Secondary central nervous system involvement in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with rituximab combined CHOP therapy - a supplementary analysis of JCOG0601

Secondary central nervous system involvement (sCNSi) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is fatal. However, its features in patients with sCNSi who are categorized as lower risk by international prognostic index (IPI) or CNS-IPI are not yet fully understood. In the present analysis, we evaluated DLBCL patients who developed sCNSi at their first progression and who participated in JCOG0601, most of whom were lower risk by IPI. Of 409 patients, 21 (5.1%) developed sCNSi during a median follow-up of 4.9 years. Five-year cumulative incidence of sCNSi were 5.1%; and 4.0%, 5.3%, and 11.5% at low, intermediate, and high risk of CNS-IPI, respectively. The most common locations of extranodal lesions at the time of registration in patients with sCNSi were the stomach (n = 4), paranasal cavity (n = 3), and bone marrow (n = 2). In univariable analysis, paranasal cavity lesion was a high-risk factor for sCNSi (subdistribution hazard ratio, 4.34 [95% confidence interval 1.28-14.73]). Median overall survival after sCNSi was 1.3 years, with a 2-year overall survival rate of 39.3%. The incidence of sCNSi in DLBCL patients at lower risk of CNS-IPI was low, as previously reported, but paranasal cavity lesion might indicate high risk for organ involvement. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: JCOG0601 was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000000929, date of registration; December 04, 2007) and the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031180139, date of registration; February 20, 2019).

Relapsed isolated CNS lymphoma treated with radiotherapy and intrathecal methotrexate followed by high-dose intravenous methotrexate, rituximab, and temozolomide: A case report

Key Clinical Message

Optimized treatments for relapsed isolated CNS lymphoma (RI-SCNSL) remains under investigation. Temozolomide combination-based therapy, which is often used in glioblastoma may be used as potential treatment in RI-SCNSL.

Abstract

One of the most common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Despite advances in treatment, relapsed isolated CNS lymphoma (RI-SCNSL) from DLBCL remains an issue. The optimal approach in RI-SCNSL remains an area of active investigation as currently there is no high level of evidence for the treatments due to lack of randomized studies. In this case report, we present a DLBCL patient with CNS recurrence treated radiotherapy and intrathecal methotrexate (MTX) followed by intravenous high-dose MTX, rituximab, and temozolomide. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing RI-SCNSL treated with the regiments above which also include temozolomide which is used for glioblastoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the central nervous system: biologic rationale for targeted therapy

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma curable even in advanced stages. DLBCL involving the central nervous system (CNS) is more difficult to cure and fewer treatment options exist. Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) refers to aggressive lymphomas confined to the CNS, and are almost always DLBCL. Standard approaches for PCNSL use high-dose methotrexate-based combinations as induction therapy and younger patients often receive dose-intensive consolidation. However, dose-intensive therapies are not suitable for all patients, and older patients have fewer effective treatment options. Patients with relapsed or chemotherapy-refractory disease have a very poor prognosis. Secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) describes aggressive lymphomas involving the CNS at initial presentation or relapses within the CNS after treatment for systemic DLBCL. Isolated CNS relapse is often managed as PCNSL, but patients with synchronous involvement of DLBCL in both the periphery and the CNS pose a unique clinical challenge. Insights into the molecular circuitry of DLBCL have identified distinct genetic subtypes including cases with a predilection for CNS invasion. PCNSL and subsets of SCNSL are characterized by chronically activated B-cell receptor and NFκB signaling along with genetic evidence of immune evasion which may be exploited therapeutically. Improved mechanistic understanding of targetable pathways underpinning CNS lymphomas has led to numerous clinical trials testing targeted agent combinations and immunotherapy approaches with promising early results. Biologically rational strategies may further improve the cure rate of CNS lymphomas, either by overcoming intrinsic or acquired treatment resistance and/or by being broadly applicable to patients of all ages.

A prospective observational study of real-world treatment and outcome in secondary CNS lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) confers a dismal prognosis and treatment advances are constrained by the lack of prospective studies and real-world treatment evidence.

METHODS

Patients with SCNSL of all entities were included at first diagnosis and patient characteristics, treatment data, and outcomes were prospectively collected in the Secondary CNS Lymphoma Registry (SCNSL-R) (NCT05114330).

FINDINGS

279 patients from 47 institutions were enrolled from 2011 to 2022 and 243 patients (median age: 66 years; range: 23-86) were available for analysis. Of those, 49 (20 %) patients presented with synchronous (cohort I) and 194 (80 %) with metachronous SCNSL (cohort II). The predominant histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, 68 %). Median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis of CNS involvement was 17·2 months (95 % CI 12-27·5), with longer OS in cohort I (60·6 months, 95 % CI 45·5-not estimable (NE)) than cohort II (11·4 months, 95 % CI 7·8-17·7, log-rank test p < 0.0001). Predominant induction regimens included R-CHOP/high-dose MTX (cohort I) and high-dose MTX/cytarabine (cohort II). Rituximab was used in 166 (68 %) of B-cell lymphoma. Undergoing consolidating high-dose therapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT) in partial response (PR) or better was associated with longer OS (HR adjusted 0·47 (95 % CI 0·25-0·89), p = 0·0197).

