Intensive Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy, without Brain Irradiation, In Newly Diagnosed Patients with Primary CNS Lymphoma: Results of CALGB 50202

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 763-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Rubenstein ◽  
Jeffrey L. Johnson ◽  
Sin-Ho Jung ◽  
Bruce D. Cheson ◽  
Lawrence D. Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Induction Chemotherapy ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Intensive Chemotherapy ◽  
Confidence Limits ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Whole Brain Irradiation ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Brain Irradiation ◽  
Ecog Ps

Abstract Abstract 763 Background. Whole brain irradiation is widely considered to be standard consolidative therapy in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). However, concerns about the irreversible effects of brain irradiation on neurocognitive function, particularly in patients age > 60, have prompted interest in strategies to intensify induction and consolidative chemotherapy with the aim to eliminate or at least defer brain irradiation until relapse or progression. We present the results of the first Phase II multicenter trial, conducted by a major cooperative group within the United States, to evaluate an intensive chemotherapy-alone strategy in newly-diagnosed patients with PCNSL. Methods. Induction chemotherapy consisted of methotrexate (MTX), temozolomide, rituximab (MT-R) with intravenous HD-MTX (8 gm/m2) administered every two weeks × 8 and rituximab adminstered weekly × 6. Temozolomide (150-200 mg/m2) was administered starting on day +7 and continued every 28 days × 5. Patients who achieved a CR received intensive consolidation cytarabine 2 gm/m2 BID on days 1–4 with infusional etoposide 40 mg/kg over 96 h (EA). Results. 46 newly-diagnosed, immunocompetent patients with PCNSL were treated at 12 centers between 2005 and 2009. 96% of tumors were large B-cell lymphoma. Patient characteristics were as follows: median age was 60 (range 12–76), 47.8% were male, median ECOG PS was 1, 45.4% had involvement of deep brain structures, 47.7% had elevated CSF total protein, and 29.6% had increased serum LDH. 63% of patients exhibited CR to induction MT-R and went onto intensive consolidation (EA). With a median overall follow-up of 3.3 years, 21 out of 46 patients have exhibited disease progression and 15 patients have died. There was one treatment-related mortality (sepsis) during consolidation chemotherapy. There has been no evidence for significant early or delayed, treatment-related neurotoxicity. Median progression-free survival (PFS) is 2.3 years and estimated PFS with 95% confidence limits at 1, 2 and 3 years are 0.64 (0.48,0.76), 0.55 (0.39,0.69), and 0.50 (0.33,0.64). The estimated overall survival (OS) with 95% confidence limits at 1, 2 and 3 years are 0.73 (0.58, 0.84), 0.71 (0.55,0.81) and 0.67 (0.51,0.79). Notably, while the subgroup of patients with ECOG PS = 2 had inferior event-free survival (EFS) (p<0.018), the EFS was similar in patients older and younger than 60 (p<0.56). Conclusions. CALGB 50202 demonstrates that induction chemotherapy with MT-R followed by EA consolidation is feasible in the multicenter setting and yields rates of PFS and OS in newly diagnosed PCNSL patients which are at least comparable to combined modality treatment that involves reduced or standard doses of whole brain irradiation. The MT-R-EA regimen is well-tolerated in patients age >60 and has similar efficacy in this population as in younger patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

BCL6 Expression and Treatment Delay Correlate with Adverse Outcome in Newly Diagnosed Primary CNS Lymphoma: Final Report of CALGB 50202 (Alliance)

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 301-301
Author(s):  
James L. Rubenstein ◽  
Eric D. Hsi ◽  
Jeffrey L. Johnson ◽  
Sin-Ho Jung ◽  
Barbara Grant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Treatment Delay ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Event Free Survival ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Brain Irradiation ◽  
Bcl6 Expression ◽  
Ecog Ps

