Clinical outcomes of Epstein-Barr virus infection/reactivation following CAR-T cell therapy: A systematic review.
Pramod Singh, Ali Shan Hafeez, Asad Zaman et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the occurrence and outcomes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection or reactivation in adults undergoing CAR-T therapy. Among 80 patients across five studies, 11 events were identified, indicating a 13.8% occurrence rate. The median time from CAR-T infusion to EBV detection was 9.8 months, with significant morbidity and mortality associated with EBV-related diseases.
Key findings
- 11 EBV infection/reactivation events were identified among 80 CAR-T recipients, representing 13.8%.
- 4 patients (36.4%) developed EBV-associated disease, including lymphoproliferative disorders.
- Confirmed EBV-related mortality occurred in 2 of 11 patients with EBV infection/reactivation.
Why it matters
Understanding the potential complications of EBV infection or reactivation following CAR-T therapy is crucial for clinicians, as it may lead to significant morbidity and mortality, impacting patient management and outcomes.
What to keep in mind
The evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous study designs, and inconsistent EBV surveillance practices.