Salvage treatment with temozolomide in refractory or relapsed primary central nervous system lymphoma and assessment of the MGMT status

Diagnostic, Pathologic, and Therapeutic Considerations for Primary CNS Lymphoma

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare lymphoma representing 3% of CNS malignancies. The diagnosis is complicated by the unique risks associated with brain biopsy, and the treatment is similarly complicated by the restriction of effective therapeutics able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Currently, the majority of individuals diagnosed with this disease are immunocompetent although immune deficiency related to HIV or immunosuppressive therapy remains an important risk factor. Improvements in both frontline therapy and consolidation options, including the use of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, have translated to improved survival. Unfortunately, patients experiencing relapsed or refractory disease often fare poorly. Here, we review key clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic aspects of PCNSL and highlight challenging clinical scenarios that may be encountered by the treating oncologist.

Efficacy and toxicity with radiation field designs and concurrent temozolomide for CNS lymphoma

Background

There is no consensus on the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma refractory to first-line methotrexate-based chemotherapy. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is sometimes used but may result in unacceptable neurocognitive dysfunction. We examined the efficacy and toxicities of WBRT with or without concurrent temozolomide in CNS lymphoma treatment.

Methods

This single-institution IRB-approved retrospective study included adults with CNS lymphoma who received WBRT, either consolidative low-dose WBRT alone or low-dose WBRT with a focal boost to residual disease and were previously treated with high-dose methotrexate. The relationships between the WBRT regimen, concurrent temozolomide, and clinical outcomes and toxicities were assessed using proportional hazards and logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 45 patients with a median age of 64 years (range 24–74) treated from 2004 to 2019 were included. In total, 20 patients received concurrent temozolomide. In the WBRT + Boost cohort (n = 32), concurrent temozolomide resulted in better 2-year overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) (73% OS and 66% PFS) compared to patients treated without concurrent temozolomide (44% OS and 24% PFS). On multivariate analysis, concurrent temozolomide was associated with significantly better PFS (HR 0.28, P = .02). There were no significant differences between the two radiation groups or between those treated with or without concurrent temozolomide, with respect to significant acute hematologic, non-hematologic, and long-term neurocognitive toxicities (P > .05).

Conclusions

In this study, concurrent temozolomide with radiotherapy in CNS lymphoma was associated with better PFS and was well tolerated. Low-dose WBRT with a boost is a safe and reasonable treatment approach for focal refractory disease. Prospective research that includes rigorous neurocognitive assessments is now warranted.

Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Novel Therapies

OPINION STATEMENT

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) are very rare neoplasms and continue to be challenging to treat. While high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based regimens are the currently accepted standard first-line therapy for newly diagnosed patients, the optimal induction therapies are still unknown. The role of consolidation therapies continues to evolve with a variety of chemotherapy regimens, including high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue and reduced or deferred whole brain radiotherapy being used. Importantly, several recent advances have been made in the treatment of PCNSL. The incorporation of targeted therapy and immune therapy remain promising strategies. Several agents, successfully used in treatment of systemic lymphomas, have shown activity in PCNSL, frequently leading to durable responses in the relapsed/refractory patients. Many ongoing studies will likely lead to a better understanding of the roles of these treatments, especially as the first line and potentially also as maintenance. In addition, the use of molecular profiling to predict disease response to targeted agents and understand relapse patterns will become increasingly important. Clinical trials in PCNSL are critical yet frequently challenging to conduct given the rarity of the condition and lack of suitable subjects. Therefore, multi-institutional and international collaboration is of utmost importance to accelerate progress in understanding the biology and design better treatments for this disease. It is critical to consider patients of all demographics in the design and study of future treatment algorithms to have the largest impact on patient care and outcomes.