INTERPRETATION

This study is the largest prospective cohort of SCNSL patients providing a comprehensive overview of an international real-world treatment landscape and outcomes. Prognosis was better in patients with SCNSL involvement at initial diagnosis (cohort I) and consolidating HDT-ASCT was associated with favorable outcome in patients with PR or better.

High-Dose Methotrexate as CNS Prophylaxis in High-Risk Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE

CNS progression or relapse is an uncommon but devastating complication of aggressive B-cell lymphoma. There is no consensus regarding the optimal approach to CNS prophylaxis. This study was designed to determine whether high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) is effective at preventing CNS progression in patients at high risk of this complication.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients age 18-80 years with aggressive B-cell lymphoma and high risk of CNS progression, treated with curative-intent anti-CD20-based chemoimmunotherapy, were included in this international, retrospective, observational study. Cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and cumulative risks of CNS progression were calculated according to use of HD-MTX, with time to CNS progression calculated from diagnosis for all patients (all-pts) and from completion of frontline systemic lymphoma induction therapy, for patients in complete response at completion of chemoimmunotherapy (CR-pts).

RESULTS

Two thousand four hundred eighteen all-pts (HD-MTX; n = 425) and 1,616 CR-pts (HD-MTX; n = 356) were included. CNS International Prognostic Index was 4-6 in 83.4% all-pts. Patients treated with HD-MTX had a lower risk of CNS progression (adjusted HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.38 to 0.90]; P = .014), but significance was not retained when confined to CR-pts (adjusted HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.42 to 1.30]; P = .29), with 5-year adjusted risk difference of 1.6% (95% CI, -1.5 to 4.4; all-pts) and 1.4% (95% CI, -1.5 to 4.1; CR-pts). Subgroups were underpowered to draw definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of HD-MTX in individual high-risk clinical scenarios; however, there was no clear reduction in CNS progression risk with HD-MTX in any high-risk subgroup.

CONCLUSION

In this large study, high-risk patients receiving HD-MTX had a 7.2% 2-year risk of CNS progression, consistent with the progression risk in previously reported high-risk cohorts. Use of HD-MTX was not associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in risk of CNS progression.

Mature T-cell and NK-cell lymphoma involvement of the central nervous system: a single center experience

Mature T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas (MTNKL) are rare and heterogeneous lymphoproliferative disorders with poor clinical outcomes despite novel therapeutic advances. Although infrequent, central nervous system (CNS) involvement by MTNKL is associated with poor outcomes with a median overall survival (OS) of <12 months based on retrospective studies. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who developed CNS involvement of MTNKL diagnosed at a single center from 1999 through 2020. Twenty-five patients were identified. Characteristics such as a diagnosis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, extranodal involvement, and poor performance status were associated with a higher risk of CNS involvement (p < 0.01). The median OS after diagnosis with CNS involvement was approximately 1 month (0.03-103.97 months). Patients exposed to novel therapeutics and/or clinical trial enrollment tolerated treatment without safety concerns and appeared to derive reasonable therapeutic benefit. Despite advances in the field, new therapeutic approaches are needed for patients with MTNKL with CNS involvement.

How I treat secondary CNS involvement by aggressive lymphomas

Secondary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (SCNSL) is a rare but clinically challenging scenario with historically disappointing outcomes. SCNSL refers to lymphoma that has spread into the CNS concurrently with systemic disease or CNS relapse during or after frontline immunochemotherapy, presenting with or without systemic lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) denotes the most common entity, but an increased incidence is observed in other histologies, such as Burkitt lymphoma and mantle-cell lymphoma. The incidence, timing in disease course, location, evidence supporting the use of CNS prophylaxis, and treatment pathways vary according to histology. No randomized data exist to delineate the best treatment approaches with current recommendations based on retrospective and single-arm studies. However, a regimen comprising immunochemotherapy, incorporating agents that cross the blood-brain barrier, followed by thiotepa-containing conditioning and autologous stem-cell transplant outlined in the international MARIETTA study demonstrated improvement in outcomes, representing a major accomplishment in the care of patients with DLBCL with SCNSL. Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cell denotes a paradigm shift in the treatment of patients with systemic aggressive lymphomas, with emerging data also demonstrating efficacy without higher neurotoxicity in those with SCNSL. In this manuscript we discuss 5 clinical scenarios and review the evidence supporting our recommendations.

