Successful treatment of B-cell lymphoma associated with hemophagocytic syndrome using autologous peripheral blood CD34 positive cell transplantation followed by induction of autologous graft-versus-host disease

Abstract

A 56-year-old man who presented with persistent high fever and abdominal pain was diagnosed as having a B-cell lymphoma associated with hemophagocytic syndrome (B-LAHS). As post-remission therapy, the patient was treated with high-dose chemoradiotherapy followed by infusion of autologous CD34+ cells that had been isolated from the peripheral blood buffy coat. Cyclosporin and interferon (IFN)-γ were administered to induce autologous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Hematopoietic recovery promptly occurred and skin GVHD developed on day 26 after CD34+ cell transplantation. The patient has been in complete remission without therapy for 20 months since transplant. Autologous CD34+ cell transplantation in combination with induction of autologous GVHD may be efficacious in obtaining a cure for B-LAHS.