Transfer of EBV-specific CTL to prevent EBV lymphoma post bone marrow transplant

EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (EBV-LPD) are a significant problem after hemopoietic stem cell transplantation from unrelated donors or mismatched family members. Risk factors include T-cell depletion, MHC mismatch, and intensity of immunosuppression. New therapeutic strategies involve cellular immunotherapy approaches and both donor T-cells and EBV- specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have proven to be effective therapies. EBV-specific CTL has also proved to have a major impact on the incidence of this complication when used prophylactically.