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 ◽  
...  

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.

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 15-16
Author(s):  
Khe Hoang-Xuan ◽  
Roch Houot ◽  
Carole Soussain ◽  
Marie Blonski ◽  
Anna Schmitt ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi111-vi111
Author(s):  
Steven Du ◽  
Uvin Ko ◽  
Daniela Bota ◽  
Xiao-Tang Kong

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.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 4858-4858
Author(s):  
Michael V. Jaglal ◽  
Bijal D. Shah ◽  
Jennifer L. Cultrera ◽  
Eduardo M. Sotomayor ◽  
Michael B Tomblyn ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4858 Background Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare aggressive variant of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with a poor prognosis. Optimal therapeutic strategies have not been defined yet in primary CNS lymphoma. High dose Methotrexate (HD MTX) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent with superior outcomes compared to historical studies using whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). The combination of HD MTX with WBRT showed improved response rates compared to chemotherapy (CT) alone, but was associated with greater risk of neurotoxicity in patients >60 years old. Purpose To review clinicopathologic characteristics, therapy and outcomes of 59 patients with primary CNS DLBCL without HIV. Methods This was a single center retrospective review of pts with confirmed diagnosis of primary CNS DLBCL from 1999 to 2012. Data was extracted from the Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) electronic records. Baseline demographics, clinical, pathological and treatment data were collected and analyzed. Patients were stratified according to their treatment regimens including HD MTX (3g/m2) alone or in combinations and WBRT alone or in combination with CT. Descriptive statistical analyses were utilized. Chi square analysis and t- test were performed to compare categorical and continuous variables. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate OS and log rank test was used to compare the groups. All data was analyzed using SPSS version 19.0 statistical software. Results 59 patients who underwent CT and/or WBRT for PCNSL between 1999 and 2012 were identified. The age range at diagnosis was 17–85 years with median age of 64. 35 of 59 patients (59%) were ≥ 60 years old. Male to female ratio was 1.27:1 (33:26). The median ECOG PS was 1. A majority of patients presented with motor deficits, 29 out of 59. The most common location of lymphoma was in the cerebral hemispheres. The median survival of the entire cohort was 37 months. 18 of 59 pts (25%) survived ≥ 60 months. In the cohort of pts that survived ≥ 60 months, a majority 16 of 18 (89%) received HD MTX. Patients treated with initial WBRT and chemotherapy revealed inferior overall survival (OS) compare to patients treated with induction chemotherapy alone (OS 37 months vs. 66 months) (p=0.011). Patients over the age of 60 had worse outcomes compared to patients who were less than the age of 60 (OS 33 months versus 70 months) (p=0.023). Conclusions HD MTX was the most frequently utilized CT regimen in the cohort of patients surviving > 60 months. Administering WBRT combined with chemotherapy was associated with worse outcomes in this retrospective analysis. Patients with primary CNS lymphoma who are older than 60 have worse outcomes in this retrospective analysis compared to patients younger than 60. Disclosures: Sokol: Celgene: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 784-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvain Choquet ◽  
Caroline Houillier ◽  
Fontanet Bijou ◽  
Roch Houot ◽  
Eileen Boyle ◽  
...  

