Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PDLD)

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) are diseases that happen when white blood cells multiply out of control. PTLD is considered lymphoma, or blood cancers, that usually affect people with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

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The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus that can spread easily. It can cause an illness called mono (mononucleosis) that is common in teenagers and young adults.

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If someone gets EBV, the virus stays in their body for the rest of their life, but their immune system keeps it inactive. For transplant recipients, immunosuppressants may lower their immune system’s ability to keep EBV inactive. If EBV becomes active again, it may cause certain types of blood cancers.

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However, some cases of PTLD are not related to EBV. It is not clear what causes these cases.