Autologous CD34⁺ cells transplantation after FAMP treatment in a patient with CLL and persisting AIHA: complete remission of lymphoma with control of autoimmune complications

Abstract

A 48-year-old male with CLL and concomitant AIHA unresponsive to chlorambucil was treated with fludarabine. The remission of CLL and improvement of the AIHA was achieved, but the patient remained steroid dependent. Therefore, high-dose chemotherapy followed by CD34-selected autologous peripheral blood stem cells transplantation was performed and this led to long-term clinical, immunophenotypic and molecular remission with disappearance of AIHA. Twenty-three months later, the CLL recurred with signs of AIHA. In this patient with AIHA, HDC and selected CD34⁺ cells completely, though temporarily, controlled both CLL and associated immune complications. This case illustrates the potential application of this approach in the management of CLL patients with immune complications.