Primary Testicular Lymphoma Mimicking Germ-Cell Tumor: A Case Report

There are 1% to 2% of lymphoma cases that include the testis as primary testicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In 35% of cases, it involves both testes and is usually seen as a painless testicular mass. Therefore, in most cases, the management option is radical orchiectomy. The overall prognosis in these cases is poor, as most cases are associated with systemic disease. We report a case of a 42-year-old male who presented with painless right scrotal swelling for three months. The only serologic marker of solid tumors that was elevated was βHCG; others were unremarkable. Ultrasonography was initially ordered as well and showed a heterogeneous intra-testicular lesion of relatively low echogenicity. According to the given age, epidemiology, and clinical presentation, the suspicion of a germ cell tumor was highly likely. Therefore, a right radical inguinal orchiectomy was done, and the specimen was sent for histopathology, which came back as B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The clinical presentation and the overall picture of the investigations made in this case mimicked a germ cell tumor presentation.

Evidence-based management of primary and secondary CNS lymphoma

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma has traditionally had very poor outcomes however advances in management have resulted in dramatic improvements and long-term survival of patients. We describe the evidence for treatment strategies for these aggressive disorders. In primary CNS lymphoma there are randomized trial data to inform treatment decisions but these are lacking to guide management in secondary CNS lymphoma. Dynamic assessment of patient fitness and frailty is key throughout treatment, alongside delivery of CNS-bioavailable therapy and enrolment in clinical trials, at each stage of the disease. Intensive high-dose methotrexate-containing induction followed by consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation with thiotepa-based conditioning is recommended for patients who are fit. Less intensive chemoimmunotherapy, novel agents (including Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, cereblon targeting immunomodulatory agents, and checkpoint inhibitors in the context of clinical trials), and whole brain radiotherapy may be reserved for less fit patients or disease which is chemoresistant. Data regarding the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T-cells therapy is emerging, and concerns regarding greater toxicity have not been realized. Future areas of prospective studies include the identification of those at high risk of developing CNS lymphoma, management in elderly or frail patients as well as incorporating novel agents into regimens, particularly for those with chemoresistant disease.

ASTCT Clinical Practice Recommendations for Transplantation and Cellular Therapies in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) has long been the standard approach for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) chemosensitive diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has caused a paradigm shift in the management of R/R DLBCL patients, especially with the recent approval of CD19-directed CAR-T therapy in the second-line setting in high-risk groups (primary refractory and early relapse [≤12 months]). Consensus on the contemporary role, optimal timing, and sequencing of HCT and cellular therapies in DLBCL is lacking; therefore, the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) Committee on Practice Guidelines undertook this project to formulate consensus recommendations to address this unmet need. The RAND-modified Delphi method was used to generate 20 consensus statements with a few key statements as follows: (1) in the first-line setting, there is no role for auto-HCT consolidation for patients achieving complete remission (CR) following R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone) or similar therapy in non-double-hit/triple-hit cases (DHL/THL) and in DHL/THL cases receiving intensive induction therapies, but auto-HCT may be considered in eligible patients receiving R-CHOP or similar therapies in DHL/THL cases; (2) auto-HCT consolidation with thiotepa-based conditioning is standard of care for eligible patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma achieving CR with first-line therapy; and (3) in the primary refractory and early relapse setting, the preferred option is CAR-T therapy, whereas in late relapse (>12 months), consolidation with auto-HCT is recommended for patients achieving chemosensitivity to salvage therapy (complete or partial response), and CAR-T therapy is recommended for those not achieving remission. These clinical practice recommendations will serve as a tool to guide clinicians managing patients with newly diagnosed and R/R DLBCL.

Multiply Relapsed Secondary CNS Non-Germinal Center Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Successfully Treated with CNS-Centric Therapy

Secondary central nervous system involvement by systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) carries a very poor prognosis. We present a female patient who had two episodes of intracerebral central nervous system (CNS)-only relapse of systemic non-germinal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (NGC-DLBCL). Her treatment at initial diagnosis consisted of induction with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and intrathecal (IT) - methotrexate (MTX) followed by consolidation with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) after high-dose carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) chemotherapy. She had the first CNS-only relapse 1.5 years post-ASCT and received whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). She developed the second intracerebral CNS-only relapse 2 years post-WBRT. A CNS-centric therapeutic approach with salvage chemoimmunotherapy incorporating rituximab, high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX), high-dose cytarabine (HiDAC), and ibrutinib was utilized for her second CNS-only relapse. She underwent consolidation with a second ASCT following high-dose carmustine (BCNU) and thiotepa chemotherapy. Given her high risk of CNS recurrence, she was started on maintenance ibrutinib. To date, she has remained in complete remission for 3 years. In our experience, multiply relapsed secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) with this response is very rare. We suggest one CNS-centric therapeutic approach that can potentially salvage patients with SCNSL who have not had prior exposure to adequate CNS-directed therapies but acknowledge that additional research is necessary to validate our findings.

