Journal of Hematology & Oncology (Jan 2022)

Plitidepsin as a successful rescue treatment for prolonged viral SARS-CoV-2 replication in a patient with previous anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody-mediated B cell depletion and chronic lymphocytic leukemia

  • P. Guisado-Vasco,
  • M. M. Carralón-González,
  • J. Aguareles-Gorines,
  • E. M. Martí-Ballesteros,
  • M. D. Sánchez-Manzano,
  • D. Carnevali-Ruiz,
  • M. García-Coca,
  • R. Barrena-Puertas,
  • R. García de Viedma,
  • J. M. Luque-Pinilla,
  • G. Sotres-Fernandez,
  • J. M. Fernández-Sousa,
  • X. E. Luepke-Estefan,
  • J. A. López-Martín,
  • J. M. Jimeno

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-021-01220-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 4

Abstract

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Abstract Background There is an urgent need for highly efficacious antiviral therapies in immunosuppressed hosts who develop coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with special concern for those affected by hematological malignancies. Case presentation Here, we report the case of a 75-year-old male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who was deficient in CD19+CD20+ B-lymphocyte populations due to previous treatment with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. The patient presented with severe COVID-19 pneumonia due to prolonged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and was treated with two courses of the antiviral plitidepsin on a compassionate use basis. The patient subsequently achieved an undetectable viral load, and his pneumonia resolved. Conclusions Treatment with plitidepsin was well-tolerated without any further hematological or cardiovascular toxicities. This case further supports plitidepsin as a potential antiviral drug in SARS-CoV-2 patients affected by immune deficiencies and hematological malignancies.

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