EBV Reactivation and Disease in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients and Its Impact on HSCT Outcomes

Abstract

The acquisition or reactivation of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) after allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) can be associated with complications including the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A number of risk factors for PTLD have been defined, including T-cell depletion, and approaches to monitoring EBV, especially in high-risk patients, with the use of preemptive therapy upon viral activation have been described. Newer therapies for the preemption or treatment of PTLD, such as EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells, hold promise. Further studies to help define risks, diagnosis, and treatment of EBV-related complications are needed in this at-risk population.

Keywords

• Epstein–Barr virus
• allogeneic transplant
• post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
• EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells