Phase II trial of chemotherapy alone for primary CNS and intraocular lymphoma

Treatment patterns and disease course of previously untreated Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Feasibility of MTX-based regimens in clinical routine

BACKGROUND

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare type of aggressive lymphoma of the central nervous system. Treatment strategies improved significantly over the past decades differ regionally but mainly consist of rituximab and high-dosed methotrexate (MTX)-based therapies.

METHODS

We assessed clinical outcomes of 100 patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL between 2010-2020 at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany.

RESULTS

Patients were 23-88 years of age and either treated with MTX-based regimens (PRIMAIN, MARTA, MATRix), individual regimens, or best supportive care, respectively. Overall response rates were generally high (66,7-83,8%), but different organ toxicities required dose adjustments in most groups. Two-year overall survival rates were 57,9% (PRIMAIN), 63,6% (MARTA), 65,4% (MATRix), and 37,5% (Other), respectively. Out of 9 patients suffering from relapse >12 months from primary diagnosis, 7 patients (77,8%) received methotrexate-based salvage therapy with 2-year overall survival of 4/6 patients (66,7%).

CONCLUSION

Although a relevant proportion of patients are not eligible for clinical trials due to age, performance status, or comorbidities, these results prove feasibility of different MTX-based treatment strategies in clinical routine. Even elderly patients displayed surprisingly favorable outcomes. However, with compromising organ toxicities, reduction of intensity should be part of strategies in future clinical trials.

Efficacy and safety of intravitreal methotrexate for vitreo-retinal lymphoma - 20 years of experience

Vitreo-retinal lymphoma (VRL) is the most common intraocular lymphoma and is highly associated with central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (CNSL), both posing a therapeutic challenge. We investigated patients' characteristics, efficacy and safety of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections and their outcomes over 20 years. The records of 129 patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Lymphoma involved both the CNS and vitreo-retina (49%), solely the CNS (37%) or solely the vitreo-retina (14%). In all, 45·5% of the patients with CNSL either presented with VRL or developed it after a mean (±SE) of 85·7 (7·3) months. In all, 66·0% of the patients diagnosed with VRL either presented with CNSL or developed it after a mean (±SE) 42·6 (7·6) months. The 81 patients with VRL (134 eyes) received a mean (±SD) of 19 (7) injections; however, only 5 (4) injections were needed to reach complete remission. Local recurrence occurred in two of the 81 patients. Overall, 80·2% of eyes had an initial moderate-severe visual loss, and >50% of them improved. Reversible keratopathy was the most prevalent side-effect. A total of 18·5% developed intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation due to angle neovascularisation after 16 injections, which could be reversed with prompt intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. Intravitreal MTX injections are a safe and effective treatment for VRL. Fewer injections (15) may offer similar results with fewer side-effects.

INTRAOCULAR LYMPHOMA WITH RETROBULBAR INFILTRATION. A CASE REPORT

Subjective and objective symptoms following intraocular lymphoma could lead to a misdiagnosis at the beginning of the disease, which is the cause for the delay in an effective treatment. The most common manifestation of lymphoma is an inflammatory disease affecting the uvea. A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis is required. Suspicion based on the ophthalmological examinations has to be verified by histology. We present a case report of a 78-year-old patient examined at our clinic, with progressive loss of vision in the left eye over 6 months, suspected of retinal detachment. Objectively the visual acuity was counting fingers in front of the left eye. Intraocular pressure changed from normotensive to hypertensive values during regular examinations. We realised imaging exams, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance, which proved an intraocular tumour with retrobulbar infiltration and retinal detachment. The patient was indicated for enucleation, which enabled assignment of a histological type of intraocular B-Non-Hodgkin lymphoma from marginal zone B-cells. We sent the patient to a haematologist-oncologist for management of the subsequent treatment and we prescribed an individual prosthesis to the patient after the enucleation. The patient remains under observation; no surgical treatment, chemotherapy or radiotherapy have been used for 15 months after the enucleation. The enucleation was both a diagnostic and treatment modality.

