Severe SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent fungal infections after CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a challenging and happy ending fight

Claudia Ielo; Francesca Fazio; Serena Rocchi; Ilaria Rizzello; Katia Mancuso; Elena Zamagni; Michele Cavo; Maria Teresa Petrucci

doi:10.1016/j.lrr.2023.100399

Severe SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent fungal infections after CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a challenging and happy ending fight

Leuk Res Rep. 2023 Nov 27:21:100399. doi: 10.1016/j.lrr.2023.100399. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Claudia Ielo¹, Francesca Fazio¹, Serena Rocchi², Ilaria Rizzello², Katia Mancuso², Elena Zamagni², Michele Cavo², Maria Teresa Petrucci¹

Affiliations

¹ Hematology Unit, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
² Seràgnoli Institute of Hematology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, Bologna University School of Medicine, S. Orsola Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have unveiled a promising therapeutic horizon for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Nevertheless, immune impairment induced by cellular therapies, previous treatments and MM itself could promote infectious events. COVID-19 could evolve into a life-threating infection in R/R MM patients who often have suboptimal responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Here, we describe a case of severe and long-lasting COVID-19 pneumonia after CAR T-cell therapy for R/R MM requiring a complex clinical management. Long-term infectious complications in MM patients undergoing CAR T-cells should be taken into consideration as they could counteract the efficacy of this new treatment.

Keywords: Cellular therapies; Infectious complications; Multiple myeloma.

Publication types

Case Reports