Fatal adenoviral and enteroviral infections and an Epstein-Barr virus positive large B-cell lymphoma after alemtuzumab treatment in a patient with refractory Sézary syndrome

Scand J Infect Dis. 2008;40(4):343-6. doi: 10.1080/00365540701684817.

Abstract

Alemtuzumab is an antibody binding to CD52, an antigen expressed on lymphocytes. This immunotherapy has been tested as potential therapy in haematological malignancies. We report adenoviral and enteroviral infections and an EBV positive B-cell lymphoma after alemtuzumab therapy. These fatal opportunistic complications have been rarely, if ever, reported before.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / virology
  • Aged
  • Alemtuzumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm* / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm* / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm* / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Enterovirus Infections / virology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / virology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / virology*
  • Male
  • Opportunistic Infections / virology*
  • Sezary Syndrome / immunology
  • Sezary Syndrome / therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Neoplasm
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Alemtuzumab