Central nervous system relapse in younger patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a LYSA and GLA/DSHNHL analysis

Most patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be cured with immunochemotherapy such as R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). Patients with progression or relapse in the central nervous system (CNS) face dismal outcomes. The impact of more aggressive regimens used in frontline therapy has not been systematically investigated in this context. To this end, we analyzed a large cohort of 2203 younger patients with DLBCL treated on 10 German (German Lymphoma Alliance [GLA]/The German High Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group [DSHNHL]) and French (The Lymphoma Study Association [LYSA]) prospective phase 2 and 3 trials after first-line therapy with R-CHOP, R-CHOEP (R-CHOP + etoposide), dose-escalated R-CHOEP followed by repetitive stem cell transplantation (R-MegaCHOEP), or R-ACVBP (rituximab, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vindesine, bleomycine, and prednisone) followed by consolidation including multiple drugs crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Patients with DLBCL with an age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI) of 0 to 1 showed very low cumulative incidence rates of CNS relapse regardless of first-line therapy and CNS prophylaxis (3-year cumulative incidences 0%-1%). Younger high-risk patients with aaIPI of 2 to 3 had 3-year cumulative incidence rates of 1.6% and 4% after R-ACVBP plus consolidation or R-(Mega)CHO(E)P, respectively (hazard ratio 2.4; 95% confidence interval: 0.8-7.4; P = .118). Thus, for younger high-risk patients, frontline regimens incorporating agents crossing the BBB may reduce often fatal CNS relapse.

Treatment Strategies and Prognostic Factors in Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Multicenter Study of 124 Patients

Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is a rare and difficult to treat type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by systemic and central nervous system (CNS) disease manifestations. In this study, 124 patients with SCNSL intensively treated and with clinical long-term follow-up were included. Initial histopathology, as divided in low-grade, other aggressive, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), was of prognostic significance. Overall response to induction treatment was a prognostic factor with early responding DLBCL-SCNSL in comparison to those non-responding experiencing a significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, the type of induction regime was not prognostic for survival. Following consolidating high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT), DLBCL-SCNSL patients had better median PFS and OS. The important role of HDT-ASCT was further highlighted by favorable responses and survival of patients not responding to induction therapy and by excellent results in patients with de novo DLBCL-SCNSL (65% long-term survival). SCNSL identified as a progression of disease within 6 months of initial systemic lymphoma presentation represented a previously not appreciated subgroup with particularly dismal outcome. This temporal stratification model of SCNSL diagnosis revealed CNS progression of disease within 6 months as a promising candidate prognosticator for future studies.

Central nervous system lymphomas-Assessment and treatment and prevention of central nervous system relapse

In this review focused on lymphoma and the central nervous system (CNS), we summarize recent developments in the management of primary (PCNSL) and secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL), treatment of CNS lymphoma in the older population, the neuroradiological assessment of CNS lymphoma and finally highlight the ongoing debate on optimal CNS prophylaxis. The section on PCNSL focuses on the different approaches available for frontline treatment in Europe and the United States and discusses consolidation strategies. We then highlight available strategies to treat PCNSL in the elderly population, an area of unmet need. New therapies aiming at minimizing toxicity and prioritizing quality of life are emerging for these patients. Secondary CNS lymphoma, especially in the relapsed/refractory setting is another area of unmet need, and the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy is being explored. We provide an overview of the imaging challenges in the neuroradiological assessment of CNS lymphoma. Finally, the section on CNS prophylaxis summarizes recent findings from large retrospective studies challenging the efficacy of present approaches to prophylaxis in higher-risk patients with lymphoma.

Management of primary and secondary CNS lymphoma

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma has traditionally had very poor outcomes however advances in management have seen dramatic improvements and long-term survival of patients. In primary CNS lymphoma there are now randomised trial data to inform practice, however secondary CNS lymphoma has a lack of randomised trial data and CNS prophylaxis remains a contentious area. We describe treatment strategies in these aggressive disorders. Dynamic assessment of patient fitness and frailty is key throughout treatment alongside delivery of CNS-bioavailable therapy and enrolment in clinical trials. Intensive high-dose methotrexate-containing induction followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is preferred for patients who are fit. Less intensive chemoimmunotherapy, whole brain radiotherapy and novel therapies may be reserved for patients unfit or chemoresistant. It is essential to better define patients at increased risk of CNS relapse, as well as effective prophylactic strategies to prevent it. Future prospective studies incorporating novel agents are key.