Use of rituximab, temozolomide, and radiation in recurrent and refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma in the Philippines: a retrospective analysis

Background

Refractory disease in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) may occur despite adequate initial treatment. There is currently no standard of care for relapsed and recurrent PCSNL. No study to date documents using a combined regimen of radiotherapy, temozolomide, and rituximab. This study aimed to present the clinical course and outcomes of patients with recurrent or refractory disease who were given a combination of radiation, temozolomide, and rituximab.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was employed to evaluate data from recurrent or refractory PCNSL patients who were treated with radiation, temozolomide, and rituximab in two tertiary hospitals in the Philippines. Baseline demographics, treatment regimen, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Fifteen patients with a median age of 56 years were included, 11 with refractory disease and 4 with recurrent disease. Patients with bulky disease received either whole brain radiotherapy or partial field radiotherapy with rituximab and temozolomide given during radiation and for 6 months after radiation. Overall response rate to salvage therapy was 93.3% (14/15). Median overall survival from initial diagnosis was not reached (median follow-up: 84 months). Mortality rate was 33.3% (5/15), but only 2 out of 5 mortalities were from disease progression. There were only two reported cases of mild allergic reactions to rituximab, which did not result in treatment interruption.

Conclusion

Rituximab, temozolomide, and radiotherapy can be considered as an effective and safe salvage therapy for relapsed and recurrent central nervous system lymphoma.

Advances in treatment of elderly primary central nervous system lymphoma

The management of older individuals (≥60 years) with primary central nervous system lymphoma remains a clinical challenge. Identification of optimal therapy and delivering adequate dose intensity are two of the major issues in treating elderly patients. Premorbid performance status and comorbidities influence individualised treatment approaches and geriatric assessment tools are increasingly utilised. Optimal induction treatment remains high-dose methotrexate-based immunochemotherapy, delivery is feasible in the majority of patients and the goal of treatment remains achieving complete remission. Consolidation strategies are also relevant in the elderly, aiming to maximise duration of response and quality of life (QoL). Potential options include high-dose therapy with haematopoietic stem cell consolidation, non-myeloablative chemotherapy and whole-brain radiotherapy. Efficacy of novel agents, such as Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors and lenalidomide, have been reported; these represent an alternative for elderly patients unfit for chemotherapy. Prognosis remains poor, improvement of outcomes in this age group is urgently needed.

Relapsed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Current Advances

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is an invasive malignant lymphoma confined to the central nervous system. Although patients undergoing first-line treatment can achieve complete response, most of them still relapse within two years. Relapsed lymphoma is derived from occult lymphoma cells, and B cell receptor pathway activation and immune escape are the key mechanisms for the pathogenesis of PCNSL. Most relapses are in the central nervous system, a small number of relapses are isolated systemic relapses, and clinical symptoms occur early and vary. Current treatments for relapse include high-dose methotrexate rechallenge and other regimens of chemotherapy, whole-brain radiation therapy, hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which have become promising treatments. The overall prognosis of relapsed PCNSL is very poor, although it is affected by many factors. This article summarizes the mechanisms, related factors, clinical features, follow-up, treatment and prognosis of relapsed primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Systemic Approach to Recurrent Primary CNS Lymphoma: Perspective on Current and Emerging Treatment Strategies

There is no uniform standard of care for the treatment of refractory or recurrent primary central nervous lymphoma (r/r PCNSL). Many different systemic treatment regimens have been studied, but available data are based on small prospective or retrospective reports. There have been no randomized controlled trials in r/r PCNSL to date. Here, we provide an overview of published systemic regimens for the treatment of r/r PCNSL, as well as therapies that are under investigation. In addition, based on available data, we propose strategies of how to approach choice of therapy for different groups of patients in this disease setting. Patients can be mainly divided into three groups: 1) patients suitable for a re-challenge with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based regimens and that may or may not be candidates for consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant, 2) patients refractory to HD-MTX or that had early relapse, but suitable for an aggressive treatment strategy with re-induction with non-MTX-based therapy, possibly followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous transplant, and 3) patients not suitable for re-treatment with HD-MTX and that are not candidates for aggressive therapy. As PCNSL is a rare disease and as there is urgent need for better outcomes in r/r PCNSL, clinical trial participation is encouraged, especially in elderly or frail patients who are not candidates for high-dose chemotherapy and transplant.

Chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide after high-dose methotrexate for primary CNS lymphoma: a multicenter phase I study of a response-adapted strategy

This study aimed to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of temozolomide (TMZ) concurrent with radiotherapy (RT) after high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) for newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Adult patients with PCNSL were treated according to a response-adapted strategy. HD-MTX (3.5 g/m²) was followed by concomitant RT and escalating TMZ (50-60-75 mg/m²/day, 5 days/week). The total radiation dose was modulated according to the patient's response to HD-MTX. All patients received 30 Gy to the whole brain plus leptomeninges to C2, including the third posterior of the orbital cavity (clinical target volume 2; CTV2), plus 6, 10, or 16 Gy to the primary site, including the residual mass (CTV1), if a complete response (CR), partial response (PR)/stable disease (SD), or progressive disease (PD) was observed, respectively. Acute toxicities were graded according to the RTOG-EORTC criteria. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 4 hematological toxicity or grade 3-4 hepatic toxicity, although 75 mg/m²/day was the maximum dose regardless of DLT. Neurocognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Three patients were enrolled at each TMZ dose level (total = 9 patients). Twelve lesions were treated. Six patients received 2 cycles of HD-MTX, while 3 received only 1 cycle because of hepatic or renal toxicity. All patients completed chemoradiotherapy without interruptions. No DLT events were recorded. TMZ appears to be tolerable at a dose of 75 mg/m²/day when administered concomitantly with radiotherapy and after HD-MTX.

Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Molecular Pathogenesis and Advances in Treatment

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that exhibits specific biological characteristics and clinical behavior, with an aggressive disease course and unsatisfactory patient outcomes. It is of great importance to identify aberrant genetic loci and important molecular pathways that might suggest potential targets for new therapeutics and provide prognostic information. In this review, we listed various genetic and epigenetic alterations that are involved in PCNSL pathogenesis. In the aspect of treatment, we summarized the related literatures and evaluated the efficacy of surgery, induction chemotherapy, radiotherapy, intrathecal chemotherapy, and autologous stem cell transplantation in PCNSL. We also proposed the possible new agents for recurrent and relapse PCNSL based on the result of recent clinical researches.

Management of primary central nervous system lymphoma

A rare tumor, primary central nervous system lymphoma can affect immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. While sensitive to radiotherapy or chemotherapy crossing the blood-brain barrier, it often recurs. Modern treatment consists of high-dose methotrexate-based induction chemotherapy, often followed by consolidation with either radiotherapy or further chemotherapy. Neurotoxicity is however a concern with radiotherapy, especially for patients older than 60 years. The benefit of the addition of rituximab to chemotherapy is unclear. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have been effective in some patients and are tested on a larger scale. Survival has improved in the last decade, but remains poor in older patients.

Stereotactic Brachytherapy with Iodine-125 Seeds Plus Temozolomide Induced Complete and Durable Remission in a Patient with Recurrent Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment of recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has not yet been determined. We report a patient with recurrent PCNSL who has been successfully treated with stereotactic brachytherapy (SBT) with iodine-125 seeds plus temozolomide (TMZ).

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 51-year-old man who underwent left occipital lobe tumor resection 11 years earlier presented with a 1-month history of right hand weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a recurrent PCNSL, which was confirmed by pathological examination. He was treated with SBT plus TMZ. At 1 month after surgery, a repeat MRI revealed nearly complete disappearance of the lesion. At 13.5 months postsurgery, the patient was neurologically intact except for right homonymous hemianopia, and follow-up MRI did not reveal a recurrent tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first case of recurrent PCNSL successfully treated with SBT plus TMZ. Further randomized studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic impact of this new method.

