Late-Onset Invasive Aspergillosis With Pituitary Involvement and Dysfunction Following CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor

Daisuke Ikeda1,2, Tomohiro Nawada3, Takumi Kondo2

  • 1Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama Japan.

Ejhaem
|September 4, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Late-onset invasive fungal infections, like pituitary aspergillosis, can occur over a year after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. This highlights a persistent risk and the need for ongoing antifungal vigilance in certain patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a serious complication following chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.
  • While bacterial and viral infections are more common, IFIs, particularly mould infections, can be fatal.
  • Most IFIs occur within 30 days post-infusion, leading to under-recognition of late-onset cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the under-recognized risk of late-onset invasive fungal infections after CAR T-cell therapy.
  • To present a case of pituitary aspergillosis occurring one year post-infusion.
  • To emphasize the need for sustained vigilance and tailored antifungal strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a patient who developed pituitary aspergillosis.
  • Analysis of the patient's timeline of CAR T-cell therapy and infection onset.
  • Review of literature regarding late-onset IFIs post-CAR T-cell therapy.

Main Results:

  • A patient developed pituitary aspergillosis as late as one year after CD19 CAR T-cell therapy.
  • This case illustrates a persistent risk of IFI in patients with delayed immune reconstitution.
  • Late-onset mould infections pose a significant, often overlooked, threat.

Conclusions:

  • Vigilance for invasive fungal infections should extend beyond the early post-CAR T-cell infusion period.
  • Individualised antifungal strategies are crucial for managing the persistent risk of IFIs.
  • Delayed immune reconstitution can predispose patients to late-onset fungal complications.

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