Prevention and management of secondary central nervous system lymphoma

Secondary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (SCNSL) is defined by the involvement of the CNS, either at the time of initial diagnosis of systemic lymphoma or in the setting of relapse, and can be either isolated or with synchronous systemic disease. The risk of CNS involvement in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is approximately 5%; however, certain clinical and biological features have been associated with a risk of up to 15%. There has been growing interest in improving the definition of patients at increased risk of CNS relapse, as well as identifying effective prophylactic strategies to prevent it. SCNSL often occurs within months of the initial diagnosis of lymphoma, suggesting the presence of occult disease at diagnosis in many cases. The differing presentations of SCNSL create the therapeutic challenge of controlling both the systemic disease and the CNS disease, which uniquely requires agents that penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Outcomes are generally poor with a median overall survival of approximately 6 months in retrospective series, particularly in those patients presenting with SCNSL after prior therapy. Prospective studies of intensive chemotherapy regimens containing high-dose methotrexate, followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have shown the most favorable outcomes, especially for patients receiving thiotepa-based conditioning regimens. However, a proportion of patients will not respond to induction therapies or will subsequently relapse, indicating the need for more effective treatment strategies. In this review we focus on the identification of high-risk patients, prophylactic strategies and recent treatment approaches for SCNSL. The incorporation of novel agents in immunochemotherapy deserves further study in prospective trials.

Real-world experiences of CNS-directed chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation for secondary CNS involvement in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Introduction

Secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a rare but fatal event in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Some studies have suggested autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for patients responding to salvage therapies, although its role is not clear.

Methods

We analyzed DLBCL patients with secondary CNS involvement who received salvage therapies with curative intent and who underwent high-dose chemotherapy followed by ASCT. We analyzed the post-ASCT outcome in terms of CNS and/or systemic relapse and overall survival (OS) according to type of secondary CNS involvement and salvage treatment.

Results

A total of 43 patients who achieved complete or partial response after salvage treatments, mainly high-dose methotrexate (MTX)-containing chemotherapy, was treated with busulphan-thiotepa followed by ASCT between 2009 to 2019. Fifteen patients experienced grade III/IV febrile neutropenia, but all adverse events were manageable. At the median follow-up of 14.7 months after ASCT, 17 patients did not relapse, however, 26 patients had relapsed, comprising isolated CNS relapse (n = 12), systemic relapse (n = 12), and both (n = 2). Patients with systemic relapse had significantly shorter OS than those with isolated CNS relapse (42.7 vs, 11.1 months, p = 0.002). Of the 26 patients who relapsed after ASCT, six patients were rescued by subsequent salvage treatments. Finally, 21 patients were alive at the time of analysis.

Discussion

In conclusion, consolidative ASCT might be beneficial for secondary CNS involvement in relapsed or refractory DLBCL patients if they responded to CNS-directed salvage chemotherapy and were eligible for transplantation.

CNS prophylaxis in aggressive B-cell lymphoma

The prevention of central nervous system (CNS) relapse in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) continues to be one of the most contentious areas of lymphoma management. Outcomes for patients with secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) have historically been very poor. However, in recent years improved responses have been reported with intensive immunochemotherapy approaches, and there is a growing interest in potential novel/cellular therapies. Traditional methods for selecting patients for CNS prophylaxis, including the CNS International Prognostic Index, are hampered by a lack of specificity, and there is accumulating evidence to question the efficacy of widely employed prophylactic interventions, including intrathecal and high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX). Given the potential toxicity of HD-MTX in particular and the ongoing need to prioritize systemic disease control in high-risk patients, there is an urgent need to develop more robust methods for identifying patients at highest risk of CNS relapse, as well as investigating prophylactic interventions with greater efficacy. Here we review new evidence in this field from the last 5 years, focusing on the potential use of molecular diagnostics to improve the identification of high-risk patients, recent large data sets questioning the efficacy of HD-MTX, and the current approach to management of patients with SCNSL. We provide a suggested algorithm for approaching this very challenging clinical scenario.

SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Prophylaxis and Management of Secondary CNS Lymphoma

Secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) is a rare but frequently fatal complication of systemic lymphoma. There is no standard treatment for SCNSL, and patients who develop SCNSL at diagnosis or after frontline therapy often receive highly intensive chemotherapy regimens that are inactive against primary chemorefractory disease and too toxic for older, frail patients to tolerate. Because the prognosis of SCNSL is so poor, management has historically emphasized prevention, but the current methods of CNS prophylaxis are not universally effective. To improve both the prevention and management of SCNSL, better characterization of the molecular determinants of CNS invasion is needed. Novel treatments that are currently being studied in SCNSL include targeted pathway inhibitors and cellular therapy, but SCNSL patients are often excluded from clinical trials of promising new therapies.

Outcomes of patients with diffuse large B-cell and high-grade B-cell lymphomas with synchronous CNS and systemic involvement at diagnosis treated with high-dose methotrexate and R-CHOP: a single-center retrospective study

Background:

The optimal treatment of patients with systemic diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) or high-grade B-cell (HGBL) lymphomas with synchronous central nervous system (CNS) involvement at diagnosis is not well defined. High-dose methotrexate administered concurrently with R-CHOP (RM-CHOP) is a commonly used regimen, but data on outcomes achieved with this regimen are limited.

Objective:

To report our experience with RM-CHOP in patients with systemic DLBCL or HGBL with synchronous CNS involvement at diagnosis.

