scholarly journals Therapy of primary CNS lymphoma: role of intensity, radiation, and novel agents

Hematology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 565-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés José María Ferreri
Keyword(s):  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
High Dose Chemotherapy ◽  
Tumor Burden ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Whole Brain Irradiation ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Brain Irradiation ◽  
Cns Lymphomas

Abstract Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas represent a subgroup of malignancies with specific characteristics, an aggressive course, and unsatisfactory outcome in contrast with other lymphomas comparable for tumor burden and histological type. Despite the high sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, remissions are frequently short lasting. Treatment efficacy is limited by several factors, including the biology and microenvironment of this malignancy and the “protective” effect of the blood-brain barrier, which limits the access of most drugs to the CNS. Patients who survive are at high risk of developing treatment-related toxicity, mainly disabling neurotoxicity, raising the question of how to balance therapy intensification with the control of side effects. Recent therapeutic progress and effective international cooperation have resulted in a significantly improved outcome over the past 2 decades, with a higher proportion of patients receiving treatment with curative intent. Actual front-line therapy consists of high-dose methotrexate-based polychemotherapy. Evidence supporting the addition of an alkylating agent and rituximab is growing, and a recent randomized trial demonstrated that the combination of methotrexate, cytarabine, thiotepa, and rituximab (MATRix regimen) is associated with a significantly better overall survival. Whole-brain irradiation and high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation are 2 effective consolidation strategies in patients with a disease responsive to induction chemotherapy. Different strategies such as alkylating maintenance, conservative radiotherapy, and nonmyeloablative consolidation are being addressed in large randomized trials and a more accurate knowledge of the molecular and biological characteristics of this malignancy are leading to the development of target therapies in refractory/relapsing patients, with the overall aim to incorporate new active agents as part of first-line treatment. The pros and cons of these approaches together with the best candidates for each therapy are outlined in this article.

scholarly journals Primary CNS Lymphoma in the Elderly: The Challenge

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 138-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tali Siegal ◽  
Osnat Bairey
Keyword(s):  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
High Dose Chemotherapy ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Whole Brain Irradiation ◽  
Brain Irradiation ◽  
Individualized Approach ◽  
Bone Marrow Function ◽  
Definition Of

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is an aggressive brain tumor sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Its incidence has increased in the elderly, and they account for the majority of patients. The median survival of patients older than 70 years did not change over the last 40 years and remained in the range of 6–7 months. The definition of elderly is nonuniform, and chronological age is not the best marker of treatment tolerability or a predictor of treatment-related toxicity. Some patients who are fit can tolerate induction, consolidation, and even high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation, whereas others who have multiple comorbidities with reduced renal and bone marrow function can tolerate only intermediate doses of methotrexate. The latter may benefit from maintenance treatment. The “elderly” are also susceptible to the accelerated and detrimental cognitive side effects of whole-brain irradiation which is an alternative consolidation to high-dose chemotherapy. The optimal treatment remains an unresolved matter. A comprehensive comorbidity and geriatric assessment is imperative for appraisal of treatment-induced risks for CNS and systemic toxicity. An individualized approach is required aiming to prolong survival while minimizing toxicity. Future studies should assess the potential of new agents for improving outcome and maintaining quality of life.

Treatment of primary CNS lymphoma with induction high-dose methotrexate, temozolomide, rituximab followed by consolidation cytarabine/etoposide: A pilot study with biomarker analysis

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7595-7595 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Issa ◽  
J. Hwang ◽  
J. Karch ◽  
J. Fridlyand ◽  
M. Prados ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Induction Therapy ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
High Dose Methotrexate ◽  
Whole Brain Irradiation ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Brain Irradiation ◽  
Dose Methotrexate ◽  
Biomarker Analysis

