What is the role of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and high-dose cytarabine (Ara-C) as consolidation treatment after initial chemotherapy for primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL)?

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2013-2013
Author(s):  
M. Ekenel ◽  
F. M. Iwamoto ◽  
L. S. Ben Porat ◽  
K. S. Panageas ◽  
J. Yahalom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combined Modality Therapy ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Consolidation Therapy ◽  
Whole Brain Radiation ◽  
Significant Difference

2013 Background: Optimal management of PCNSL is not defined. To date the best outcomes have been achieved by combined modality therapy using methotrexate (MTX)-based chemotherapy and WBRT. However, WBRT carries a significant risk of neurotoxicity and may not be required in all patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 122 patients who had complete response (CR) after initial chemotherapy, from a total of 338 PCNSL patients treated in our institution since 1986. Descriptive variables including sex, age, KPS at diagnosis, histology, and extent of CNS involvement were reported. We specifically studied the benefit of consolidation therapy with WBRT and/or high dose Ara-C on OS and PFS. Results: The median age was 60 (19–89) years and a median KPS was 70. Men constituted 57% of the patients. Median follow up was 30 months. Histologically, 83% had diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Ocular and CSF involvements were 13%, and 27%, respectively. Most patients received MTX-based regimens (96%). Five-year OS was 43% and five-year PFS was 50% for all patients. There was no significant difference in OS, between patients who received consolidation therapy with Ara-C (n=35), WBRT (n=12), Ara-C + WBRT (n=28), or no consolidation (n=42) [data from 5 patients are missing]. There was a trend towards improved disease control for patients treated with WBRT; however, these patients were also younger than the other groups. Risk of neurotoxicity was significantly higher in patients who received WBRT (p=0.005). Conclusions: Consolidation therapy does not clearly improve survival in PCNSL patients with a CR to initial treatment. However other important prognostic factors including age and KPS may have been used in the decision making related to consolidation therapy. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

INNV-28. POTENTIAL EFFECTIVE CONSOLIDATION THERAPY WITH SINGLE AGENT IBRUTINIB FOR A CASE WITH PRIMARY CNS LYMPHOMA AFTER INITIAL HD-MTX AND RITUXIMAB INDUCTION THERAPY

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi111-vi111
Author(s):  
Steven Du ◽  
Uvin Ko ◽  
Daniela Bota ◽  
Xiao-Tang Kong
Keyword(s):  
Induction Therapy ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Consolidation Therapy ◽  
Left Lateral Ventricle

Abstract INTRODUCTION Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive cancer that originates from lymphocytes and develops in the central nervous system. Standard induction therapy involves high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based chemotherapy, which achieves complete or partial response in most PCNSL patients. However, there is no standard consolidation therapy. We report one case in which ibrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, replaced low-dose WBRT as consolidation therapy after induction by HD-MTX and rituximab. Ibrutinib treatment yielded good tolerance and further resolution of small residue lymphoma. CASE REPORT The patient is a 77-year-old female who presented with slurred speech, right-sided weakness, and difficulty word-finding in early 2020. Brain MRI found multifocal lesions, and biopsy of the largest lesion near the left lateral ventricle revealed diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The patient began HD-MTX at 6 g/m2 for the first cycle of induction therapy. She continued HD-MTX every two weeks, but dosage was reduced every cycle due to worsening renal function. Ultimately, MTX was discontinued after 6 cycles. Brain MRI showed significant response after HD-MTX except for small residue lymphoma at the biopsy area. 2nd line regimen rituximab and temozolomide was given to complete induction. Brain MRI was stable, but the small enhancing residue lymphoma at left peri-ventricle area was persistent after the induction therapy (uCR). Ibrutinib as consolidation therapy began after discussion with the patient. The patient tolerated 560 mg ibrutinib for 6 cycles initially, then switched to a reduced dose of 420 mg for cycles 7 and 8 due to neutropenia. Brain MRIs have been stable with resolution of the small lymphoma residue after 6 cycles of ibrutinib. The patient continues ibrutinib for the goal of one year of consolidation therapy. DISCUSSION Our case highlights the potential of single-agent ibrutinib as consolidation therapy for PCNSL after HD-MTX and rituximab/temzolomide induction therapy.

scholarly journals High-dose methotrexate-based regimens and post-remission consolidation for treatment of newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma: meta-analysis of clinical trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyao Yu ◽  
Huaping Du ◽  
Xueshi Ye ◽  
Lifei Zhang ◽  
Haowen Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Central Nervous System Lymphoma ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
High Dose Methotrexate ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Dose Methotrexate

AbstractWith the exception of high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX), there is currently no defined standard treatment for newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). This review focused on first-line induction and consolidation treatment of PCNSL and aimed to determine the optimal combination of HD-MTX and the long-term beneficial consolidation methods. A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE identified 1407 studies, among which 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was performed by using Stata SE version 15. Forest plots were generated to report combined outcomes like the complete response rate (CRR), overall survival, and progression-free survival. We also conducted univariate regression analyses of the baseline characteristics to identify the source of heterogeneity. Pooled analysis showed a CRR of 41% across all HD-MTX-based regimens, and three- and four-drug regimens had better CRRs than HD-MTX monotherapy. In all combinations based on HD-MTX, the HD-MTX + procarbazine + vincristine (MPV) regimen showed pooled CRRs of 63% and 58% with and without rituximab, respectively, followed by the rituximab + HD-MTX + temozolomide regimen, which showed a pooled CRR of 60%. Pooled PFS and OS showed that post-remission consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was associated with the best survival outcome, with a pooled 2-year OS of 80%, a 2-year PFS of 74%, a 5-year OS of 77%, and a 5-year PFS of 63%. Next, whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) + chemotherapy showed a pooled 2-year OS of 72%, 2-year PFS of 56%, 5-year OS of 55%, and 5-year PFS of 41%, with no detectable CR heterogeneity throughout the entire treatment process. In HD-MTX-based therapy of newly diagnosed PCNSL, MPV with or without rituximab can be chosen as the inductive regimen, and the rituximab + HD-MTX + temozolomide regimen is also a practical choice. Based on our study, high-dose chemotherapy supported by ASCT is an efficacious approach for consolidation. Consolidation with WBRT + chemotherapy can be another feasible approach.

First Results of the Acsé Pembrolizumab Phase II in the Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) Cohort

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 15-16
Author(s):  
Khe Hoang-Xuan ◽  
Roch Houot ◽  
Carole Soussain ◽  
Marie Blonski ◽  
Anna Schmitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Objective Response ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Central Nervous System Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Multicentric Study ◽  
First Results ◽  
Duration Of Response

Background: AcSé Pembrolizumab is a Phase 2, open-label, single-arm, multi-cohort, multicentric study investigating the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with advanced rare cancers (NCT03012620). Here, we report the first results of Pembrolizumab in the cohort of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods: Main inclusion criteria were: relapsed or refractory PCNSL after one or several lines of treatment including high dose Methotrexate based chemotherapy, pathologically confirmed diffuse large B cell lymphoma, age>18, HIV negative, concurrent steroid medication at a dose no greater than prednisone 20 mg/day or equivalent. Patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg IV as a 30-minute infusion on Day 1 of every 21-day cycles for a maximum of 2 years. The primary endpoint was the confirmed objective response rate according to IPCG at 84 day after the start of treatment. Secondary endpoints included best response (ORR), duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Analysis used all enrolled patients. Results: 50 patients suffering from PCNSL, including 9 primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) were included from July, 2017 to October, 2019. Median age was 72 years (range: 43 to 83), Median PS (ECOG) was 1 (range 0-1). The median number of cycles was 4 (range 1-35). At 84 days from start of treatment, 6 patients responded (4 CR+2PR). Overall, 3 patients whose response was not assessed were considered as failures, and the rates of ORR (CR+PR), stable disease (SD), progressive disease (PD) were 26% (13/50, 8 CR + 5 PR), 10% (5/50), 58% (29/50), respectively. ORR was 29% (12/41) and 11% (1/9) in primary cerebral lymphoma and PVRL respectively. After a median follow-up of 6.7 months (range 0.2-27.4), median PFS was 2.6 months, with 6-month PFS of 29.8% and 6-month OS of 60.4%. In responders, median duration of response was estimated at 10 months (95%CI, 2.7 to 12.5). Grade III and IV toxicities related to the drug were observed in 4 patients (8%) and one patient (2%) respectively. No related toxic death was reported. Conclusion: Pembrolizumab shows moderate activity in relapsed/ refractory PCNSL with acceptable toxicity, supporting further studies evaluating its use in combination therapies. Disclosures Hoang-Xuan: BTG: Consultancy, Research Funding. Houot:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; MSD: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; Kite: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria. Schmitt:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche, Janssen: Honoraria. Ahle:Roche: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Biogene: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria. Bories:Abbvie: Consultancy; Celgen: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; BMS: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Houillier:BTG: Consultancy.

