Disseminated Polyomavirus Infection in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Following Salvage Chemo-Immunotherapy

Abstract

Chemo-immunotherapy treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) induces high response rates and improves progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) as compared to chemotherapy alone. The fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) regimen is a standard first line and salvage treatment for CLL. However, FCR is associated with significant immunosupression and an increased risk of opportunistic infections (Ols). Here, we report a case of disseminated polyomavirus infection despite standard anti-infective prophylaxis in a relapsed CLL patient in a sustained clinical complete remission (CR) after FCR therapy.