Eye involvement in primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) may manifest initially in the eye (termed vitreoretinal lymphoma or VRL) or in non-ocular CNS compartments, or in both. The nature of the onset of PCNSL implies two clinical specialists - ophthalmologists and neuro-oncologists - independently may assess the primary presentation of this rare malignancy. Clinically relevant perspectives on expectations of PCNSL manifestation in both ocular and non-ocular CNS compartments would help inform management practices in each specialty, which should impact clinical outcomes. A recent increase in the number of published PCNSL cohort studies provides new opportunity to review the current prevalence rates of ocular involvement, and the timing of this involvement over the course of disease. In PCNSL cohorts defined by non-ocular CNS compartment involvement, with or without ocular involvement (termed "PCNSL ± ocular involvement" cohorts), mean rates of concomitant VRL at diagnosis, or at any time during the course, are 10% and 16%, respectively. Only a few individuals within this cohort group present with exclusive eye disease (<5%), and the rate of secondary ocular involvement is only 5-9%. In PCNSL cohorts defined by the involvement of the ocular compartment, with or without non-ocular CNS involvement (termed "VRL ± non-ocular CNS involvement" cohorts), 58% of persons have a primary ocular diagnosis, which carries a 50% risk of secondary involvement in the CNS beyond the eye. Rates of non-ocular CNS involvement with VRL at diagnosis or over the course of disease are 41% and 69%, respectively.

Surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma

Objective: Recent studies of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) have found a positive association between cytoreductive surgery and survival, challenging the traditional notion that surgery is not beneficial and potentially harmful. However, no studies have examined the potential added benefits of adjuvant treatment in the post-operative setting. Here, we investigate survival in PCNSL patients treated with surgery plus radiation therapy (RT).Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results Program was used to identify patients with PCNSL from 1995-2013. We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between treatment, prognostic factors, and survival using case-control design. Treatment categories were compared to biopsy alone.Results: We identified 5417 cases. Median survival times for biopsy alone (n = 1824, 34%), biopsy + RT (n = 1460, 27%), surgery alone (n = 1222, 27%), and surgery + RT (n = 911, 17%) were 7, 8, 20, and 27 months, respectively. On multivariable analysis, surgery + RT was associated with improved survival over surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.58 [95% confidence interval = 0.53-0.64] vs. HR = 0.71 [0.65-0.77]). Adjuvant RT was associated with improved survival, regardless of the extent of resection. HR's for subtotal resection, gross-total resection, subtotal resection + RT, and gross-total resection + RT were 0.77 (0.66-0.89), 0.66 (0.57-0.76), 0.62 (0.52-0.72), and 0.54 (0.46-0.63), respectively. Survival improved after adjuvant RT in patients under and over 60 years old. All findings were confirmed by multivariable analysis of cause-specific survival.Conclusion: Adjuvant RT was associated with improved survival in PCNSL patients who underwent surgery. Although these data are hypothesis-generating, additional information on neurotoxicity, dosing, and concurrent chemotherapy will be necessary to validate these findings. Cytoreductive surgery for PCNSL is common in the general population, and more studies are needed to assess optimal treatment in the post-operative setting.

Nomograms Predict Survival Outcome of Primary Intramedullary Spinal Cord Lymphoma Patients

Background

Primary intramedullary spinal cord lymphoma (PISCL) is a rare cause of myelopathies. Considering its poor prognosis, it is essential to determine the appropriate treatment strategies and to develop nomograms to predict survival outcome for PISCL patients.

Material/Methods

Data were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We used 364 patients to investigate overall survival (OS) and 289 patients for cancer-specific survival (CSS). Kaplan-Meier method was to evaluate correlations of survival with different treatment strategies and clinicopathologic factors. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess OS and CSS based on different variables. Risk factors were integrated to build nomograms.

Results

Most of the 414 PISCL patients diagnosed with positive histology had diffuse B cell lymphoma, were under 60 years old, were male, were of white race, had 1 primary tumor, were married, were low stage, and had previously undergone chemotherapy. We found that radiation therapy had no effect on patient OS and CSS, and patients receiving chemotherapy alone tended to have better OS and CSS in comparison with other groups. In addition, we showed that clinicopathologic factors, including histologic type, age, stage, and marital status, could serve as independent prognostic factors for PISCL patient OS and CSS. These factors were utilized to construct nomograms. The calibration curves demonstrated good agreement. The concordance indexes for OS and CSS were 0.672 (P=0.024) and 0.683 (P=0.029), respectively.

Conclusions

Practical nomograms were established for patients’ OS and CSS. Besides, this study can guild clinician to make the right decision for appropriate treatment of PISCL patients.

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.