Treatment of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: From Chemotherapy to Small Molecules

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is typically confined to the brain, eyes, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without evidence of systemic spread. PCNSL is an uncommon tumor, and only four randomized trials and one phase III trial have been completed so far, all in the first-line setting. The prognosis of patients with PCNSL has improved during the past few decades with the introduction of high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX), which now serves as the backbone of all first-line treatment regimens. Despite recent progress, results after treatment are durable in half of patients, and therapy can be associated with late neurotoxicity. Novel insights into the pathophysiology of PCNSL have identified the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway as a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of PCNSL. The use of novel agents targeting components of the BCR pathway, namely the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib, and immunomodulatory drugs (IMIDs) like lenalidomide and pomalidomide, has so far been limited to patients who have recurrent/refractory PCNSL with promising high response rates. Within the past 5 years, there has been a peak in clinical trials investigating small molecules and novel reagents in the recurrent/refractory setting, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, IMIDs, and BTK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors.

Immunochemotherapy using rituximab (RTX) and high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX): an evaluation of the addition of RTX to HD-MTX in recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)

Background

There is increasing evidence that MTX-based chemotherapy is superior to HD-MTX alone. Rituximab (RTX) is effective in a variety of B-cell lymphomas and may enter the brain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the addition of RTX to HD-MTX in recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with recurrent PCNSL at our institution between 2004 and 2009 were treated with HD-MTX (3.5-5.5 g/m2) every 2 weeks. From 2010, RTX (375 mg/m2) was administered every 2 weeks along with HD-MTX.

Results

Fifteen recurrences in 10 patients were treated with HD-MTX alone (MTX group). Another 15 recurrences in 10 patients were treated with RTX and HD-MTX (RTX group). In 13 (86.6%) of the 15 recurrences in both groups the pre-planned chemotherapy cycles were completed. In the MTX group, 10/15 (66.6%) recurrences achieved a complete response (CR/CRu), 2/15 (13.3%) recurrences achieved a partial response (PR) and 3/15 (20%) recurrences had progressive disease (PD). In the RTX group, the CR/CRu, PR and PD rates were the same as that in the MTX group. The median time to tumor progression (mTTP) was 9.1 months (range, 1.4-120.9 months) in the MTX group and 7.8 months (range, 0.9-52.3 months) in the RTX group. We found no significant difference in mTTP (9.1 vs. 7.8 months, HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.48-2.18, P = 0.94) between the two groups. All treatment-related toxicities were manageable without any severe events.

Conclusions

The addition of RTX to HD-MTX may not be a promising strategy for recurrent PCNSL. A future study with a larger sample size, longer follow-up, or different RTX dosing/schedule is warranted.

Primary CNS Lymphoma

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is typically confined to the brain, eyes, and cerebrospinal fluid without evidence of systemic spread. The prognosis of patients with PCNSL has improved during the last decades with the introduction of high-dose methotrexate. However, despite recent progress, results after treatment are durable in half of patients, and therapy can be associated with late neurotoxicity. PCNSL is an uncommon tumor, and only four randomized trials and one phase III trial have been completed so far, all in the first-line setting. To our knowledge, no randomized trial has been conducted for recurrent/refractory disease, leaving many questions unanswered about optimal first-line and salvage treatments. This review will give an overview of the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of immunocompetent patients with PCNSL.

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system: A case report and literature review

The present study reports the clinical diagnosis and management of a patient with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Bcl) of the central nervous system (CNS). Making an early diagnosis of primary diffuse large Bcl is challenging due to the variable and complicated clinical manifestations of the disease. The relevant literature was reviewed, and high-dose methotrexate, whole brain radiotherapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy was recommended for the patient. The present study elucidates the role of positron emission tomography-computed tomography scans for the diagnosis and management of primary diffuse large Bcl of the CNS, and demonstrates the importance of resection surgery in the management of the disease. Specifically, the present study proposes that resection surgery may be applied in the early stages of disease for patients with a single occupied lesion and increased intracranial pressure.

