Chemotherapy resistant Burkitt lymphoma: Possible novel therapies including CAR-T cell infusion

Key clinical message: The prognosis of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) BL is poor with limited response to salvage therapy, especially for patients with early relapse (<6 months) or refractory disease. Novel therapies may be promising but need refinement.

Abstract: The prognosis of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) BL is poor with a limited response to salvage therapy, especially for patients with early relapse (<6 months) or refractory disease. We present three cases of patients with R/R BL receiving novel therapies followed by a literature review. Amongst others, the patients received inotuzumab ozogamicin, idelalisib, ibrutinib, and CAR-T cell therapy, however, with limited response. In literature, response to several novel agents is described; however, most promising results are seen with CAR-T cell therapy. Concluding from case series, sequential CAR-T cell therapy, targeting multiple B-cell antigens, seems most promising.