Advances in the treatment of newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphomas

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a type of highly invasive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. With a growing number of organ transplantation and immunosuppressant therapy, the incidence of PCNSL has been growing rapidly in recent years, which is attributed to the increased incidence of HIV/AIDS, a prominent risk factor for developing PCNSL. The rising rate of PCNSL incidence is the highest among the intracranial tumors. In the past 20 years, dozens of clinical trials related to PCNSL have been registered, but adequate therapeutics are still challenging. Currently, the chemotherapy regimens based on high-dose methotrexate and whole-brain radiotherapy are the two main therapeutic options; however, the toxicity associated with those is the main problem that challenges medical researchers. Novel agents and therapeutic strategies have been developed in recent years. In the current review, we describe advances in the treatment of PCNSL and discuss novel therapeutic approaches currently in development, such as the use of rituximab, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and state-of-the-art radiotherapy.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: essential points in diagnosis and management

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an extra-nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. PCNSL is defined as lymphoma involving the brain, leptomeninges, eyes, or spinal cord without evidence of lymphoma outside the CNS. Treatment includes induction with chemotherapy and consolidation with whole-brain radiotherapy or high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation. High-dose methotrexate is the most important drug in cases with PCNSL, and this drug will be used in combination with small molecules, BTK inhibitors, new monoclonal antibodies, and checkpoint blockers.

Challenges and opportunities in primary CNS lymphoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Historically, high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) plus consolidation chemotherapy and/or whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has been the gold standard on Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL) management. We sought to examine and summarize the data, on clinical trial (CT) setting, investigating multi-modality treatment to PCNSL.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Database and clinicaltrials.gov) and a manual search to identify original PCNSL phase 2 and phase 3 CT from the last 10years. After a 4stage Prisma based selection process, 32 published (3 Randomized CT and 29 phases 2 CT) studies ultimately were selected for review. Four ongoing clinical trials found on clinicaltrial.gov were reviewed. Two investigators reviewed titles, abstracts, and articles independently. Two investigators abstracted data sequentially and evaluated each study independently.

FINDINGS

Treatment of PCNSL requires a multidisciplinary approach. HD-MTX represents the most accepted standard of care induction therapy for newly diagnosed PCNSL. When HD-MTX is given with WBRT for consolidation delayed neurotoxicity can be an important complication, particularly in elderly patients. Studies have suggested that WBRT may be deferred until relapse without compromising survival and deferring WBRT may be the best approach in elderly patients. Results from dose-reduced WBRT and consolidative HD-Ara-C are encouraging. High-dose chemotherapy in combination with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC-ASCT) as chemotherapy alone has emerged as an important consolidative treatment for selected population. The optimal salvage therapy is still to be defined.

CONCLUSION

WBRT for consolidation is a well-studied modality; however emerging options to selected population such as HDC-ASCT, dose-reduced WBRT or chemotherapy alone are associated with similar survival outcome and less neurotoxicity in selected series. Ongoing and future clinical trials will better define the best approach on this rare disease.

Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: Management of Isolated Ocular Disease

BACKGROUND

The prognosis for patients with primary vitreoretinal is dismal. The close association of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma with primary central nervous system lymphoma is responsible for high rates of mortality. Traditional treatments consist of systemic chemotherapy and whole-brain radiotherapy. The optimal approach for the treatment of isolated primary vitreoretinal lymphoma is unclear.

METHODS

A review of the relevant medical and scientific literature was performed, focusing on the clinical features of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma and the progress made in the management of isolated ocular disease.

RESULTS

Ocular treatment options for primary vitreoretinal lymphoma have recently expanded with the addition of intravitreal chemotherapeutic agents and localized radiation. Based on several retrospective reports, a general shift has been made toward local therapy (eg, orbital radiotherapy, intravitreal chemotherapy) for ocular disease. No prospective, randomized clinical trials yet exist to guide therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal treatment regimens for isolated primary vitreoretinal lymphoma continue to evolve. Further investigations into novel therapies and protocols are needed to decrease recurrence rates, reduce or prevent central nervous system involvement, and improve rates of overall survival.

Pilot study of gamma-knife surgery-incorporated systemic chemotherapy omitting whole brain radiotherapy for the treatment of elderly primary central nervous system lymphoma patients with poor prognostic scores

Systemic chemotherapy followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is a widely used treatment strategy for patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). However, the outcome of this treatment strategy in elderly patients, particularly with a poor prognostic score, was disappointing compared with younger patients, and the deterioration of cognitive function after WBRT is more problematic in these patients. To avoid this debilitating complication of WBRT and increase treatment efficacy in elderly patients, we designed systemic chemotherapy that incorporated interim gamma-knife surgery (GKS) treatment for elderly PCNSL patients (age≥65 years), omitting WBRT in this pilot trial. A total of four elderly patients with a poor prognostic score based on an International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group were enrolled in this pilot clinical trial. All study patients acquired complete response and showed stable or improved neuropsychological function during the disease-free state. The median progression-free survival was 9.5 months (range 8.6-22.5 months), and the median overall survival was 15.8 months (range 13.3-25.1 months), which were likely to be similar to those of the chemotherapy followed by WBRT for those patients. This pilot study demonstrated that GKS-incorporated systemic chemotherapy can obtain complete response with high probability and considerably long survival, which suggests that this treatment strategy is efficient and neuropsychologically safe for elderly PCNSL patients with a poor prognostic score.

