Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) reactivation is a significant concern following haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT), as it can lead to complications such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Early detection and intervention are important to preventing these potentially life-threatening conditions.
This study has introduced a scoring system designed to predict the risk of EBV reactivation within the first year following haplo-HSCT. This study identified four key predictors for EBV reactivation:
- Donor age
- Female-to-male transplant
- Graft mononuclear cell (MNC) dose
- CD8 dose
Using these variables, researchers developed a multivariate logistic regression model that culminated in a scoring system to assess the likelihood of EBV reactivation. The system was validated through both derivation and validation cohorts, demonstrating good calibration and discriminative ability.
The model’s clinical efficacy was further confirmed using Kaplan–Meier curves, which indicated significant differences in EBV reactivation rates among different risk groups. The results suggested that the scoring system has the potential to help clinicians identify patients at higher risk of EBV reactivation, allowing for more targeted monitoring and intervention strategies.
Additionally, the study incorporated single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq) data from the bone marrow of healthy donors to examine the role of age in immune responses.
The predictive scoring system developed in this study could serve as a useful tool for clinicians, enabling earlier intervention and potentially reducing the incidence of EBV-related complications in haplo-HSCT recipients. Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing effort to improve patient care and outcomes in stem cell transplantation.
