immunol
Journal title long:
Frontiers in immunology
Impact factor:
8.787
Abstract:
Posttransplant smooth muscle tumors (PTSMTs) are rare Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated neoplasms, mostly occurring after solid organ transplantation. Current therapeutic strategies include surgery and reduction of immunosuppressive medication. We describe for the first time a novel treatment approach for PTSMT by adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of EBV-specific T cells to a 20-year-old patient with a medical history of cardiac transplantation, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, and multilocular PTSMT. During ACT, mild cytokine release syndrome occurred, while no unexpected safety signals were recorded. We observed <i>in vivo</i> expansion of EBV-specific T cells and reduction of EBV viremia. Best response was stable disease after 4 months with reduction of EBV viremia and normalization of lactate dehydrogenase levels. ACT with EBV-specific T cells may be a safe and efficacious therapeutic option for PTSMT that warrants further exploration.