A case series of primary central nervous system posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder: imaging and clinical characteristics

BACKGROUND

Primary central nervous system posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PCNS-PTLD) is a rare complication after solid organ transplantation (SOT). With increasing rates of SOT, PCNS-PTLD incidence is increasing.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics of PCNS-PTLD patients requiring neurosurgical intervention.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2011, 10 patients with prior SOT underwent biopsy for evaluation of brain lesions and were diagnosed with PCNS-PTLD. Data collected included imaging characteristics, pathology, treatments administered, and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

All patients had kidney transplantation, and 3 had concurrent pancreas transplantation. Median age at diagnosis was 49 years, with a median of 4.5 years from SOT to diagnosis (range, 1.8-11.4 years). Presenting symptoms most often included focal neurological deficits (n = 6), although several patients had nonspecific symptoms of headache and altered mental status. Brain lesions were generally multiple (n = 7), supratentorial (n = 8), and lobar or periventricular in distribution with ring enhancement. Diagnosis was established by stereotactic (n = 4) and open surgical (n = 6) biopsy. Treatments most frequently administered included reduction of immunosuppression (n = 10), dexamethasone (n = 10), rituximab (n = 8), high-dose methotrexate (n = 3), and whole-brain radiotherapy (n = 6). Six patients remain alive without PCNS-PTLD relapse, including 4 patients who have sustained remissions beyond 2 years from diagnosis of PCNS-PTLD. Of 4 observed deaths, 1 was related to progressive PCNS-PTLD.

CONCLUSION

PCNS-PTLD must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with prior SOT presenting with an intracranial lesion. Histological diagnosis with brain biopsy is imperative, given the risk for opportunistic infections that may have similar imaging findings and presentation. Prognosis is variable, although long-term survival has been reported.

Controversies in primary CNS lymphoma

Primary CNS lymphoma is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma confined to the CNS: the brain, eyes and cerebrospinal fluid. Unlike other primary brain tumors, primary CNS lymphoma is uniquely chemo- and radiosensitive. However, the outcome of primary CNS lymphoma patients is significantly inferior to similar non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. Multiple prospective studies using high-dose methotrexate, with or without whole-brain radiotherapy, have reported improved primary CNS lymphoma outcome, but numerous questions remain regarding the optimal care of a given patient.

Update on the therapeutic approaches to brain tumors

Neuro-oncology is a rapidly growing field of study. The understanding of brain tumors has expanded in pace with advances in the field of molecular biology and genetics. Diagnoses are more accurate, biopsy and surgical intervention safer, radiotherapy more focused and chemotherapy safer and better tolerated. Novel strategies based on the understanding of brain tumor biology are emerging as targeted approaches to therapy. Despite all this, only a minority of patients with certain subsets of brain tumors have experienced prolonged survival. This review focuses on the standard and emerging therapies for the two most common categories of brain tumors: gliomas and meningiomas. Primary CNS lymphoma, while a relatively rare tumor, is also included as a topic of discussion as the achievements in its treatment represent the principal strides in the evolution of neuro-oncology.

Primary intraocular lymphoma

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is an ocular malignancy that is a subset of primary central system lymphoma (PCNSL). Approximately one-third of PIOL patients will have concurrent PCNSL at presentation, and 42-92% will develop PCNSL within a mean of 8-29 months. Although rare, the incidence has been rising in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations. The majority of PIOL is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, though rare T-cell variants are described. Recently, PIOL has been classified by main site of involvement in the eye, with vitreoretinal lymphoma as the most common type of ocular lymphoma related to PCNSL. Diagnosis remains challenging for ophthalmologists and pathologists. PIOL can masquerade as noninfectious or infectious uveitis, white dot syndromes, or occasionally as other neoplasms such as metastatic cancers. Laboratory diagnosis by cytology has been much aided by the use of immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, biochemical finding of interleukin changes (IL10:IL6 ratio > 1), and cellular microdissection with polymerase chain reaction amplification for clonality. Use of several tests improves the diagnostic yield. Approaches to treatment have centered on systemic methotrexate-based chemotherapy, often with cytarabine (Ara-C) and radiotherapy. Use of intravitreal chemotherapy with methotrexate (0.4 mg/0.1 mL) is promising in controlling ocular disease, and intravitreal rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) has also been tried. Despite these advances, prognosis remains poor.