7595 Background: There is currently no consensus on the optimal treatment for patients diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). Between 2001–2004, UCSF PCNSL patients were treated with combination high-dose methotrexate, temozolomide, rituximab (MTR) as induction therapy. Patients in CR with this regimen were treated with high-dose cytarabine plus etoposide as consolidation. The purposes of this study were: (1) Pilot analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of intensive methotrexate-based induction therapy followed by high-dose consolidation with elimination of whole brain irradiation; (2) Analysis of molecular markers in PCNSL which predict sensitivity to chemotherapy and outcome. Methods: 21 untreated, CD20 +, immunocompetent PCNSL patients were treated with combination methotrexate (8 gm/m²), temozolomide (150 mg/m²/day)and rituximab (375 mg/m²). Patients in CR received consolidation cytarabine (2 g/ m² x 8 doses) plus etoposide (40 mg/kg over 96 hours). IHC analysis of potential biomarkers predictive of outcome was performed on paraffin sections from these patients. Candidate markers for validation were selected by gene expression analysis of an independent, multicenter dataset of 20 cases. Results: Mean age was 58.6 y (range 40–81). Median KPS was 60. MTR and cytarabine/etoposide consolidation was well-tolerated with no treatment-related mortality or evidence for neurotoxicity. One case of post-remission cytopenia occurred after consolidation and resolved spontaneously. Eleven patients (52.4%) attained CR with induction; eight received consolidation; three patients in CR deferred consolidation. Median PFS was 11.5 months. Median OS for all 21 patients has not yet been reached with median follow-up of 27.5 months. Expression of the apoptotic regulator DAP-1 by lymphoma cells as determined by IHC was associated with improved PFS (p<0.028) and OS (p<0.021). Conclusions: Combination MTR followed by intensive consolidation appears to be well tolerated in PCNSL. PFS appears at least similar to regimens that contain whole brain irradiation. A larger phase II study has been initiated to evaluate this regimen in a multicenter setting. [Table: see text]

Treatment of Primary CNS Lymphoma with Induction High-Dose Methotrexate, Temozolomide, Rituximab Followed by Consolidation Cytarabine/Etoposide: A Pilot Study with Biomarker Analysis.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 1364-1364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samar Issa ◽  
Arthur Shen ◽  
Jon Karch ◽  
Cigall Kadoch ◽  
Marc Shuman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Whole Brain Irradiation ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Brain Irradiation ◽  
Biomarker Analysis

Abstract Background: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for patients diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). The goals of this study were: to determine the safety and efficacy of a methotrexate (MTX)-based induction therapy followed by high-dose consolidation chemotherapy and the elimination or deferral of whole brain irradiation, to identify molecular markers in PCNSL which predict sensitivity to chemotherapy and outcome. Methods: 23 newly diagnosed, CD20-positive, immunocompetent PCNSL patients were treated with combination high-dose intravenous MTX (8 gm/m2), temozolomide (150 mg/m2/day) and intravenous rituximab (375 mg/m2) (MTR). Patients in complete remission (CR) after eight courses of MTX were offered consolidation with high-dose cytarabine (2 g/m2 x 8 doses) and etoposide (40 mg/kg over 96 hours) (AE). Candidate markers of outcome in PCNSL were identified by gene expression profile analysis of an independent, multicenter dataset of PCNSL tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis of one of these markers, death-associated protein-1 (DAP-1), was performed on paraffin sections of tumors from 18 of the patients treated with the MTR regimen. Results: MTR induction followed by AE consolidation was well tolerated with no treatment-related mortality or evidence for neurotoxicity. Thirteen patients (56.5%) attained CR with induction; 8 received consolidation; 5 in CR refused AE. Median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached with a median follow-up of 33 months. Karnovsky performance status (KPS) correlated with improved survival (p<0.0281). Expression by lymphoma cells of DAP-1, a regulator of apoptosis, was associated with improved progression-free survival (p<0.03) and overall survival (p<0.038). Conclusions: Combination MTR followed by AE is well tolerated in PCNSL. PFS appears at least similar to regimens that contain whole brain irradiation. A multi-center study has been initiated to further evaluate this regimen. DAP-1 may be a tumor suppressor whose expression in PCNSL predicts a favorable response to MTX-based therapy.

Randomized phase II trial on primary chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) alone or associated with high-dose cytarabine (HD-araC) for patients with primary CNS lymphoma (I.E.L.S.G. #20 Trial): Tolerability, activity, and survival analyses

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8545-8545
Author(s):  
A. J. Ferreri ◽  
M. Reni ◽  
M. Martelli ◽  
G. Pangalis ◽  
M. Frezzato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Ii ◽  
Phase Ii Trial ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Whole Brain Irradiation ◽  
Brain Irradiation ◽  
Randomized Phase Ii ◽  
Ecog Ps

