Secondary donor-derived humanized CD19-modified CAR-T cells induce remission in relapsed/refractory mixed phenotype acute leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a case report

BACKGROUND: Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a rare leukemia and is regarded as a high-risk entity with a poor prognosis. Induction therapy of an acute lymphoblastic leukemia type or hybrid regimen and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been recommended for MPAL. However, the optimal therapies for relapsed or refractory MPAL remain unclear, especially for relapse after stem cell transplantation. Donor-derived chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy may be a promising therapeutic option for patients with MPAL who express target antigens and have relapsed after stem cell transplantation. However, recurrence remains a challenge, and reinfusion of CAR-T cells is not always effective. An infusion of secondary donor-derived humanized CD19-modified CAR-T cells may be effective in inducing remission. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of MPAL with CD19 expression. The patient was treated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia-like induction and consolidation therapies but remained positive for SET-NUP214 fusion gene transcript. He subsequently underwent a haploidentical stem cell transplantation but relapsed within 6 months. He then underwent donor-derived CD19-targeted CAR-T cell therapy and achieved a sustained, complete molecular remission. Unfortunately, he developed a CD19-positive relapse after 2 years. Donor-derived humanized CD19-directed CAR-T cells induced a second complete molecular remission without severe cytokine release syndrome or acute graft-versus-host disease. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrated the efficacy and safety of humanized donor-derived CD19-modified CAR-T cell infusion for treating the recurrence of MPAL previously exposed to murine-derived CD19-directed CAR-T cells.