Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
In Vitro Tumor Cell Rechallenge For Predictive Evaluation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Antitumor Function
Published on: February 27, 2019
Disseminated Angioinvasive Fusarium Infection following Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Refractory
Mary V Lang1,2, Alicia Hou2, Matthew Kornas2
1Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Introduction:
Patients receiving immune-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy experience profound, prolonged immunosuppression, predisposing them to opportunistic infections. Disseminated angioinvasive Fusarium infections are uncommon but carry high morbidity and mortality in this population.
Case Presentation:
We describe a rare case of disseminated angioinvasive Fusarium infection in a patient with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma following CD19-directed CAR-T-cell therapy. The patient developed progressive cutaneous lesions due to Fusarium keratoplasticum complex, confirmed by tissue culture and histopathology. She ultimately expired due to septic shock complicated by multifactorial cardiotoxicity.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the heightened susceptibility to refractory opportunistic mold infections and potential cardiac complications in patients after CAR-T therapy. New skin lesions in the post-CAR-T period should prompt early biopsy and skin culture with prompt mold coverage.