scholarly journals Del(6)(q22) and BCL6 Rearrangements in Primary CNS Lymphoma Are Indicators of an Aggressive Clinical Course

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (29) ◽  
pp. 4814-4819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois M. Cady ◽  
Brian Patrick O'Neill ◽  
Mark E. Law ◽  
Paul A. Decker ◽  
David M. Kurtz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Data ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Deep Structure ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Aggressive Lymphoma ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Putative Tumor Suppressor Gene ◽  
Thin Sections

Purpose Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive lymphoma but clinically validated biologic markers that can predict natural history to tailor treatment according to risk are lacking. Several genetic changes including BCL6 rearrangements and deletion of 6q22, containing the putative tumor suppressor gene PTPRK, are potential risk predictors. Herein we determined the prevalence and survival impact of del(6)(q22) and BCL6, immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), and MYC gene rearrangements in a large PCNSL cohort treated in a single center. Patients and Methods Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed using two-color probes for BCL6, MYC, IGH-BCL6, and del(6)(q22) on thin sections of 75 paraffin-embedded samples from 75 HIV-negative, immunocompetent patients newly diagnosed with PCNSL. Survival data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, and proportional hazards regression adjusting for age, deep structure involvement, and high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) treatment. Results The prevalence of del(6)(q22) and BCL6, IGH, and MYC translocations was 45%,17%, 13%, and 3%, respectively. The presence of del(6)(q22) and/or a BCL6 translocation was associated with inferior overall survival (OS; P = .0097). The presence of either del(6)(q22) alone or a BCL6 translocation alone was also associated with inferior OS (P = .0087). Univariable results held after adjusting for age, deep structure involvement, and HDMTX. Conclusion Del (6)(q22) and BCL6 rearrangements are common in PCNSL and predict for decreased OS independent of deep structure involvement and HDMTX. Unlike systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, del(6)(q22) is common and IGH translocations are infrequent and usually involve BCL6 rather than BCL2, suggesting a distinct pathogenesis.

scholarly journals PC3 - 130 A Meta-Analysis on the use of High-Dose Methotrexate Only Versus Combination Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Newly-Diagnosed Patients with Primary CNS Lymphoma

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (S4) ◽  
pp. S20-S21
Author(s):  
M.C. Concepcion Sales
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Combination Chemotherapy ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
High Dose Methotrexate ◽  
Dose Methotrexate

Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) is an unusual extranodal form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with a locally aggressive course but a rare tendency to disseminate systemically. There are various modalities available for the treatment of PCNSL which include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The effectiveness of adding another anti-neoplastic agent to HD-MTX have been optimized in small scale studies yet the “ perfect combination” has yet to be elucidated Objectives: This study aims to 1) compare the response to treatment of monotherapy with high-dose Methotrexate (HD-MTX) versus HD-MTX and an additional anti-neoplastic agent by evaluating complete response, partial response, stable disease and disease progression and 2) to compare the hematologic and non-hematologic side effects among patients subjected to monotherapy vs combination chemotherapy. Methodology: Journals from Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials (CENTRAL) and other relevant websites (www.clinicaltrials.org) without any restrictions in the year, language and status of publication were searched. Literatures cited by eligible studies and systemic reviews were also checked to identify useful articles. The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were used: ‘primary CNS lymphoma’, ‘treatment’, ‘chemotherapy’ and ‘randomized control trial’. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan software version 5.1. Odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (95% CI) were used as summary statistics. Results and Conclusion: The use of high-dose methotrexate and another anti-neoplastic agent showed benefit in terms of achieving complete response and delaying disease progression among patients diagnosed with PCNSL. However, the risks of hematologic toxicities such as anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and infection was higher in patients treated with the combination chemotherapy. Significant non-hematologic side effects such as mucositis was also observed in patients receiving an add-on to high dose methotrexate.

