This study examined outcomes of 50 consecutive patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) transplanted after reduced-intensity conditioning followed by pre-emptive donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) with the intention of reducing the risk of GVHD. At a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 4-year overall and progression-free survival was 75% and 65%, respectively. DLI was associated with a 29% cumulative incidence of severe GVHD and mortality of 6.4%.The authors conclude that “directed delivery of allogeneic cellular therapy has the potential to induce durable remissions in high-risk CLL without incurring excessive GVHD.”
Richardson SE, et al. Br J Haematol