Abstract Abstract 301 Background: While whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has long been considered the standard consolidative therapy in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), concerns regarding irreversible neurocognitive effects of brain irradiation have prompted development of dose-intensive induction and consolidative chemotherapeutic approaches, with the aim to eliminate brain irradiation. We present the updated results of the first Phase II multicenter trial, conducted by a major cooperative group within the United States, to evaluate an intensive chemotherapy-alone strategy in newly diagnosed patients with PCNSL. Methods: Induction chemotherapy consisted of methotrexate (MTX), temozolomide, rituximab (MT-R) with HD-MTX (8 gm/m2) administered every 2 weeks × 8, weekly rituximab × 6 and temozolomide (150 mg/m2) starting day +7 and continued monthly × 5. Patients who achieved a CR received intensive consolidation cytarabine 2 gm/m2 BID on days 1–4 with etoposide 40 mg/kg over 96 h (EA). Assessment of BCL6 and MYC expression by lymphoma cells was performed by immunohistochemical analysis of diagnostic specimens and scored (10% increments) by a pathologist who was blinded to clinical outcome. Results: 44 newly diagnosed, immunocompetent patients with PCNSL were treated at 12 CALGB centers between 2005 and 2009. Patient characteristics were as follows: median age was 61 yr (range 12–76), median ECOG PS was 1, 58% were IELSG risk group 2–3. 98% of tumors were large B-cell lymphoma. 66% of patients exhibited CR to induction MT-R. With median overall follow-up of 5.3 years, 21 out of 46 patients exhibited disease progression and 17 have died. There was one treatment-related death (sepsis) during consolidation. There has been no evidence for significant treatment-related neurotoxicity. The median progression-free survival (PFS) is 4.0 years and estimated PFS rates with 95% confidence limits at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years are 0.66 (0.50, 0.76), 0.59 (0.43, 0.72), 0.52 (0.36, 0.64) and 0.47 (0.32, 0.61). The probability of 2-year PFS for patients who completed the entire regimen is 0.69 (0.47, 0.94). The estimated overall survival (OS) rate with 95% confidence limits at 4 years is 0.65 (0.49,0.77). Remarkably, event-free survival (EFS) was similar in patients older and younger than 60 (p< 0.47). While ECOG PS>1 and high IELSG score showed a trend toward inferior EFS, the most significant clinical prognostic variable was treatment delay: those patients who started remission induction therapy more than 30 days after diagnosis exhibited shorter EFS than patients who received MT-R within a month (2-sided p-value = 0.05). There was no relationship between treatment delay and IELSG prognostic score. While high MYC expression (>50% lymphoma nuclei) was detected in 54% of cases, MYC was not prognostic. By contrast, high BCL6 expression (≥30% of lymphoma nuclei) was detected in 59% of cases and correlated as a continuous variable with inferior progression-free survival, event-free survival and overall survival. The 2-sided p-values for these models were p=0.045, p=0.019 and p=0.045 (log-rank test). Conclusions: CALGB 50202 (Alliance) demonstrates that induction MT-R followed by EA consolidation is feasible in the multicenter setting and yields rates of PFS and OS in newly diagnosed PCNSL patients that are at least comparable to combined modality treatment involving reduced dose whole brain irradiation. The MT-R-EA regimen is well-tolerated in patients age >60 and has similar efficacy in this population as in younger patients. Based upon these encouraging results, a successor, intergroup, randomized phase II trial, CALGB 51101 (Alliance) has been activated that compares dose-intensive consolidation (EA) with myeloablative chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant in this first randomized trial in PCNSL in which neither arm involves WBRT. Our observations regarding the association of treatment delay with adverse prognosis suggest that prompt initiation of therapy for PCNSL patients may translate into improved outcomes. In this first prospective analysis of molecular biomarkers in PCNSL in the setting of a clinical trial, high BCL6 expression was found to correlate with inferior outcome. This observation raises the possibility that in future studies BCL6 could be used as a biomarker in risk-adapted therapy and supports the investigation of BCL6 antagonists in the treatment of this disease. Supported by LLS and by NCI CA13908301. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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.

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]

Rituximab, methotrexate (MTX), procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) followed by consolidation high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) for newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL).

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2008-2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Marcilio Padula Omuro ◽  
Denise Correa ◽  
Craig Moskowitz ◽  
Matthew J. Matasar ◽  
Lisa Marie DeAngelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Induction Chemotherapy ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Induction Regimen

2008 Background: In our previous study in newly diagnosed PCNSL, induction chemotherapy with MTX and cytarabine followed by consolidation HDC (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan [BEAM]) with ASCT without radiotherapy resulted in only 50% of pts transplanted, reflecting low efficacy of induction chemotherapy, and short intent-to-treat (ITT) median PFS (=6m). In this phase II trial, we sought to optimize this strategy by utilizing a more effective induction regimen (R-MPV) and a more aggressive HDC regimen (Soussain et al). Methods: Pts received 5-7 cycles of R-MPV (MTX: 3.5g/m2) and if a partial or complete response was achieved, HDC with thiothepa, cyclophosphamide and busulfan was given, followed by ASCT and no radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was ITT 1 year event-free survival (promising: 75%, non-promising: 50%; 90% power, significance=0.05). Follow-up included comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Results: Accrual has been completed (N=32 pts, median age 57 [range 23-67], median KPS=80). Following R-MPV, 17 pts achieved a CR, 13 pts a PR and two pts progressed. A total of 25 (78%) pts were transplanted; the reasons for not receiving transplant were progressive disease (N=2), poor performance status/ physician’s decision (N= 2), mobilization failure (N=1) and consent withdrawn (N= 2). One pt who withdrew consent relapsed and received HDCASCT for salvage. Two (8%) pts died from early complications of ASCT (Stevens-Johnson: one, sepsis: one) and one pt experienced a fatal late colitis of unknown etiology. In the ITT population, the median EFS and OS have not been reached after a median follow-up of 22 months. The 1 year EFS was 78% (95%CI 58-90) and the 2y OS was 76% (95% CI 54-89). No pt has developed delayed neurotoxicity. Conclusions: R-MPV induction regimen resulted in improved response rates, allowing 78% of pts to receive HDC-ASCT. Although more toxic, this regimen resulted in excellent disease control and survival in the ITT population, far exceeding the efficacy of our previous transplant study. The primary endpoint was met, warranting further investigation.

