Regression of a T-cell lymphoma after administration of antithymocyte globulin

A patient with Sézary syndrome developed a diffuse undifferentiated lymphoma of T-cell origin. After becoming resistant to multiple chemotherapeutic agents, the patient was treated with antithymocyte globulin. A 75% reduction in adenopathy and complete resolution of skin erythema was observed during an 8-day period. In addition the percent of circulating T cells and the ability of those cells to respond to phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A were reduced after antithymocyte globulin therapy. The patient died of an intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to profound thrombocytopenia. The study suggests that tumor lysis may be achieved by passive antibody therapy in certain advanced lymphomas.