Local chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of ocular malignancies

We critically analyze available peer-reviewed literature, including clinical trials and case reports, on local ocular cancer treatments. Recent innovations in many areas of ocular oncology have introduced promising new therapies, but, for the most part, the optimal treatment of ocular malignancies remains elusive.

High-dose methotrexate, high-dose cytarabine and temozolomide for the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)

Treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) associates with low response rates and poor survival using conventional radio and chemotherapy. Due to its favorable toxicity profile, temozolomide has emerged as a new option for treatment of PCNSL in young patients. In this study, we report a series of PCNSL patients treated with an innovative regimen combining high dose of both cytarabine and methotrexate with temozolomide without radiotherapy or intrathecal chemotherapy. To evaluate a new intensive chemotherapy with temozolomide, trying to assess response and progression-free survival rates and if the results are promising, we are aiming at evaluating the overall survival (OS) taking into consideration the toxicity profile. The study was performed at Al Mowassa Charity Hospital in Damascus (Syria). Forty patients with histologically confirmed PCNSL median age 52 years (range 20-65) years were included. Biopsies were cultured, and a karyotyping was made in 32 patients. An induction chemotherapy was started, and methotrexate 3 gr/m² over 12 h on day 1, cytarabine 3 gr/m² every 12 h on day 1 and temozolomide 150 mg/m² from day 2 through day 6 with a total of 6 cycles were given on a monthly basis. Among the 40 patients included in the study, a complete response was observed in 34 patients (85%) and a partial response in the remaining 6 patients (15%). Disease progressed in 8 out of 40 patients (20%) while 32 patients are still living at 5 years making the OS reaching 77%. Grade II nephrotoxicity was observed in 2 patients while grade III and IV hematotoxicity was observed in 5 patients. High dose of both Ara-C and MTX combined with temozolomide appears to be a good choice in the treatment of PCNSL, in the light of good response and OS rates, taking into consideration the acceptable toxicity profile. However, a larger trial is needed to make it an acceptable new combination as a first line for PCNSL patients.

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.

Immunochemotherapy with intensive consolidation for primary CNS lymphoma: a pilot study and prognostic assessment by diffusion-weighted MRI

PURPOSE

We evaluated a novel therapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) with induction immunochemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate, temozolomide, and rituximab (MT-R) followed by intensive consolidation with infusional etoposide and high-dose cytarabine (EA). In addition, we evaluated the prognostic value of the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC(min)) derived from diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in patients treated with this regimen.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Thirty-one patients (median age, 61 years; median Karnofsky performance score, 60) received induction with methotrexate every 14 days for 8 planned cycles. Rituximab was administered the first 6 cycles and temozolomide administered on odd-numbered cycles. Patients with responsive or stable central nervous system (CNS) disease received EA consolidation. Pretreatment DW-MRI was used to calculate the ADC(min) of contrast-enhancing lesions.

RESULTS

The complete response rate for MT-R induction was 52%. At a median follow-up of 79 months, the 2-year progression-free and overall survival were 45% and 58%, respectively. For patients receiving EA consolidation, the 2-year progression-free and overall survival were 78% and 93%, respectively. EA consolidation was also effective in an additional 3 patients who presented with synchronous CNS and systemic lymphoma. Tumor ADC(min) less than 384 × 10(-6) mm(2)/s was significantly associated with shorter progression-free and overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

MT-R induction was effective and well tolerated. MT-R followed by EA consolidation yielded progression-free and overall survival outcomes comparable to regimens with chemotherapy followed by whole-brain radiotherapy consolidation but without evidence of neurotoxicity. Tumor ADC(min) derived from DW-MRI provided better prognostic information for PCNSL patients treated with the MTR-EA regimen than established clinical risk scores.

