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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Published on: May 27, 2011
Evolving Patterns of EBV-Associated PTLD After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: Frequency, Characteristics and
Irene García-Cadenas1, Manuel Guerreiro2, Lucrecia Yañez3
1Hematology Department, Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
Epstein-Barr virus-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV + PTLD) is a serious complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Given evolving transplantation practices, updated data are needed.
Objective:
Multicenter analysis of PTLD epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes in Spain.
Methods:
Retrospective study across 17 Spanish transplant centers including all proven/probable EBV+ PTLD cases after allo-SCT from January 2000 to June 2023.
Results:
Among 14.568 allo-SCTs, 170 PTLD cases were identified (1.2%) peaking in 2010-2017 (2.0%), versus 0.9% in 2000-2009 and 0.7% in 2018-2023. Median onset was 91 days; 75% occurred within 6 months. Proven cases comprised 67%, mostly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Advanced stage occurred in 67%, extranodal disease in 22%. Rituximab ± immunosuppression reduction (ISR) was given to 80%, yielding a 62.4% response rate. Responders had superior survival (2-year OS 73.4% vs. 10.7%). EBV-specific cellular therapies were infrequently used. Median follow-up was 97.8 months; 5-year OS 39.6%, with PTLD causing 49% of deaths. Severe hypoalbuminemia, lack of ISR, and rituximab refractoriness predicted worse survival.
Conclusions:
EBV + PTLD frequency has declined in Spain. Prognosis remains poor for rituximab non-responders, highlighting limited access to EBV-specific cellular therapies as an unmet need.