Abstract RATIONAL Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), predominantly of non-germinal center (non-GC) subtype, carrying a pejorative prognosis. Constitutive activation of the NF-kB pathway via mutations in B cell receptor (BCR) pathway (CD79B) and mutation of MYD 88 and TBL1XR1 plays an important role in PCNSL. Ibrutinib, an inhibitor of BCR signaling, has been found to have significant therapeutic activity in relapsed or refractory non-CNS non-GC DLBCL. METHODS In this prospective, multicenter, open-label phase II, we enrolled immuno-competent patients over 18 with a refractory or relapse of PCNSL or primary vitreo-retinal lymphoma (PVRL) of DLBCL type. The treatment consisted in ibrutinib monotherapy given orally at 560 mg daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Additional corticosteroids treatment was allowed during the first 4 weeks of treatment in case of a threatening or symptomatic edema. Therapeutic responses were assessed according to the international primary CNS lymphoma collaborative group (IPCG) criteria. The primary objective of the study was the disease control (DC) rate (CR + CRu + PR + SD) after two months of treatment. This study is a two-stage Simon's design. Patients were evaluable for response if they received > 90 % of the expected dose during the first month of treatment. An interim analysis for futility was planned when 18 patients were evaluable for response. P0 and P1 hypotheses were < 10 % and > 30 % respectively. A total of 35 evaluable patients are required for the final analysis. Exploratory ancillary studies are planned and consist in dosage of ibrutinib in the cerebrospinal fluid after one cycle of treatment, and correlation of therapeutic response with mutational status of the disease. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02542514. RESULTS BetweenSeptember 25, 2015 and June 30, 2016, 52 patients were recruited in 10 French centers of the French LOC network for PCNSL. The interim analysis was done on the first 18 patients evaluable for response (median age: 70 y, range 49-80). At initial diagnosis, diagnoses were PCNSL (n = 12) and PVRL (n = 6). Patients were included in the study for a relapse (n = 13) or a progressive disease (n = 5). At time of inclusion in the study, disease status was PCNSL (n = 11) and PVRL or isolated intra-ocular relapse of a PCNSL (n = 7). ECOG performance status was 0, 1 and 2 in 4, 10 and 4 patients respectively. All the patients had previously received high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy. Four patients had previously received high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. Patients had received 1, 2 or 3 prior treatments in 12, 5 and 1 cases respectively. Three patients had a concomitant meningeal involvement. Five patients received concomitant corticosteroids during the first month of treatment. At the time of analysis (median follow-up = 6.6 months), nine patients discontinued ibrutinib after a median duration of 3 months (range, 0.9 -6.4) because of a disease progressive(n = 8) or a concurrent illness (n=1). Median number of treatment cycles was 5 (range, 1-9). One patient experienced a pulmonary aspergillosis with a favorable outcome. No hemorrhagic complication was reported. Five patients died due to disease progression (n = 4), and concurrent illness (n = 1). After two months of treatment, a DC was achieved in 15/18 patients (83 %, IC 95 %, [59-96%]) (complete and unconfirmed complete response: n =3; partial response: n = 7; stable disease: n =5). CONCLUSION In this interim analysis, Ibrutinib monotherapy demonstrated a high DC rate of 83%, including 56% objective responses in patients with relapse/refractory PCNSL or PVRL. Regarding safety, Ibrutinib might be a risk factor for aspergillosis in this population of PCNSL patients, otherwise not exposed to fungal infection. A security warning was sent to all the investigators for a close monitoring of infections. The second cohort of patients has been recruited. Thirty-three patients are currently on study treatment. The final analysis of the iLOC study is awaited to confirm these encouraging results and better define the positioning of ibrutinib in the therapeutic strategy of PCNSL and PVR patients. Disclosures Choquet: Janssen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Ghesquieres:Mundipharma: Consultancy; Roche France: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Soussain:Celgene: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Korfel ◽  
Uwe Schlegel ◽  
Derek R. Johnson ◽  
Timothy J. Kaufmann ◽  
Caterina Giannini ◽  
...  

Abstract Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare diffuse large B-cell lymphoma originating within the central nervous system. The overall incidence of PCNSL is rising, particularly in the elderly population. Immunosuppression is a strong risk factor, but most patients with this tumor are apparently immunocompetent. Diagnosis of PCNSL can be challenging. Non-invasive or minimally invasive tests such as ophthalmological evaluation and spinal fluid analysis may be useful, but the majority of patients require tumor biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Our knowledge concerning optimum treatment of PCNSL is fragmentary due to paucity of adequately sized trials. Most patients are now initially treated with high-dose-methotrexate-based chemotherapy alone, as the addition of whole-brain radiotherapy at standard doses has not been shown to increase survival and does increase the risk of neurological toxicity. Ongoing trials are addressing issues such as the roles of reduced-dose radiotherapy, the addition of the CD20 antibody rituximab to chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, and maintenance therapy in the primary management of 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 ◽  
...  