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: a report from an International Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Collaborative Group symposium

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), also known as primary intraocular lymphoma, is a rare malignancy typically classified as a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and most frequently develops in elderly populations. PVRL commonly masquerades as posterior uveitis and has a unique tropism for the retina and central nervous system (CNS). Over 15% of primary CNS lymphoma patients develop intraocular lymphoma, usually occurring in the retina and/or vitreous. Conversely, 65%-90% of PVRL patients develop CNS lymphoma. Consequently, PVRL is often fatal because of ultimate CNS association. Current PVRL animal models are limited and require further development. Typical clinical findings include vitreous cellular infiltration (lymphoma and inflammatory cells) and subretinal tumor infiltration as determined using dilated fundoscopy, fluorescent angiography, and optical coherent tomography. Currently, PVRL is most often diagnosed using both histology to identify lymphoma cells in the vitreous or retina and immunohistochemistry to indicate monoclonality. Additional adjuncts in diagnosing PVRL exist, including elevation of interleukin-10 levels in ocular fluids and detection of Ig(H) or T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in malignant cells. The optimal therapy for PVRL is not defined and requires the combined effort of oncologists and ophthalmologists. PVRL is sensitive to radiation therapy and exhibits high responsiveness to intravitreal methotrexate or rituximab. Although systemic chemotherapy alone can result in high response rates in patients with PVRL, there is a high relapse rate. Because of the disease rarity, international, multicenter, collaborative efforts are required to better understand the biology and pathogenesis of PVRL as well as to define both diagnostic markers and optimal therapies.

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: a report from an International Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Collaborative Group symposium

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), also known as primary intraocular lymphoma, is a rare malignancy typically classified as a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and most frequently develops in elderly populations. PVRL commonly masquerades as posterior uveitis and has a unique tropism for the retina and central nervous system (CNS). Over 15% of primary CNS lymphoma patients develop intraocular lymphoma, usually occurring in the retina and/or vitreous. Conversely, 65%-90% of PVRL patients develop CNS lymphoma. Consequently, PVRL is often fatal because of ultimate CNS association. Current PVRL animal models are limited and require further development. Typical clinical findings include vitreous cellular infiltration (lymphoma and inflammatory cells) and subretinal tumor infiltration as determined using dilated fundoscopy, fluorescent angiography, and optical coherent tomography. Currently, PVRL is most often diagnosed using both histology to identify lymphoma cells in the vitreous or retina and immunohistochemistry to indicate monoclonality. Additional adjuncts in diagnosing PVRL exist, including elevation of interleukin-10 levels in ocular fluids and detection of Ig(H) or T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in malignant cells. The optimal therapy for PVRL is not defined and requires the combined effort of oncologists and ophthalmologists. PVRL is sensitive to radiation therapy and exhibits high responsiveness to intravitreal methotrexate or rituximab. Although systemic chemotherapy alone can result in high response rates in patients with PVRL, there is a high relapse rate. Because of the disease rarity, international, multicenter, collaborative efforts are required to better understand the biology and pathogenesis of PVRL as well as to define both diagnostic markers and optimal therapies.

[Management of primary central nervous system lymphoma]

Primary CNS lymphoma is the malignant brain tumor whose prognosis has improved the most the two past decades. The majority of the patients achieve a complete remission with treatment and a substantial minority may hope to be cured. The treatment includes high-dose methotrexate polychemotherapy combined or not with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Elderly patients who are exposed to a high risk of treatment induced neurotoxicity need a specific management avoiding or defering WBRT. In young patients, the main questions concerning the treatment are the role of consolidation WBRT and intensive chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell rescue in the initial treatment of PCNSL. As recently shown, national and international collaborative efforts make now possible randomized trials for this rare disease, which would contribute to better define the treatment strategy. New insights in PCNSL tumorigenesis would help to better understand the heterogeneity of outcome and to develop efficient targeted therapies.

Characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience

BACKGROUND

Approximately 50% of all patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) are aged ≥65 years; however, this group is relatively understudied, and to the authors's knowledge, optimal treatment for older patients is not well defined.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of PCNSL patients aged ≥65 years who were treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1986 and 2008. A multivariate analysis of demographic and clinical variables on prognosis and receipt of treatment was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-four patients between the ages of 65 and 89 years were identified; there was a slight predominance of women (52.9%). One hundred forty-eight patients were treated with chemotherapy at the time of diagnosis (98% with methotrexate-based therapy) and 31 of these patients also received whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Sixteen patients received WBRT alone. A radiographic response to chemotherapy was noted in 76% of patients. Ninety patients developed disease progression after initial treatment; 74 received salvage therapy and 48% of these patients responded to salvage treatment. The median overall survival was 25 months (range, 18-33 months), and the 3-year survival rate was 36%. Approximately 20.1% of patients were alive for ≥11 years. WBRT was delivered more frequently before 1998, and patients with a history of prior malignancy were less likely to receive WBRT. Age and performance status were identified as the most important predictors of survival. Treatment-related neurotoxicity at 2 years was strongly associated with receipt of WBRT (P=.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

PCNSL in the elderly remains sensitive to methotrexate-based chemotherapy and aggressive treatment may be warranted both at the time of diagnosis and disease recurrence.

