Abstract
BackgroundHigh-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation (HDC–ASCT) as a consolidation treatment is a promising approach in eligible patients with newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). This study sought to assess the safety and efficacy of initial methotrexate-based chemotherapy followed by consolidation HDC-ASCT with a thiotepa-based conditioning regimen in patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL. MethodsIn this retrospective analysis, 22 patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL received chemotherapy with rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV). Those who showed a complete or partial response subsequently received consolidation HDC-ASCT with a thiotepa-based conditioning regimen and no radiotherapy. ResultsCharacteristics of the PCNSL patients included a median age of 57 years (range: 49–67 years), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of grade 2 or more in 9.1%, elevated lactate dehydrogenase level in 26.3%, and involvement of multiple lesions in 72.1%. About 82% of patients received six cycles of induction chemotherapy, which was well-tolerated with excellent disease control. The rate of confirmed/or unconfirmed complete response increased from 45.5% in the interim to 81.8% before HDC-ASCT. With a median follow-up of 19.6 months (range: 7.5–56.5 months), the 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival estimates were 84% and 88%, respectively. There were no treatment-related deaths. Grade 3 toxicity was recorded in 90.9% after HDC-ASCT, and the most common grade 3 adverse event was febrile neutropenia without sepsis. ConclusionsThe discussed treatment approach appears feasible in patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL, yielding encouraging results.
Excellent Outcomes in Patients with Primary and Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Using a Rituximab, Busulfan, Melphalan, Thiotepa Conditioning Regimen