Radiotherapy or Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation for Primary CNS Lymphoma in Patients 60 Years of Age and Younger: Results of the Intergroup ANOCEF-GOELAMS Randomized Phase II PRECIS Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 823-833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Houillier ◽  
Luc Taillandier ◽  
Sylvain Dureau ◽  
Thierry Lamy ◽  
Mouna Laadhari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Intensive Chemotherapy ◽  
Free Survival

PURPOSE To determine the efficacy and toxicity of chemoimmunotherapy followed by either whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) as a first-line treatment of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). PATIENTS AND METHODS Immunocompetent patients (18 to 60 years of age) with untreated PCNSL were randomly assigned to receive WBRT or ASCT as consolidation treatment after induction chemotherapy consisting of two cycles of R-MBVP (rituximab 375 mg/m2 day (D) 1, methotrexate 3 g/m2 D1; D15, VP16 100 mg/m2 D2, BCNU 100 mg/m2 D3, prednisone 60 mg/kg/d D1-D5) followed by two cycles of R-AraC (rituximab 375 mg/m2 D1, cytarabine 3 g/m2 D1 to D2). Intensive chemotherapy consisted of thiotepa (250 mg/m2/d D9; D8; D7), busulfan (8 mg/kg D6 through D4), and cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg/d D3; D2). WBRT delivered 40 Gy (2 Gy/fraction). The primary end point was 2-year progression-free survival. Cognitive outcome was the main secondary end point. Analysis was intention to treat in a noncomparative phase II trial. RESULTS Between October 2008 and February 2014, 140 patients were recruited from 23 French centers. Both WBRT and ASCT met the predetermined threshold (among the first 38 patients in each group, at least 24 patients were alive and disease free at 2 years). The 2-year progression-free survival rates were 63% (95% CI, 49% to 81%) and 87% (95% CI, 77% to 98%) in the WBRT and ASCT arms, respectively. Toxicity deaths were recorded in one and five patients after WBRT and ASCT, respectively. Cognitive impairment was observed after WBRT, whereas cognitive functions were preserved or improved after ASCT. CONCLUSION WBRT and ASCT are effective consolidation treatments for patients with PCNSL who are 60 years of age and younger. The efficacy end points tended to favor the ASCT arm. The specific risk of each procedure should be considered.

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.

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.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma

1985 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuto Kawakami ◽  
Kazuo Tabuchi ◽  
Rinkichi Ohnishi ◽  
Shoji Asari ◽  
Akira Nishimoto
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Central Nervous System Lymphoma ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Whole Brain Irradiation ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brain Irradiation

✓ A retrospective analysis of 21 cases of primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is reported. All patients presented with a solitary mass in the supratentorial region. None had previously received immunosuppressive therapy. Neuroradiological studies included technetium-99m-pertechnetate brain scanning in eight cases, cerebral arteriography in all 21 cases, and computerized tomography (CT) in 14 cases. The characteristic features were increased uptake in brain scans, mass effect in arteriograms, and marked contrast enhancement on CT scans. Abnormal tumor vessels were occasionally seen on arteriography, and subtraction films were usually required to appreciate tumor stain. All patients underwent craniotomy, and histological studies of the tumors showed a diffuse type of lymphoma in all cases. Immunoglobulin testing was performed in 19 cases and a monoclonal spike was verified in 10, suggesting a B cell origin. All patients were followed until their death except one who was still alive 12 months from onset of symptoms. Therapy included subtotal resection in all 21 cases, whole-brain irradiation in six cases, chemotherapy in two cases, and a combination of whole-brain irradiation and chemotherapy in nine cases. Three different forms of chemotherapy were used. The results suggest that chemotherapy is an important addition to subtotal resection and whole-brain irradiation in the treatment of primary CNS lymphoma.

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