Efficacy of Procarbazine, Lomustine, and Vincristine Chemotherapy for Recurrent Primary Central Nervous System Lymphomas

Background

Optimal treatment for recurrent primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) has not been defined yet and there is no general consensus about the salvage chemotherapy after high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based chemotherapy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy for recurrent PCNSLs.

Methods

We reviewed eight immunocompetent patients (five males/three females, mean age: 56 years) who received salvage PCV chemotherapy (procarbazine 60 mg/m², days 8 through 21: CCNU 110 mg/m², day 1: vincristine 2 mg, days 8 and 28) for recurrent PCNSL and two patients switched to PCV chemotherapy due to severe adverse effects of HD-MTX chemotherapy. Radiologic responses, survival, and adverse effects were analyzed.

Results

Of the eight recurrent PCNSLs, three patients (37.5%) showed radiologic complete response, one patient (12.5%) showed partial response, and four patients (50%) showed progressive disease after PCV chemotherapy. Median progression free survival (PFS) from the first administration of PCV to relapse or last follow-up was 7 months (range 5-32 months) and median overall survival was 8 months (range 2-41 months). The two patients who switched to PCV chemotherapy showed PFS of 9 and 5 months from the beginning of PCV to relapse. The common side effects were thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and peripheral neuropathy. There were 4 grade III or IV myelo-suppression, but no fatal complications, including severe hemorrhage or infection, were observed.

Conclusion

Salvage PCV chemotherapy has a moderate anti-lymphoma activity for recurrent PCNSLs after the HD-MTX-based chemotherapy with tolerable toxicity.

Primary CNS lymphoma

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the central nervous system is an aggressive malignancy that exhibits unique biological features and characteristic clinical behaviour, with overall long-term survival rates of around 20–40 %. Clinical outcome has improved following the advent of chemoradiation protocols incorporating high-dose methotrexate in the mid-1980s, but disease relapse and adverse neurocognitive sequelae remain major clinical challenges. To address this, investigators have focused on improving drug therapy with novel cytotoxic combinations, monoclonal antibody therapy, and intensive chemotherapy consolidation approaches, in an attempt to improve disease control whilst reducing the requirement for whole-brain radiotherapy. Outcomes for patients that are older, immunocompromised, or have relapsed/refractory disease remain unsatisfactory and there is a paucity of clinical trial data to guide treatment of these groups. This review highlights recent advances in pathobiology, imaging, and clinical management of PCNSL and looks ahead to research priorities for this rare and challenging lymphoid malignancy.

Temozolomide retreatment in a recurrent prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma: Hormonal and radiographic response

BACKGROUND

Temozolomide is an oral alkylating agent with schedule-dependent antitumor activity against high-grade malignancies including high-grade glioma. Increasingly, reports have suggested that temozolomide may have activity as a salvage therapy for aggressive, recurrent pituitary adenomas or carcinomas that fail surgery, radiation and other pharmacotherapy. To our knowledge, temozolomide retreatment following initial responsiveness has not previously been demonstrated.

CASE REPORT

A woman was diagnosed with a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma in 1995 (age 44). Despite bromocriptine therapy, transphenoidal resection, radiotherapy, and cabergoline treatment she experienced continued clinico-radiographic progression, and temozolomide was initiated in 2011. She received three treatment cycles with rapid, dramatic clinico-radiographic response, and 99.3% reduction in serum prolactin. After three years of close observation, she developed recurrent radiographic progression and prolactin elevation. She was re-initiated on temozolomide, and after four cycles, clinical, radiographic and hormonal response was observed with a 92.2% reduction in serum prolactin.

CONCLUSIONS/SUMMARY

Temozolomide is an increasingly described treatment option for refractory pituitary adenomas and carcinomas. In the current report, we document rapid biochemical response following retreatment with temozolomide in aggressive pituitary adenoma. When "off label" salvage therapy with temozolomide is offered for patients with recurrent prolactinomas, retreatment at the time of recurrence can be considered.

