NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA AFTER LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION - RESPONSE TO CHEMOTHERAPY

An increased incidence of lymphaproliferative disorders in immunosuppr essed organ transplant recipients has long been recognised. Lymphoprol iferative disorders occur in 2% of orthotopic liver transplant patient s. Different therapies have been used, but the optimal treatment remai ns unknown. Relatively little information is available on experience w ith cytotoxic chemotherapy. Three children who developed Burkitt-like, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas after liver transplantation are described. Th e disease failed to regress after initial management, which included a reduction in immunosuppression. With cytotoxic chemotherapy all three achieved complete remission, which continued 36+, 35+, and 16+ months after diagnosis. Results suggest that in selected cases chemotherapy can be safe in late-onset lymphomas appearing after solid organ transp lantation. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.