HLH after CAR T-cell therapy
A report defining a new form of HLH after this immune-activating therapy
Characterization of HLH-like manifestations as a CRS variant in patients receiving CD22 CAR T cells. Lichtenstein DA, Schischlik F, Shao L, et al. Blood. 2021;138(24):2469-2484. doi:10.1182/blood.2021011898
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell toxicities resembling hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) were seen among 59 patients infused with CD22 CAR T-cells. The authors named this combination of features carHLH and comprehensively described the manifestations and timing of their appearance as a CRS variant. This work prompts consideration of an alternative framework for identifying and managing carHLH to optimize outcomes following CAR T-cell infusion.