Design:

A single-center retrospective analysis.

Methods:

We identified consecutive patients with systemic DLBCL or HGBL with synchronous CNS involvement at diagnosis who were treated with RM-CHOP from January 2012 to January 2021.

Results:

Fifty patients were included with a median age of 62 years; 82% had DLBCL (n = 41) and 18% had HGBL (n = 9). Treatment with RM-CHOP was followed by consolidative autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in 14 patients (28%). The complete response (CR) rate following RM-CHOP was 62%. With a median follow-up of 40 months, the median progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survivals were 16 and 58 months, and the 2-year PFS and OS were 41% and 57%, respectively. The 2-year cumulative incidence of CNS progression/relapse was 29%. Outcomes were particularly poor in HGBL, with median PFS and OS of 6 and 7 months, compared with median PFS and OS of 22 months and not reached in DLBCL, respectively. The outcomes of patients with relapsed/progressive disease were poor, with only 63% of patients receiving subsequent treatments and only 21% achieving CR to next subsequent treatment. Most patients (58%) with disease relapse/progression had CNS involvement which was associated with very poor outcomes (median OS of 2 months).

Conclusion:

CNS involvement in aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma at diagnosis dictates clinical outcomes and requires more effective treatment options.

Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas Involving the Central Nervous System: A Report From the Czech Lymphoma Study Group Registry

Introduction

We analyzed the incidence, risk factors of central nervous system (CNS) relapse, and outcome of CNS involvement in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) from the Czech Lymphoma Study Group Registry NiHiL (Clinical Trial gov. NCT03199066).

Materials and Methods

Out of 1,040 patients with PTCL, we identified 29 patients (2.79%) with CNS involvement: 2 patients with primary CNS T cell lymphoma, 11 patients with CNS and systemic disease at diagnosis, and 16 patients (1.54%) at CNS relapse. The most common histology with CNS disease was PTCL, not otherwise specified. Progression-free survival (PFS) was defined as the time interval from diagnosis to progression or death. PFS-2 was defined as the interval from the date of a new relapse until the next relapse.

Results

Patients with testicular involvement received intrathecal prophylaxis with methotrexate. High-dose methotrexate-based treatment was administered in 44.8% of patients with CNS disease. Median follow-up was 71.3 months. The difference between the median PFS of 1,027 patients without initial CNS disease (32.6 months) and 11 patients with initial CNS and systemic disease (4.8 months) was significant (p = 0.04). The difference between the median PFS2 in CNS relapses (10.1 months) and 493 relapses outside of CNS (9.1 months) was not significant (p = 0.6). Risk factors for CNS relapses included the following: involvement of more than one extranodal site (p = 0.008), soft tissue involvement (p = 0.003), testicular involvement (p = 0.046), and the presence of B symptoms (p = 0.035). The difference between the median OS of 1,027 patients without initial CNS disease (46.0 months) and 11 patients with initial CNS and systemic disease (18.2 months) was significant (p = 0.02). The median OS2 in CNS relapses was 11.8 months and that in relapses outside of CNS was 21.3 months. CNS involvement was not associated with a significantly worse OS compared to relapsed/refractory patients without CNS involvement (p = 0.1).

Conclusions

The incidence of CNS disease at the time of diagnosis and at relapse in PTCL is low and usually associated with other systemic involvement. The prognosis of PTCL with initial CNS involvement is significantly worse when compared to patients without CNS disease at diagnosis. The outcome of CNS relapse is comparable with relapsed PTCL outside of CNS. The optimal treatment is not defined yet.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Large B-cell Lymphoma with Secondary Central Nervous System Involvement

Secondary central nervous system large B-cell lymphoma (SCNSL) is rare with a generally poor prognosis. There is limited data about the role of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in these high-risk patients. We explored in this study treatment outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with SCNSL who underwent ASCT. We included all consecutive patients who underwent ASCT at our institution. Primary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). One-hundred two patients were identified. Median age at transplant was 56 (range, 21-71) years. With a median follow-up of 56 (range, 1-256) months, the median PFS and OS were 40 and 88 months, respectively. The 4-year PFS and OS were 48% and 57%, respectively. In univariate analysis, complete remission (CR) at transplant, prior lines of therapy (≤2), normal LDH, and parenchymal involvement were significantly associated with improved PFS. For OS, only CR at transplant and ≤2 prior lines of therapy were associated with improved survival. On multivariable analysis for PFS, CR at transplant (HR 0.278, 95% CI: 0.153-0.506; p=<0.0001) and ≤ 2 prior lines of therapy (HR 0.485, 95% CI: 0.274-0.859; p=0.0131) were significantly associated with superior PFS. Similarly, CR at transplant (HR 0.352, 95% CI: 0.186-0.663; p=0.0013) and ≤ 2 prior lines of therapy (HR 0.476, 95% CI: 0.257-0.882; p=0.0183) were associated with improved survival. In the largest single center study, our findings indicate that ASCT is associated with durable responses and prolonged survival in patients with SCNSL. Patients in CR at transplant and those received less than two lines of therapy have particularly excellent outcomes.

Neurologic complications in patients with lymphoid cancer

Neurologic complications of lymphoid cancer can be challenging to recognize and treat. The nervous system can be affected directly by hematogenous or local spread of lymphoma. Indirect neurologic effects of lymphoma include paraneoplastic syndromes and vascular complications. Lymphoma treatments can also cause neurologic complications. Early identification and treatment are crucial to stabilize or reverse neurologic deficits, prevent further nervous system injury, and to optimize overall oncologic therapy. This article provides an overview of different neurologic complications of lymphoma and its treatments, in addition to presentation of case studies that emphasize commonly encountered clinical scenarios.

Outcome of a Real-World Patient Cohort with Secondary CNS Lymphoma Treated with High-Intensity Chemoimmunotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas with secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement bear a dismal prognosis. Optimal treatment remains so far unclear, and effective treatment options remain an unmet clinical need. Remission rates are in general low, resulting in rapid relapses and palliative care in the majority of patients. High-intensity treatment combining effective CNS-directed chemoimmunotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation was shown in a recent phase 2 trial to induce durable remissions. Here, we report the outcome of the first real-world patient cohort treated according to the published protocol.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 17 HIV-negative lymphoma patients with secondary CNS involvement, either at first diagnosis or at relapse of lymphoma, treated according to the study protocol published by Ferreri et al. [J Clin Oncol. 2015] at two university medical centers in Germany. Treatment consisted of four cycles of chemoimmunotherapy with a consolidating autologous stem cell transplantation. Adverse events and overall outcome were assessed.

RESULTS

Five patients had CNS involvement at first diagnosis and 12 patients at relapse of lymphoma. A complete response was achieved in 9 patients. Median survival was 11 months. Five patients died of septic complications and 4 patients succumbed to progression or relapse of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of our real-world cohort emphasizes the possible toxic character of the treatment protocol by Ferreri et al. [J Clin Oncol. 2015]. Further improvement in treatment regimens is still an unmet need.

Allogeneic Blood or Marrow Transplantation with Nonmyeloablative Conditioning and High-Dose Cyclophosphamide-Based Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis for Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Secondary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a rare and often fatal complication of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Treatment options include radiation therapy, high-dose systemic chemotherapy, intrathecal chemotherapy, and high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue, but outcomes remain poor. Allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (alloBMT) is widely used in patients with relapsed/refractory systemic NHL. We sought to understand whether a graft-versus-lymphoma effect could maintain remission in CNS disease. We reviewed outcomes in 20 consecutive patients with secondary CNS lymphoma who underwent alloBMT with nonmyeloablative conditioning using fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and 200 cGy total body irradiation. For graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, all patients received post-transplantation cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and a calcineurin inhibitor. With a median follow up of 4.1 years, the median overall survival for the entire cohort was not reached. Median progression-free survival was 3.8 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3 months to not reached). The cumulative incidence of relapse was 25% (95% CI, 5% to 45%), and nonrelapse mortality was 30% (95% CI, 5% to 54%) at 4 years. Of the 5 patients who relapsed, 2 were CNS only, 1 was systemic only, and 2 were combined CNS/systemic. The use of alloBMT in CNS lymphoma merits further investigation.

Efficacy and Safety of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel and Tisagenlecleucel Administration in Lymphoma Patients With Secondary CNS Involvement: A Systematic Review

Background

The efficacy and safety of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has already been demonstrated. However, patients with a history of/active secondary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma were excluded from the licensing trials conducted on two widely used CAR-T cell products, Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Axi-cel) and Tisagenlecleucel (Tisa-cel). Hence, the objective of the present review was to assess whether secondary CNS lymphoma patients would derive a benefit from Axi-cel or Tisa-cel therapy, while maintaining controllable safety.

Method

Two reviewers searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library independently in order to identify all records associated with Axi-cel and Tisa-cel published prior to February 15, 2021. Studies that included secondary CNS lymphoma patients treated with Axi-cel and Tisa-cel and reported or could be inferred efficacy and safety endpoints of secondary CNS lymphoma patients were included. A tool designed specifically to evaluate the risk of bias in case series and reports and the ROBINS-I tool applied for cohort studies were used.

Results

Ten studies involving forty-four patients were included. Of these, seven were case reports or series. The other three reports were cohort studies involving twenty-five patients. Current evidence indicates that secondary CNS lymphoma patients could achieve long-term remission following Axi-cel and Tisa-cel treatment. Compared with the non-CNS cohort, however, progression-free survival and overall survival tended to be shorter. This was possibly due to the relatively small size of the CNS cohort. The incidence and grades of adverse effects in secondary CNS lymphoma patients resembled those in the non-CNS cohort. No incidences of CAR-T cell-related deaths were reported. Nevertheless, the small sample size introduced a high risk of bias and prevented the identification of specific patients who could benefit more from CAR-T cell therapy.