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.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2034-2034
Author(s):  
Matthias Holdhoff ◽  
Guneet Sarai ◽  
Ahmed Abdelaziz ◽  
David Bonekamp ◽  
Stuart A. Grossman ◽  
...  

2034 Background: The current institutional standard for treatment of patients with newly-diagnosed primary CNS lymphomas (PCNSL) at Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) consists of treatment with high-dose methotrexate plus rituximab (hd-MTX/R) every 2 weeks until complete response (CR), progression or unacceptable toxicities. Once CR is achieved, this is followed by monthly treatments for a total of up to one year for consolidation. Prior to 2008, the institutional standard had been treatment with hd-MTX alone. The benefit of adding rituximab to hd-MTX has not been formally evaluated. Methods: This is a retrospective study of HIV-negative adult patients with newly-diagnosed PCNSL treated at JHH with either hd-MTX or hd-MTX/R as initial therapy. Patients were identified using the cancer center registry (1995-2012) and were included if they had received at least one cycle of therapy (intention-to-treat). Primary objectives were CR rate (patients with sufficient imaging data; centrally reviewed) and overall survival (OS, all patients included). Results: A total of 81 patients were analyzed (median age of 65 yrs; 52% male). 54 patients received hd-MTX alone (median age, 65 yrs) and 27 patients received hd-MTX/R (median age, 66 yrs). 37 and 24 patients in the two groups were evaluable for response, respectively. Among these, the CR rate was 51% in patients treated with hd-MTX alone (overall response rate, ORR, 76%) and 79% in patients treated with hd-MTX/R (ORR 96%). The median number of cycles to CR was 5 and 4.5, respectively. Median OS among all patients (both groups combined) was 26 months (95% CI: 11-44). Conclusions: These data show potential clinical benefit from the addition of rituximab to hd-MTX for newly diagnosed patients with PCNSL based on a higher CR rate. Analysis of OS benefit between patients treated with hd-MTX and hd-MTX/R is pending maturation of further survival data.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (15) ◽  
pp. 3648-3658
Author(s):  
Andrés J. M. Ferreri ◽  
Teresa Calimeri ◽  
Maurilio Ponzoni ◽  
Flavio Curnis ◽  
Gian Marco Conte ◽  
...  