8545 Background: HD-MTX-based chemotherapy (cht) is the conventional approach to primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), but superiority of polycht over HD-MTX alone is unproven. A benefit of adding HD-araC to MTX has been suggested. This is a randomized phase II trial comparing HD-MTX monocht versus HD-MTX plus HD-araC as primary cht in immunocompetent patients (pts) with PCNSL. Methods: 79 HIV- pts with newly diagnosed PCNSL, age 18–75 ys, ECOG-PS≤3, and measurable disease were randomly assigned to receive 4 courses (interval 3 weeks) of MTX 3.5 g/mq (control arm; n=40) or MTX (same dose) + araC 2 g/mq × 2/d, d 2–3 (experimental arm; n=39). Cht was followed by whole-brain irradiation. Pts were stratified based on IELSG score and centre irradiation policy for pts >60 ys in complete remission (CR) after cht. CR rate (CRR) after cht was the primary endpoint; planned accrual (α=.05 β=.2) for P0 30% and P1 50% was 39 pts/arm. Results: Median age of the 79 entered pts was 58 ys (range 25–74). No differences in clinical presentation between arms were observed. Two hundred thirty-one (73%) of the 316 planned courses were actually delivered (MTX 71%; MTX+araC 76%). Causes of cht interruption were: progressive disease in 20 MTX and 8 MTX+araC pts, toxicity in 1 MTX and 7 MTX+araC pts and refusal in 2 MTX+araC pts. As expected, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and infections were more common in MTX+araC arm. All G3–4 non-hematological toxicities were <5%. One MTX pt and 3 MTX+araC pts died of toxicity. CRR was 18% after MTX and 46% after MTX+araC (p=0.006), with an ORR of 40% and 69% (p=0.009), respectively. At a median follow-up of 30 m., 31 MTX and 22 MTX+araC pts experienced failure, with a 3-yr FFS of 21±6% and 38±8% (p=0.01), respectively. No differences in relapse sites or salvage efficacy between treatment arms were observed. Twelve MTX and 20 MTX+araC pts are alive, with a 3-yr OS of 32±8% and 46±9% (p=0.07). Conclusions: This is the first randomized trial on PCNSL with completed accrual. The addition of HD-araC to HD-MTX resulted in significantly better outcome and acceptable toxicity. MTX+araC may be the cht combination used as control arm in future randomized trials. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals SS-4 High dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for CNS lymphoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. ii2-ii2
Author(s):  
Eisei Kondo
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem Cell ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose Chemotherapy ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem

Abstract High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT) is listed as a consolidation therapy option for primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in the guidelines of western countries. The advantages of HDT-ASCT for primary CNS lymphoma as consolidation are believed to be high rates of long-term remission and lower neurotoxicity, even though its eligibility is limited to younger fit patients. In the Japanese guideline, HDT-ASCT for primary CNS lymphoma is however not recommended in daily practice, mainly because thiotepa was unavailable since 2011. The Japanese registry data for hematopoietic transplantation have shown that primary CNS lymphoma patients were treated with various HDT regimens and thiotepa-containing HDT was associated with better progression free survival (P=.019), lower relapse (P=.042) and a trend toward a survival benefit (Kondo E et al, Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019). A pharmacokinetic study of thiotepa(DSP-1958) in HDT-ASCT for lymphoma was conducted in 2017, and thiotepa was approved for HDT-ASCT in lymphoma this March, meaning that optimal HDT regimen for CNS lymphoma is now available in Japan. The treatment strategy of CNS lymphoma needs further development to improve survival and reduce toxicity.

High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation for Primary CNS Lymphoma: Updated Results from a Pilot and Phase II Study

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3594-3594
Author(s):  
Gerald Illerhaus ◽  
Fabian Müller ◽  
Friedrich Feuerhake ◽  
J.ürgen Finke
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Phase Ii Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose Chemotherapy ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose

