Short-course total lymphoid irradiation for refractory cardiac transplantation rejection.
BACKGROUND
Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) has been used as an effective therapy for refractory allograft cardiac transplantation rejection. In this study we assessed our short-course TLI regimen for treatment of this condition.


METHODS
A short course of TLI (4.5 Gy in 4 fractions) was given to 6 patients with recalcitrant allograft cardiac transplant rejection at the Royal Perth Hospital.


RESULTS
Treatment compliance was excellent with most patients having no acute toxicity. With a median follow-up of 25 months, 83% of patients remain alive and disease-free.


CONCLUSIONS
To date, no convincing evidence of radiation-related late effects have been documented with TLI. Nonetheless, larger scale trials are required for validation before this approach can be widely incorporated into the current transplantation (Tx) rejection regimen.
Lim
Tee Sin
TS
Department of Perth Radiation Oncology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia. teesinlim@gmail.com
O'Driscoll
Gerry
G
Freund
Jerry
J
Peterson
Vicki
V
Hayes
Helen
H
Heywood
Jonelle
J
D000328:Adult; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015994:Incidence; D015182:Lymphatic Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016019:Survival Analysis
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents