L-asparaginase-induced complete response in a relapsed patient with Epstein-Barr virus and cytotoxic peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified

Intern Med. 2010;49(22):2505-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.49.4083. Epub 2010 Nov 15.

Abstract

We present a patient with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive cytotoxic peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) who was successfully treated using only L-asparaginase. A 46-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with EBV-positive cytotoxic PTCL-NOS. Although he underwent chemotherapy using multiple agents, he relapsed with hemophagocytic syndrome. L-asparaginase treatment was initiated at 6,000 U/m(2) on days 1, 3, 5, 10, and 12 together with prednisolone at 1 mg/kg. Although he developed grade 2 liver dysfunction and grade 2 coagulopathy, the patient achieved complete response status. Finally, he underwent allogeneic bone marrow stem cell transplantation, and he is currently still alive without disease at 24 months after the start of L-asparaginase therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Asparaginase / therapeutic use*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / complications*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Remission Induction

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Asparaginase