Regression of a T-Cell Lymphoma after Administration of Antithymocyte Globulin

Abstract

A patient with Sezary syndrome developed a diffuse undifferentiated lymphoma of T [thymus-derived] cell origin. After becoming resistant to multiple chemotherapeutic agents [bleomycin, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate and epipodophyllotoxin VP 16-213], the patient was treated with [horse] antithymocyte globulin. A 75% reduction in adenopathy and complete resolution of skin erythema was observed during an 8 day period. In addition the percent of circulating T cells and the ability of those cells to respond to phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A were reduced after antithymocyte globulin therapy. The patient died of an intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to profound thrombocytopenia. Tumor lysis may be achieved by passive antibody therapy in certain advanced lymphomas.