High Doses of Antimetabolites Followed by High-Dose Sequential Chemoimmunotherapy and Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Patients With Systemic B-Cell Lymphoma and Secondary CNS Involvement: Final Results of a Multicenter Phase II Trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (33) ◽  
pp. 3903-3910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés J.M. Ferreri ◽  
Giovanni Donadoni ◽  
Maria Giuseppina Cabras ◽  
Caterina Patti ◽  
Michael Mian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Ii Trial ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Event Free Survival ◽  
Cns Involvement ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Multicenter Phase ◽  
High Doses

Purpose Treatment of secondary CNS dissemination in patients with aggressive lymphomas remains an important, unmet clinical need. Herein, we report the final results of a multicenter phase II trial addressing a new treatment for secondary CNS lymphoma based on encouraging experiences with high doses of antimetabolites in primary CNS lymphoma and with rituximab plus high-dose sequential chemoimmunotherapy (R-HDS) in relapsed aggressive lymphoma. Patients and Methods HIV-negative patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma and secondary CNS involvement at diagnosis or relapse, age 18 to 70 years, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 3 were enrolled and treated with high-doses of methotrexate and cytarabine, followed by R-HDS (cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, and etoposide) supported by autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Treatment included eight doses of rituximab and four doses of intrathecal liposomal cytarabine. The primary end point was 2-year event-free survival; the planned accrual was 38 patients. Results Thirty-eight patients were enrolled; CNS disease was detected at presentation in 16 patients. Toxicity was usually hematologic and manageable, with grade 4 febrile neutropenia in 3% of delivered courses and grade 4 nonhematologic toxicity in 2% of delivered courses. Four patients died because of toxicity. Autologous stem cells were successfully collected in 24 (89%) of 27 patients (median, 10 × 106/kg); 20 patients underwent ASCT. Complete response was achieved in 24 patients (complete response rate, 63%; 95% CI, 48% to 78%). At a median follow-up of 48 months, 17 patients remained relapse free, with a 2-year event-free survival rate of 50% ± 8%. At 5 years, 16 patients were alive, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 41% ± 8% for the whole series and 68% ± 11% for patients who received transplantation. Systemic (extra-CNS) and/or meningeal disease did not affect outcome. Conclusion The combination of high doses of antimetabolites, R-HDS, and ASCT is feasible and effective in patients age 18 to 70 years old with secondary CNS lymphoma, and we propose it as a new standard therapeutic option.

scholarly journals ML-7 Liquid biopsy for MYD88 mutation in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with suspected primary CNS lymphoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi23-vi23
Author(s):  
Yamagishi Yuki ◽  
Nobuyoshi Sasaki ◽  
Yuko Matsushita ◽  
Saki Shimizu ◽  
Yoshie Matsumoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Biopsy ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Central Nervous System Lymphoma ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Digital Pcr ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Ataxic Gait ◽  
Surgical Biopsy

Abstract Background: Treatment intervention for central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) requires pathological diagnosis by surgical biopsy. However, there are some cases in which the risk of surgery is high due to age, comorbidities, localization of lesions, etc. We are developing a CNSL diagnostic method based on the detection of MYD88 L265P mutation by digital PCR (dPCR) using CSF-DNA, and a high accuracy with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 100% has been reported. Here, we report two cases with suspected brain stem CNSL, whose treatment strategy was determined by integrated clinico-laboratory information including neurological presentations, imaging, and the result of liquid biopsy. Result: Case 1. A 63-year-old woman visited our hospital with a complaint of right hemiplegia, which deteriorated in two months. MR images revealed a contrast-enhancing lesion in the left midbrain-ventral pons, suggesting CNSL. Biopsy was not considered because of its location, while dPCR using CSF-DNA showed a cluster of MYD88 mutation signals. Based on these work-ups, she was treated with high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy, resulting in a complete response with marked improvement of symptoms. Case 2. An 83-year-old man was referred for a history of diplopia and ataxic gait lasting for a month. MR images revealed an invasive lesion on his right midbrain-dorsal pons. Biopsy was declined due to the location, and liquid biopsy using CSF-DNA was performed to assist the diagnosis. In the first test, the CSF-DNA yield was too insufficient to determine the mutation signal by dPCR. The second dPCR using sufficient amount of CSF-DNA resulted in the Target/Total value of 0.049% which was lower than the threshold, suggesting the absence of MYD88 mutation. The patient underwent radiation therapy accordingly.Conclusions: CSF MYD88 mutation analysis by dPCR may have clinical utility and requires sufficient amount of CSF-DNA for exclusion of noise signals.

