¹Department of Internal Medicine, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

Correspondence: Dr RH Collins Jr, Department of Internal Medicine, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. E-mail: robert.collins@utsouthwestern.edu

Received 24 November 2004; Accepted 12 January 2005; Published online 16 May 2005.

Abstract

Numerous lines of preclinical and clinical evidence support the existence of a graft-versus-leukemia effect, but less evidence supporting a comparable graft-versus-lymphoma effect exists. We review here current clinical data addressing the graft-versus-lymphoma effect, including comparisons of autologous, syngeneic, and allogeneic transplantation; responses to immunomodulation; and responses to nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation. Despite several limitations of the data, we believe that there is sufficient evidence suggesting a significant graft-versus-lymphoma effect. In addition, we discuss approaches for clinical management of lymphoma patients, opportunities for mechanistic studies afforded by donor leukocyte infusions and nonmyeloablative transplantation, and suggestions for clinical studies to further define the magnitude and applicability of the graft-versus-lymphoma effect.