Rapid response in relapsed follicular lymphoma to novel anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy with pseudo-progression and cytomegalovirus infection: A case report

Int Immunopharmacol. 2024 Jun 15:134:112174. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112174. Epub 2024 May 3.

Abstract

CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been shown to achieve a considerably durable response in patients with refractory or relapsed B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Most of these CARs were generated by lentivirus. With the exception of Yescarta and Tecartus, few patients with relapsed-/refractory- lymphoma have been treated clinically with a CARs using retroviral vector (RV). Here, we reported a relapsed/refractory grade 2 follicular lymphoma patient with multiple chemotherapy failures, and was treated with a novel CD19 CAR-T cell manufactured from a RV. After tumor burden was reduced with Obinutuzumab and Duvelisib, the patient was infused novel CD19 CAR-T cells at a dose of 3 × 106 cells/ kg. Then he experienced a rapid response and achieved almost complete remission by day 26. Only grade 2 CRS, bilateral submaxillary lymph node enlargement and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurred without neurotoxicity, and the patient's condition improved after a series of symptomatic treatments. In addition, CAR copy number peaked at 532,350 copies/μg on day 15 and continued to expand for 5 months. This may be the first case report of RV preparation of novel CD19 CAR-T cells for direct treatment of recurrent follicular lymphoma. We will observe its long-term efficacy and conduct trials in more patients in the future.

Keywords: CAR-T cell therapy; CMV; Follicular lymphoma; Pseudo-progression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD19* / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive* / methods
  • Lymphoma, Follicular* / immunology
  • Lymphoma, Follicular* / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / immunology
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / immunology
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antigens, CD19
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen