PTLD is classified as a lymphoma, a group of related cancers that affect the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system functions as part of the immune system and helps to protect the body against infection and disease.
How do you manage PTLD?
Proposed treatment algorithm for PTLD after SOT or HSCT.
| Treatment . | Target . |
|---|---|
| Adoptive immunotherapy (EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells) | T-cell function EBV |
| Surgery and radiotherapy | B-cell mass |
| Chemotherapy | B-cell mass |
| Rituximab | B-cell mass |
Why do transplant patients have to take anti-rejection medications?
This is why it is vital for transplant patients to take anti-rejection medications or immunosuppressant drugs immediately following transplant surgery and for the rest of their lives. While necessary to keep transplant patients alive, anti-rejection medications do come with a few potential side effects.
What are the treatment options for PTLDS?
Your transplant doctor will do this carefully and watch your transplant closely to try to prevent rejection. Depending on the type of PTLD, you may need other treatments. A common treatment is antibody therapy with the medication rituximab. Many patients will also need chemotherapy. Some patients may need radiation therapy or surgery.
What is PTLD and how can it affect me?
PTLD is a complication of anti-rejection medicine; many cases are associated with infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (a member of the herpes virus family). You may already have this virus, or it may come from the transplanted kidney. This is one of the most serious complications of having a transplant. There are four (4) main types of PTLD:
How serious is lymph node cancer (PTLD)?
The seriousness varies from an overgrowth of the lymphocytes that is not harmful, to full-blown lymph node cancer (called lymphoma). PTLD is a complication of anti-rejection medicine; many cases are associated with infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (a member of the herpes virus family).
