Overview
Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV-LPD) is a serious condition in which the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) — the same virus that causes mononucleosis or 'mono' — triggers an uncontrolled growth of certain white blood cells called lymphocytes. Normally, the immune system keeps EBV in check after the initial infection. However, in some people — particularly those with weakened immune systems due to organ transplantation, HIV/AIDS, inherited immune deficiencies, or certain immunosuppressive medications — the virus can drive lymphocytes to multiply out of control, leading to a condition that behaves like lymphoma (a type of blood cancer). Symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fevers, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and enlargement of the liver or spleen. In some cases, the disease can affect organs such as the lungs, brain, or gastrointestinal tract. The severity ranges widely, from mild forms that may improve when immunosuppressive medications are reduced, to aggressive forms that require chemotherapy or other cancer-directed treatments. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. For transplant patients, reducing immunosuppression is often the first step. Other treatments include rituximab (a targeted antibody therapy), chemotherapy, antiviral medications, and in some cases, donor lymphocyte infusions or adoptive T-cell therapy. Early recognition and treatment are critical for improving outcomes.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Swollen lymph nodes that may be painlessUnexplained feversDrenching night sweatsUnintentional weight lossSevere fatigue and weaknessEnlarged liverEnlarged spleenSkin rashes or lesionsDifficulty breathing or coughAbdominal pain or discomfortRecurrent or persistent infectionsSore throat that does not go awayLow blood counts (anemia, low platelets)Neurological symptoms such as confusion or headaches
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
FDA & Trial Timeline
6 eventsFudan University — PHASE2
Zhimin Zhai — PHASE1, PHASE2
The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University — PHASE1, PHASE2
Daihong Liu — PHASE1, PHASE2
Ruijin Hospital
Baylor College of Medicine — PHASE1
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder.
2 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Unrelated Cord Blood Transplantation for EBV-associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder
New recruiting trial: EBV-AST Cell Injection for EBV-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder
New recruiting trial: GP350 CAR-T for Relapse/Refractory and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Associated Lymphoid Neoplasms
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder
New recruiting trial: EBV Specific T-Lymphocytes for Treatment of EBV-Positive Lymphoma
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the likely cause of my EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder — is it related to transplant medications, an inherited immune problem, or something else?,What stage or severity is my disease, and what does that mean for my treatment plan?,Should I or my family members be tested for genetic immune deficiency conditions?,What are the treatment options available to me, and what are the risks and benefits of each?,Am I a candidate for rituximab, adoptive T-cell therapy, or a bone marrow transplant?,How often will I need monitoring, and what tests will be done at each visit?,Are there any clinical trials I should consider?
Common questions about Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder
What is Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder?
Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV-LPD) is a serious condition in which the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) — the same virus that causes mononucleosis or 'mono' — triggers an uncontrolled growth of certain white blood cells called lymphocytes. Normally, the immune system keeps EBV in check after the initial infection. However, in some people — particularly those with weakened immune systems due to organ transplantation, HIV/AIDS, inherited immune deficiencies, or certain immunosuppressive medications — the virus can drive lymphocytes to multiply out of control,
Are there clinical trials for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder?
Yes — 2 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder?
25 specialists and care centers treating Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant lymphoproliferative disorder are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.