Abstract Introduction: High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) demonstrated high efficacy in the treatment of newly-diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) in younger patients (pts.). A 5-year overall survival probability (OS) of 69% could be demonstrated in 30 pts within a phase-II trial on HDT and ASCT with consolidating whole-brain-irradiation (WBRT) (Illerhaus et al. JCO 2006). A subsequent pilot trial on HDT and ASCT without WBRT showed a 5-year OS of 77% (Illerhaus et al. Haematologica 2008). Here we give an update of our two different treatment regimens and future perspectives. Patients and Methods: Thirty pts. ≤65 years were treated within the phase II trial, chemotherapy (CHT) consisted of 3 cycles of high-dose methotrexate (MTX, 8 g/m2), 1 cycle of AraC (2× 3 g/m2) plus thiotepa (TT, 40 mg/m2) followed by rG-CSF and stem-cell-mobilization. Conditioning regimen included BCNU (400 mg/m2) and TT (2×5 mg/kgBW) followed by ASCT. Hyperfractionated WBRT (45 Gy, 2×1Gy/d) was administered as consolidation. In our subsequent pilot trial 13 pts. (age 38–67 years) were treated without consolidating WBRT; CHT was intensified with 4 cycles MTX 8g/m2, 2 cycles AraC (2× 3 g/m2) and TT (40 mg/m2). Dose escalated HDT included BCNU (400 mg/m2) and TT (4×5 mg/kgBW) followed by ASCT. WBRT was reserved for pts. not responding to CHT. Results: Median follow-up of the 30 pts. treated within our phase II trial was extended to 95 months (mo), the updated 5-year OS of all pts. is 66.6% and 82,3% of the subgroup of pts. who underwent HDT and ASCT (n=23), respectively. Three additional deaths occurred due to relapse (n=2) after 45 and 71 mo and due to comorbidity (n=1) after 103 mo. Five of 30 pts. developed severe leukoencephalopathy during follow-up. With a median follow-up of 35 mo in the 13 pts. treated within the pilot-phase without consolidating WBRT 3-year OS of all pts. is 77%. No further relapse or non-relapse mortality occurred in this pilot-group during. Most recent follow-up data will be presented in detail. Conclusion: Sequential systemic application of high-dose cytostatic agents followed by HDT+ASCT is highly effective as initial therapy for pts. with PCNSL. The restriction of WBRT to refractory disease shows similar OS rates and a decrease in neurotoxicity. In an ongoing multicenter phase-II trial immunotherapy with rituximab is combined with HDT and ASCT to further increase remission rates. A future randomized trial should be focused on the efficacy of consolidation with HDT supported by ASCT.

High-Dose Chemotherapy With Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation and Hyperfractionated Radiotherapy As First-Line Treatment of Primary CNS Lymphoma

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (24) ◽  
pp. 3865-3870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald Illerhaus ◽  
Reinhard Marks ◽  
Gabriele Ihorst ◽  
Roland Guttenberger ◽  
Christoph Ostertag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose Chemotherapy ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose

Purpose To improve survival and reduce toxicity in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) treatment, we conducted a multicenter phase II study with early high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) followed by hyperfractionated whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for newly diagnosed PCNSL patients younger than 65 years of age. Patients and Methods Chemotherapy included three steps: three cycles of methotrexate (8 g/m2); cytarabine (AraC; two doses of 3 g/m2) and thiotepa (40 mg/m2) followed by stem-cell harvest; HDT with carmustine (400 mg/m2) and thiotepa (two doses of 5 mg/kg body weight) followed by ASCT. WBRT (45 Gy, two doses of 1 Gy/d) was administered for consolidation. Results Thirty patients with PCNSL younger than 65 years of age (median, 54 years; range, 27 years to 64 years) were enrolled (nine pilot-phase; 21 phase II). Twenty-eight patients responded to methotrexate: six patients with complete remission (CR), 15 patients with partial remission (PR), and seven patients with stable disease (SD) with clinical improvement. Of 26 patients proceeding to AraC and thiotepa, 10 patients achieved CR, 14 patients achieved PR, one patient experienced SD with clinical improvement, and one patient suffered disease progression. Twenty-three patients received HDT plus ASCT, resulting in 15 patients with CRs and eight patients with PRs. After WBRT, 21 of 21 patients had CRs. One patient died from liver failure after methotrexate. HDT was well tolerated apart from WHO grade 3/4 cytopenia. With a median follow-up of 63 months (range, 4 months to 84 months), 5-year overall survival probability is 69% for all patients and 87% for the 23 patients receiving HDT plus ASCT. The 5-year probability of relapse-related death is 21% for all patients (n = 30) and 8.7% for patients treated with HDT plus ASCT (n = 23). Conclusion Sequential systemic methotrexate and AraC and thiotepa followed by HDT plus ASCT and hyperfractionated WBRT is very effective with little toxicity as initial therapy for PCNSL.

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