Autologous stem cell transplant for primary CNS lymphoma results in prolonged progression free and overall survival
7623 Background: Survival for patient with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), in general, is poor with patients requiring frequent chemotherapy treatments or receiving whole-brain radiation therapy, which can potentially result in significant neurologic decline and dementia. Because of the improved survival of high risk patients with aggressive lymphoma undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), we began ASCT for patients with PCNSL in first or later remission with chemotherapy sensitive disease. We now report on outcomes of patients who have had at least 1 year follow up post ASCT. Methods: Between June, 2000 and September, 2004, 11 patients underwent ASCT for PCNSL. The medical records of consenting patients were abstracted for the following information. Median age at transplant was 47 years old (range 30–67). Median number of prior treatments 1 (range 1–3). Median time from diagnosis to transplant was 7.5 months (range 2.9 to 75.8). Median International Extranodal Working Study Group Prognostic Score: 2 (range 0–3). Disease status at transplant: First CR 5 patients, later CR or PR 6 patients. Results: Eleven patients underwent ASCT for PCNSL and have a minimum of 1 year follow-up. All patients received BEAM conditioning. Median follow up was 28.3 months. Four patients have relapsed at a median of 200 days (range 40–523). Of the patients who relapsed, one has died of disease progression and the remaining three are alive after additional therapy. Median overall survival and progression free survival from transplant have not been reached. Two year overall and event free survival are 89% and 61%, respectively. Conclusions: Although limited by patient selection and retrospective biases, this review suggests that ASCT for PCNSL demonstrates improved overall survival when compared to historical controls with similar PCNSL Prognostic Scores (2 year survival for patients from diagnosis with PS 2–3 was 48% in a prior published study). ASCT in first remission in patients with PCNSL appears promising and may limit the need for additional therapy which can be myelosuppressive or result in neurologic decline. No significant financial relationships to disclose.