Chemotherapy in newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) accounts for only 3% of brain tumors. It can involve the brain parenchyma, leptomeninges, eyes and the spinal cord. Unlike systemic lymphoma, durable remissions remain uncommon. Although phase III trials in this rare disease are difficult to perform, many phase II trials have attempted to define standards of care. Treatment modalities for patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL include radiation and/or chemotherapy. While the role of radiation therapy for initial management of PCNSL is controversial, clinical trials will attempt to improve the therapeutic index of this modality. Routes of chemotherapy administration include intravenous, intraocular, intraventricular or intra-arterial. Multiple trials have outlined different methotrexate-based chemotherapy regimens and have used local techniques to improve drug delivery. A major challenge in the management of patients with PCNSL remains the delivery of aggressive treatment with preservation of neurocognitive function. Because PCNSL is rare, it is important to perform multicenter clinical trials and to incorporate detailed measurements of long-term toxicities. In this review we focus on different chemotherapeutic approaches for immunocompetent patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL and discuss the role of local drug delivery in addition to systemic therapy. We also address the neurocognitive toxicity of treatment.

Leukemias and lymphomas: treatment and prophylaxis of the central nervous system

Central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy is required for many acute leukemia patients and for nearly all aggressive or high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients as part of an overall chemotherapy plan for disease eradication. The CNS therapy decisions differ for overt disease treatment versus prophylactic treatment and take into consideration the type of leukemia or lymphoma, the age of the patient, and other prognostic factors. A variety of CNS-directed therapies are used for prevention or treatment of CNS disease in acute leukemias or aggressive lymphomas: intrathecal medications (cytosine arabinoside, methotrexate, or both in combination with hydrocortisone) with or without cranial or craniospinal irradiation, intrathecal medication only with intensive systemic chemotherapy, or high-dose chemotherapy specifically chosen for CNS penetrance. Any type of CNS-directed therapy, whether intrathecal chemotherapy, high-dose systemic chemotherapy, or irradiation, may cause acute or delayed (late) toxicity. Ongoing clinical trial research aims to reduce the risk of toxicity from CNS-directed therapy while preserving or improving treatment efficacy.

Meningeal dissemination in primary CNS lymphoma: diagnosis, treatment, and survival in a large monocenter cohort

The frequency of meningeal dissemination (MD) in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), its prognostic impact, and optimal management have not been defined thus far. In 69 of 92 (75%) immunocompetent patients, primarily diagnosed with PCNSL at our institution between January 1994 and February 2007, cerebrospinal fluid was analyzed for MD. MD was found by cytomorphology in 7/63 (11%), by immunophenotyping in 1/32 (3%), and by PCR of the IgH CDR III region in 6/37 (16%). Neuroradiologic examination revealed MD in 3 of 69 patients (4%). Median event-free survival (EFS) of patients with MD diagnosed by any of the methods was 26 months, of those without MD 34.1 months (P = .24); median overall survival (OAS) of these two patients' groups was 45.5 and 42.5 months, respectively (P = .34). Patients with cytomorphologic proof of MD had a median EFS of 15.4 months and OAS of 18.5 months, those without MD 34.3 and 45 months (P = .018 and .017, respectively). We found a low frequency of MD despite the use of putatively sensitive diagnostic methods. No impact on outcome was seen for MD, diagnosed by any of the methods used; however, patients with cytomorphologic proof of MD had a significantly shorter median EFS and OAS.

Clinical review: treatment of vitreoretinal lymphoma

Vitreoretinal lymphoma is the most common type of intraocular lymphoma. It is mostly a high-grade B-cell malignancy with a poor prognosis, and is often associated with primary central nervous system lymphoma. Since intraocular lymphoma was first recognized almost 60 years ago, its treatment has gradually evolved. In the early years enucleation was often performed. Since that time, radiation therapy alone, systemic chemotherapy alone, or a combination of the two have been used extensively Because of the limited intraocular penetration of drugs administered systemically, the systemic and local toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and the high rate of recurrence, intravitreous chemotherapy, mainly using methotrexate, has become popular in the last decade, with encouraging results. More recently, biological treatment with intravitreal injections of rituximab has been investigated, with good results and minimal side effects. This review summarizes the present knowledge on vitreoretinal lymphoma therapy, with an eye to future molecular approaches.

