ABSTRACT
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.
