Feasibility and Efficacy of High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for HIV-Associated Lymphoma: A Single-Institution Experience.

Background: HIV-associated lymphomas (HAL) remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients, especially in the setting of treatment-refractory disease. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is considered a curative option for patients with refractory HAL.

Patients And Methods: We report the efficacy of autologous HCT in 20 patients with HAL [non-Hodgkin lymphoma = 14 (70%), Hodgkin lymphoma = 6 (30%)]. At the time of transplantation, the median peripheral blood CD4 count was 226 cells/μL. HIV virus load was undetectable in 14 (70%) of 20 patients.

Results: The median follow-up of surviving patients was 47 months (range, 20-119 months). The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 11 days. The median progression-free survival and median overall survival have not been reached. At 4 years after transplantation, progression-free survival and overall survival were 65% and 70%, respectively. Six patients died from disease relapse or progression (n = 5) and infection (n = 1). Nonrelapse mortality was 0 and 5% at 100 days and 4 years after transplantation, respectively.

Conclusion: Autologous HCT is an effective therapy for refractory/relapsed HAL with manageable toxicity, similar to non-HIV patients.