Abstract Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) is the standard treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Primary DLBCL of the central nervous system (CNS) (primary central nervous system lymphoma [PCNSL]) is an exception because of the low CNS bioavailability of related drugs. NGR–human tumor necrosis factor (NGR-hTNF) targets CD13+ vessels, enhances vascular permeability and CNS access of anticancer drugs, and provides the rationale for the treatment of PCNSL with R-CHOP. Herein, we report activity and safety of R-CHOP preceded by NGR-hTNF in patients with PCNSL relapsed/refractory to high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy enrolled in a phase 2 trial. Overall response rate (ORR) was the primary endpoint. A sample size of 28 patients was considered necessary to demonstrate improvement from 30% to 50% ORR. NGR-hTNF/R-CHOP would be declared active if ≥12 responses were recorded. Treatment was well tolerated; there were no cases of unexpected toxicities, dose reductions or interruptions. NGR-hTNF/R-CHOP was active, with confirmed tumor response in 21 patients (75%; 95% confidence interval, 59%-91%), which was complete in 11. Seventeen of the 21 patients with response to treatment received consolidation (ASCT, WBRT, and/or lenalidomide maintenance). At a median follow-up of 21 (range, 14-31) months, 5 patients remained relapse-free and 6 were alive. The activity of NGR-hTNF/R-CHOP is in line with the expression of CD13 in both pericytes and endothelial cells of tumor vessels. High plasma levels of chromogranin A, an NGR-hTNF inhibitor, were associated with proton pump inhibitor use and a lower remission rate, suggesting that these drugs should be avoided during TNF-based therapy. Further research on this innovative approach to CNS lymphomas is warranted. The trial was registered as EudraCT: 2014-001532-11.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii17-ii17
Author(s):  
C Nilles ◽  
D Delgadillo ◽  
N Martin Duverneuil ◽  
K Mokhtari ◽  
B Mathon ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND The corpus callosum (CC) is frequently involved in primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL). The aim of our study was to describe the impact of these lesions on neurocognition of patients presenting with PCNSL of the CC (PCNSL-CC) and their post-therapeutic evolution. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a retrospective single-center study. Patients newly diagnosed at Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital from (1999–2018) were included in this study according to the following criteria: age &gt;18, immunocompetent patient, pathological confirmation (Diffuse Large B cell lymphoma) and CC as main location of the tumor on MRI. Clinical, neuroradiological and neuropsychological data of the patients were collected. In addition, prognostic factors for the neurocognitive outcome of the patients were investigated. RESULTS 27 patients were included (median age: 67 years, median KPS: 70). At the time of diagnosis, 74% of patients had cognitive impairment and 59% of patients had balance disorders. The cognitive functions most frequently affected were memory and executive functions. Tumor lesions in the CC had a median maximum diameter of 5 cm with a so called “butterfly pattern” in 92% of cases. All patients received a high dose methotrexate based polychemotherapy, including one with radiation therapy, and 67% of patients achieved a complete remission (CR). Median PFS and OS were 33.3 months and 177.9 months respectively. With a median follow-up of 48 months (range 6–156), despite CR, there were still abnormal values in 17% of patients on overall efficiency, 17–55% of patients on executive function tests, 45–55% of patients on memory tests. No significant impaired values were found for visuo-spatial and language tests. Splenial location and age ≥ 60 years were significantly associated with worse episodic memory scores throughout the follow-up. CONCLUSION PCNSL-CC are associated with frequent cognitive dysfunctions, especially memory impairment, which may recover only partially despite CR, that warrant specific rehabilitation. Older age (≥ 60) and splenial location have worse neurocognition outcome.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Mukesh Patekar ◽  
Narayan Adhikari ◽  
Ahitagni Biswas ◽  
Vinod Raina ◽  
Lalit Kumar ◽  
...  

PURPOSE The information about the outcome of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) in India is scarce, because there is no population-based or large hospital-based data. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study that spanned 17 years (2001 to 2017) to study the outcome of PCNSL at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which is a tertiary care center in Northern India. RESULTS Only one of 99 patients was positive for HIV serology. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most common histology (97.7%). The median patient age was 50 years (range, 13 to 70 years), and the ratio of men to women was 1.9. The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 3.5 months (range, 0.5 to 48 months), and 58.5% had a performance status (PS) of 3 or more. Multiple intracranial lesions were present in 81.8% of patients. Surgical resection was performed in 45%, and approximately 22% of patients were ineligible for treatment. Most patients (n = 73) were treated with high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX)–based regimens (ie, methotrexate, vincristine, and procarbazine with or without rituximab). Pharmacokinetic monitoring of methotrexate was not available at our center. HDMTX-related mortality was 3.9%. The median follow-up duration, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were 34 months, 20.4 months, and 31.7 months, respectively. Addition of rituximab (n = 27) to MVP resulted in a higher objective response rate (88.9% v 73.9% without rituximab; P = .12), complete remission (81.5% v 56.5%; P = .03), 2-year EFS (57.3% v 40.4%; P = .02), and 2-year OS (61.6% v 53.4%; P = .056). CONCLUSION This is the largest study of PCNSL from India. The patients were immunocompetent and young but presented with a high-burden disease that precluded treatment in approximately 22%. The treatment with HDMTX appears safe without pharmacokinetic monitoring. The outcome is comparable to those observed in the West, and rituximab use showed additional benefit. There are notable barriers with respect to management of PCNSL in the real world, and efforts are required to improve the outcome more.


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