Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-related lymphoma with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and its co-administration with chemotherapy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related lymphoma has lead to the exploration of potentially curative combination chemotherapy and myeloablative therapy followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Applying the same principles used for patients with HIV-negative aggressive lymphoma, in 1998 we developed a program of high-dose therapy and ASCT at City of Hope for patients with HIV-related lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease. Our studies have primarily included patients with chemosensitive lymphoma in relapse or first remission with poor-risk features at diagnosis. Filgrastim (G-CSF)-primed peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and apheresis have been successful while patients were receiving HAART and chemotherapy. To date, ASCT has been performed in 19 patients with HIV-related lymphoid malignancies, representing the largest single-institution experience reported to date. Most patients received a chemotherapy-based conditioning regimen consisting of high-dose carmustine, etoposide and cyclophosphamide. Early infections, namely bacteremias and neutropenic fever were similar to those observed in the HIV-negative transplant setting. Opportunistic infections were rare and easily treatable. There were three early deaths, two from relapsed lymphoma and one from multi-organ failure in an older patient. The remaining 16 patients are alive and in remission. In summary, ASCT is well tolerated, can result in long-term remissions, and is potentially curative in selected HIV-related lymphoma patients with chemosensitive relapse and high-risk disease in first remission defined by the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index criteria (i.e., two or three of the following: elevated LDH, advanced stage, and poor performance status). Acquisition of resistance to HAART remains as a potential problem for HIV-positive patients who are cured of their lymphoma.