INNV-29. BILATERAL PARIETAL LYMPHOMA LESIONS RESPONDED DIFFERENTLY TO HD-MTX AND RITUXIMAB/TEMOZOLOMIDE THERAPY

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi111-vi112
Author(s):  
Xiao-Tang Kong ◽  
Steven Du ◽  
Yoon Jae Choi ◽  
Daniela Bota
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Regimen ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Induction Phase ◽  
Combination Regimen

Abstract INTRODUCTION Primary CNS lymphoma is a rare aggressive hematological malignancy. Current chemotherapy for induction phase is HD-MTX single agent or HD-MTX based combination regimen. We report a rare case whose left and right parietal lymphoma lesions in the brain responded to different induction therapy regimens during the induction phase. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old female presented with seizure and her brain MRI showed bilateral parietal brain lesions in January of 2020. Biopsy and work-up revealed primary CNS diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The patient underwent HD-MTX therapy. Brain MRI showed clear progression of left parietal lymphoma but stable right parietal lymphoma after two cycles of HD-MTX at 8 g/m2. The treatment was switched to a rituximab 750 mg/m2 weekly and temozolomide 150 mg/m2 daily one-week-on and one-week-off regimen. After 8 weeks, her brain MRI showed nearly complete response of her left parietal lymphoma to rituximab/temozolomide but progression of her right parietal lymphoma. She was switched back to HD-MTX and completed total 8 cycles. Her right parietal lymphoma lesion showed complete response to HD-MTX. The patient is doing well and has been off the treatment over the past 10 months and is waiting for consolidation therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation that has been postponed due to the COVID pandemic. DISCUSSION Our case highlights the very rare heterogenous feature of primary CNS lymphoma responding to different treatment regimen. Biopsy of bilateral heterogeneous lesions may be indicated to compare the different molecular features of the lymphoma to find underlying mechanism if they respond to treatment differently. Specific treatment regimen should be selected based on the responsiveness of CNS lymphoma lesions or combination therapy is selected to cover the heterogeneous susceptibility to chemotherapy regimens.

Polychemotherapy in patients with primary CNS lymphoma.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 3304-3304
Author(s):  
Axel Glasmacher ◽  
Hendrik Pels ◽  
Christoph Helmstaedter ◽  
Martina Deckert ◽  
Frank Kroschinsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combination Chemotherapy ◽  
Combined Modality Therapy ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Primary Cns Lymphoma ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Multicenter Trial ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Cns Lymphoma ◽  
High Dose

Abstract In primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) irradiation alone is no longer the primary treatment and combination with chemotherapy has significantly improved response and survival. However, patients treated with combined modality therapy suffer from significant neurotoxicity. Therefore, studies with chemotherapy alone have been carried out. We recently reported on a phase II multicenter trial to evaluate event-free survival, overall survival, response rate, response duration and toxicity of combination chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated PCNSL. 65 consecutive patients with histologically proven PCNSL received a total of 6 courses of combination chemotherapy with 3 different courses of chemotherapy. In patients with response these 3 cylces were repeated. The combination chemotherapy included high-dose methotrexate (MTX) (5g/m2, course 1,2,4,5) and cytarabine (ara-C) (3g/m2/d, d1-2, courses 3,6) combined with dexamethasone (courses 3–6), vinca alkaloids and ifosfamide alternating with cyclophosphamide. In addition, MTX, prednisolone and ara-C were applied via an Ommaya or Rickham reservoir in each course. The study population included 65 consecutive patients with a median age of 62 years with a range between 27 and 75. 62 patients are evaluable for response. There were 9% therapy-related deaths mainly due to neutropenic infections. Ommaya reservoir infections occurred in 12/64 (19%) and acute transient MTX related encephalopathy in 2 (subacute in 1) patients. The 5-year-survival of patients below 61 years was 75%, of patients of 61 years or older 17% (Pels H et al., J Clin Oncol21(24), 2003). The results for patients younger than 60 years could be superior to previously reported therapy regimes. The survival rates for patients above 60 years are comparable to those reported for combined radiochemotherapy. However, in contrast to radiochemotherapy permanent treatment-associated neurotoxicity is infrequent. Based on these data we constructed a follow-up trial. Patients below the age of 61 are treated as in the antecedent protocol without intraventricular therapy. Patients above 60 are treated in a protocol modified by the addition of procarbazine in 2 cycles and a maintenance therapy with procarbazine. First results of this follow-up trial will be presented.

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