Methotrexate re-challenge for recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma

The prognosis of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) recurring after methotrexate is poor (objective response rates [ORR] = 26-53 %; 1-year overall survival [OS] = 35-57 %). Salvage PCNSL chemotherapies have been based on the use of different agents to avoid cross-resistance; however, methotrexate is the most active agent in PCNSL, and methotrexate re-challenge may be an effective strategy for recurrent disease. We report our experience with methotrexate re-challenge in PCNSL. We reviewed 39 patients with histologically confirmed PCNSL who responded to methotrexate at initial diagnosis, experienced disease relapse and received methotrexate re-challenge. At the time of re-challenge, median age was 66 and median Karnofsky performance score (KPS) was 70. Median time from initial diagnosis was 26 m. Twenty-six patients were at first relapse and 13 at second or later relapse. At re-challenge, methotrexate was given in combination with other agents to 33 patients and as a single agent to six. The objective response rate was 85 %, with a complete response in 29 (75 %) patients, partial response in four (10 %) and disease progression in six (15 %). At median follow-up of 26 m, the median progression-free survival was 16 m; 1-year OS was 79 % (95 % CI 63-89) and median OS was 41 m. KPS was a prognostic factor for progression free survival (p = 0.04). In this population selected by previous methotrexate response, methotrexate re-challenge was a safe and effective strategy, indicating chemosensitivity was retained. Efficacy compared favorably to other salvage treatments suggesting methotrexate re-challenge should be considered in recurrent PCNSL patients who previously responded to methotrexate.

Recent advances in treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma

OPINION STATEMENT

Therapeutic options are limited in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) with no uniform consensus on optimal management and few published, randomized trials. High-dose methotrexate in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents forms the mainstay of treatment. There hasn't been much progress beyond high-dose methotrexate in this disease, and although results from trials using high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplant seem promising, these need to be further validated. Moreover, the role of whole brain radiation in the upfront setting remains to be determined. However, international efforts in this direction are underway, with ongoing randomized trials in newly diagnosed PCNSL, more research on the molecular pathogenesis and biomarkers, and the use of novel agents in salvage therapy. There also is emphasis on quality of life parameters and neurocognitive status. Future treatment options should optimize high-efficacy rates while minimizing the risk of neurotoxicity.

Advantages of dose-dense methotrexate protocol for primary central nervous system lymphoma: comparison of two different protocols at a single institution

The efficacy and toxicity of high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). All immunocompetent patients with histologically or radiographically diagnosed PCNSL treated between 2006 and 2012 at Niigata University Hospital were enrolled. Thirty-eight patients with a diagnosis of PCNSL were treated with one of two regimens during different time periods. During the first period, from 2006 to 2009, three 3-week cycles of MPV (MTX + procarbazine + vincristine) were administered (MPV3 group). In the second period, from 2010 to 2012, five 2-week cycles of MTX were administered (MTX5 group). High-dose cytarabine was used in both groups following HD-MTX-based chemotherapy. Whole-brain radiotherapy was used for patients who did not attain a complete response (CR) based on magnetic resonance images. In the MPV3 group, 20 out of 23 patients (87%) completed the planned treatment. The CR rate after chemotherapy was 30%, and 57% after radiation therapy. Thirteen out of 15 patients (87%) in the MTX5 group completed the planned treatment. The CR rates after chemotherapy and radiation therapy were 53% and 93%, respectively. Renal dysfunction was assessed by measuring creatinine clearance rates, which were very similar in both groups. In terms of hematologic toxicity and other adverse reactions, there was no significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, dose-dense MTX chemotherapy improved outcome with acceptable toxicity compared with the treatment schedule for three cycles of MPV treatment.

