Repeated immunosuppressive rabbit antithymocyte globulin therapy for adult patients with relapsed or refractory aplastic anemia

Objectives: Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporin A is the standard treatment for aplastic anemia (AA). However, the efficacy of repeated IST with rabbit ATG (rATG) as salvage therapy remains unclear in patients with relapsed or refractory AA. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of IST2 with rATG (IST2-rATG) in 19 consecutive patients with relapsed or refractory AA who received first-line IST with rATG in two centers between 2009 and 2020. Results: The overall 6-month response rate of the patients was 58%. The response rates were similar between patients with relapsed and refractory AA. The presence of glycophosphatidylinositol-deficient blood cells was associated with a better response to IST2-rATG. Despite retreatment with the same rATG, serum disease and severe allergic reactions were not observed. Conclusion: IST2-rATG is effective and safe for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory AA after receiving first-line IST with rATG.

Automated summary

A retrospective evaluation of 19 patients with relapsed or refractory aplastic anemia who received first-line rATG treatment in two centers between 2009 and 2020 revealed that IST2-rATG is effective and safe in treating this disease.