Haematologica Reports 2005; 1(issue 5): 21-23 [prev][index][next]

Molecular pathology of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders
Daniela Capello, Michaela Cerri, Davide Rossi, Eva Berra, Clara Deambrogi, Silvia Franceschetti
Chiara Vendramin, Lorenzo De Paoli, Valeria Primon, Cecilia Rus, Tamara Destro, Annarita Conconi
Gianluca Gaidano
Hematology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences & IRCAD, Amedeo Avogadro University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a major complication of solid organ transplantation and are due to the chronic administration of iatrogenic immunosuppression.^1,2 Most PTLD are of B cell origin, frequently involve extra-nodal sites, and display a marked clinical aggressiveness. Despite these common features, PTLD display histological and molecular heterogeneity and may present at different times after transplantation.^1-5 Early onset (<1 year after transplantation) PTLD are mainly regarded as Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-driven lymphoproliferations that are frequently, though not always, polyclonal or oligoclonal.^1-5 Conversely, most late onset (> 1 year after transplantation) PTLD are true monoclonal lymphoid malignancies that harbor EBV infection only in a fraction of cases.^1-5 [>Read full article in PDF]