Retrospective study of pemetrexed as salvage therapy for central nervous system lymphoma

There is currently no standard therapy for recurrent or chemotherapy-refractory central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL). Pemetrexed has been reported to have activity in patients with primary CNSL (PCNSL). The use of pemetrexed in secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) has not previously been reported. Here we retrospectively review the outcomes and toxicities of standard and modified doses of pemetrexed as salvage therapy in 18 PCNSL and 12 SCNSL patients. The overall response rate for PCNSL patients was 64.7 %, all of whom achieved a complete response (CR). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.8 months. For the SCNSL patients, RR was 58.3 % with 2 CR (16.7 %); the median PFS was 2.5 months. Grade ≥3 adverse events included leukopenia in 5 patients (16.7 %), neutropenia in 1 patient (3.3 %), and fatigue in 3 patients (10.0 %). 3 patients died while on treatment, 2 due to infections and 1 due to pulmonary embolism. Our results indicate that pemetrexed has activity as salvage therapy in recurrent PCNSL, even with modified dosing, but outcomes trend towards less favorable in SCNSL.

O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) immunohistochemistry as a predictor of resistance to temozolomide in primary CNS lymphoma

Temozolomide, an alkylating agent, has shown promise in treating primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). The enzyme O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) repairs alkylating damage, such as that induced by temozolomide. We hypothesized that MGMT immunohistochemistry would predict resistance to temozolomide in PCNSL. A retrospective study of newly-diagnosed and recurrent PCNSL patients treated at our institution was conducted to study the predictive value of MGMT immunohistochemistry for response to temozolomide. 20 patients who were treated with temozolomide as a single agent were identified during the study time period. 6/20 patients demonstrated a response, corresponding to an objective response rate of 30 % (95 % CI 8-52). Five patients with low MGMT level (<30 %) showed a response to temozolomide. Only one of 10 patients (10 %) with high MGMT level (≥30 %) exhibited a response to temozolomide. Small sample numbers precluded formal statistical comparisons. Two patients with complete response remain alive without progressive disease 6.7 and 7.2 years after temozolomide initiation. Immunohistochemistry can be performed on small biopsies to selectively assess MGMT status in tumor versus surrounding inflammation. MGMT analysis by immunohistochemistry may predict response to temozolomide in PCNSL and should be prospectively investigated.

Multicenter phase II study of rituximab and temozolomide in recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma

We initiated a prospective multicenter phase II trial using rituximab and temozolomide in immunocompetent patients with progressive or recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) based on activity observed in retrospective studies. Treatment consisted of an induction phase with rituximab (750 mg/m(2)) on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 and temozolomide (150 mg/m(2)) days 1-7 and 15-21, followed by six cycles of consolidation temozolomide (150-200 mg/m(2) × 5/28 days), followed by maintenance with methylprednisolone (1 g IV every 28 days) until progression. Sixteen patients were enrolled, and a complete response was seen in 2/14 (14%) evaluable patients. The median progression-free survival was 7 weeks and median overall survival was not reached (median follow-up: 37 months). Treatment was well tolerated, but due to slow accrual and preliminary analysis suggesting futility, the trial was closed early. Given the overall modest activity, this regimen should be reserved for patients who are not candidates for other, more aggressive salvage treatments.

Current and emerging pharmacotherapies for primary CNS lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) constitutes a rare group of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) primarily of B cell origin. It occurs in both immuno-competent and immune-compromised patients. High dose m ethotrexate (HD-MTX) based chemotherapy is the standard therapy. Chemotherapy with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) improves response rates and survival compared with WBRT alone. However, due to the increased risk for neurotoxicity with WBRT, recent studies have focused on using chemotherapy alone. Methotrexate based multi-agent chemotherapy without WBRT is associated with similar t reatment rates and survival compared with regimens that include WBRT although controlled trials have not been performed. Because of the low incidence of this disease, it is difficult to conduct randomized controlled trials. In this article we have discussed about the past, present and emerging treatment options in patients with PCNSL.