Monotherapy with methotrexate for primary central nervous lymphoma has single agent activity in the absence of radiotherapy: a single institution cohort

We have retrospectively reviewed toxicities and response of a cohort of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients treated with high dose parenteral methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy without whole brain radiation. From The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Registry, active since 1946, we selected all immunocompetent patients with histologic and/or radiographic PCNSL diagnosed between 1980 and 2007. We identified the recipients of MTX with leucovorin rescue as sole therapy. No patient received radiation therapy (XRT). We analyzed this cohort for toxicity, response and patterns of recurrence. The cohort of 121 patients received on average 11 cycles of intravenous MTX at a median dose of 8 g/m². Median interval between cycles was 10 days. After 3 months of therapy, the overall response rate was 85% (58% CR, 27% PR). The overall survival (OS) for the cohort was 7 years and progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.14 years. A trend toward a higher PFS was seen in patients who continued to receive MTX (3.48 years) every three months as compared to patients who ceased MTX after one year (2.86 years). Of 68 patients who achieved initial CR, there were 40 recurrences. Twenty-six of the 40 were re-induced with MTX as above; Sixty-nine percent again achieved CR. Eighty-one treatment-related toxicities occurred in 1316 MTX cycles. These toxicities included MRI white matter changes (N = 8) and lead to MTX cessation in 16 patients. High-dose MTX monotherapy of PCNSL is well-tolerated and provides PFS of >3 years and OS >7 years.

Primary Intraocular Lymphoma: A Review

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a type of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). It is the most common neoplastic masquerade syndrome involving the eye. Its protean ocular manifestations, plus in many cases the initial positive response to corticosteroid therapy for presumed uveitis, delay accurate diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is essential, followed by tissue biopsy with cytology and ancillary studies. Current treatment is based on chemotherapy featuring high-dose methotrexate and radiation therapy. Prognosis is poor due to CNS involvement, but newer therapies have had some success in prolonging survival.

Salvage therapy and late neurotoxicity in patients with recurrent primary CNS lymphoma treated with a modified ProMACE-MOPP hybrid regimen

We report the efficacy of salvage therapy with a modified ProMACE-MOPP combined with radiation in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Thirty-two immunocompetent patients were treated with a regimen of pirarubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristin, and methotrexate (MTX: 500 mg/m(2)) administered in 21-day cycles. Patients received 20 Gy of whole-brain radiotherapy after three cycles of chemotherapy. A single cycle of chemotherapy was repeated every four months for two years. Nine patients with CNS relapse were retreated with additional cycles of the ProMACE-MOPP hybrid regimen with a 90% objective response rate. Median complete response (CR) duration was 13.2 months and median survival time (MST) for the nine patients treated after initial relapse was 30 months. One of 17 patients (5.8%) who had less than 20 Gy of whole brain irradiation developed dementia. In contrast, six of seven (85.7%) patients who had more than 30 Gy of whole brain radiotherapy became demented. Maintaining a moderate dose of MTX, while adding chemotherapeutic agents and 20 Gy of whole brain radiation therapy, improved disease control and overall survival and lowered the incidence of delayed neurologic toxicity in patients with PCNSL. Additional treatment with a ProMACE-MOPP hybrid regimen is still effective for relapsed disease.

Therapeutic challenges in primary CNS lymphoma

Optimum treatment for patients with primary CNS lymphoma remains challenging because there have not been any large randomised clinical trials of this rare tumour. Drugs used in treating systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma have mostly proven ineffective because of difficulties crossing the blood-brain barrier. The recognition of the efficacy of high-dose methotrexate was a substantial therapeutic breakthrough and further advances, such as the development of polychemotherapy regimens, have built on this. Whole-brain radiotherapy can consolidate response to chemotherapy, but the associated toxic effects of chemoradiation can be unacceptable. Other effective approaches include disruption of the blood-brain barrier and the use of high-dose chemotherapy. Recently, there have been attempts to optimise multi-drug chemotherapy regimens by focusing on improving survival and reducing toxic effects. A promising area of research is the incorporation of novel targeted drugs into standard treatment frameworks. In the future, greater cooperation between research groups should hopefully lead to further therapeutic advances.