[Donor lymphocyte infusions after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: single center clinical experience]

Abstract

Background and objective: Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) have proven to be useful for the treatment of relapse after allogenic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and for the conversion of mixed chimerism (MC) into complete chimerism. The objective of the present study is to analyze the results of DLI used in both scenarios in a single centre.

Patients and method: Twenty five patients were retrospectively analyzed: DLI was used for relapse treatment in 18 cases and for conversion of mixed chimerism in 7.

Results: Six patients from the first group (35%) showed response in a median of 137 days (23-250). After a median follow-up of 12 months (7 months-8 years), 5 patients remained in complete remission. Additionally, one patient recieved prophylactic DLI with good results. Six of the 7 patients (85%) who received DLI for MC showed response. After a median follow-up of 7 years (6-8), 4 patients (57%) remained in remission.

Conclusions: In our experience, DLI showed clinical benefit in the management of mixed chimerism, although it was less useful in the management of relapse. Novel strategies should be considered in high risk patients.