Conclusion

Secondary CNS lymphoma patients could seem to benefit from both Axi-cel and Tisa-cel treatment, with controllable risks. Thus, CAR-T cell therapy has potential as a candidate treatment for lymphoma patients with CNS involvement. Further prospective studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are warranted and recommended.

R-CHOP intensification with mid-cycle methotrexate and consolidating AraC/TT with BCNU/aHSCT in primary aggressive lymphoma with CNS involvement

Purpose

Patients suffering from aggressive systemic peripheral lymphoma with primary central nervous system involvement (PCL) are a rare and sparsely investigated population. Recommended treatment regimens include a combination of intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy as well as whole brain radiotherapy while offering relatively poor survival.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective study that analyzed safety and outcome of 4 + 4 cycles Rituximab (R)-CHOP and R-high-dose Methotrexate (HD-MTX) for newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible patients (“Ping-Pong”), followed by Cytarabine (AraC)/Thiotepa (TT), BCNU/TT, and autologous hematologic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). We retrospectively analyzed a set of 16 patients with high–intermediate or high-risk IPI status.

Results

Overall response rate to Ping-Pong was 100% measured by CT/MRI, including 93.75% complete remissions after BCNU/TT followed by PBSCT. One patient failed to qualify for high-dose chemotherapy due to progression when receiving Cytarabine/TT. All patients experienced grade III adverse events, 3 of them a grade IV adverse event. Estimated progression-free survival is 93.75% after a 4.8-year follow-up currently.

Conclusion

Our study suggests high effectivity of R-CHOP with mid-cycle MTX with aHSCT consolidation towards acceptable OS results in this challenging patient population.

Positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in primary central nervous system lymphoma-a narrative review

This review addresses the challenges of primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma diagnosis, assessment of treatment response, and detection of recurrence. Primary CNS lymphoma is a rare form of extra-nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can involve brain, spinal cord, leptomeninges, and eyes. Primary CNS lymphoma lesions are most commonly confined to the white matter or deep cerebral structures such as basal ganglia and deep periventricular regions. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard diagnostic modality employed by neuro-oncologists. MRI often shows common morphological features such as a single or multiple uniformly well-enhancing lesions without necrosis but with moderate surrounding edema. Other brain tumors or inflammatory processes can show similar radiological patterns, making differential diagnosis difficult. [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has selected utility in cerebral lymphoma, especially in diagnosis. Primary CNS lymphoma can sometimes present with atypical findings on MRI and FDG PET, such as disseminated disease, non-enhancing or ring-like enhancing lesions. The complementary strengths of PET and MRI have led to the development of combined PET-MR systems, which in some cases may improve lesion characterization and detection. By highlighting active developments in this field, including advanced MRI sequences, novel radiotracers, and potential imaging biomarkers, we aim to spur interest in sophisticated imaging approaches.

Diagnosis and Individualized Treatment of Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Case Report

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can disseminate to the central nervous system at initiation of treatment for systemic lymphoma or spread during the relapse of systematic lymphoma with CNS involvement, which is defined as secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL). The incidence of SCNSL depends on the pathological type of lymphoma and is especially high in aggressive lymphoma. SCNSL has a poor prognosis because of the lack of effective treatment regimens. This article presents a rare case of SCNSL; an individualized treatment regimen was designed according to the genetic analyses of the patient tumor and included a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. After six cycles of treatment and another two cycles of rituximab, most lesions lost their metabolic activity. However, in the final stage of treatment, our patient unfortunately suffered from respiratory failure, which revealed that we should pay attention to Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia during ibrutinib treatment.

Prognostic value of disease distribution in secondary central nervous system diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated with radiation therapy

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of baseline disease distribution for patients with the secondary central nervous system (CNS) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with chemotherapy and radiation (RT). 44 patients with secondary CNS DLBCL were reviewed. Twenty patients had leptomeningeal disease (LMD), and 24 had localized/targetable disease (LTD). Of 8 patients who received stem cell transplantation (SCT) after RT, 6 had LTD with a complete or partial response after RT. Median time to CNS relapse after RT was 10.1 months; 3/24 patients with LTD and 5/15 with LMD had CNS relapse. The median overall survival (OS) was 8 and 20 months for patients with LMD and LTD, respectively (p = 0.20). On multivariable analysis, LTD, receipt of SCT, and response after RT were associated with better OS and CNS-disease-free survival. Patients with localized secondary CNS DLBCL may benefit from RT serving as a bridge to SCT.

Treatment of secondary central nervous system involvement in systemic aggressive B cell lymphoma using R-MIADD chemotherapy: a single-center study

Background

Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is defined as lymphoma involvement within the central nervous system (CNS) that originated elsewhere, or a CNS relapse of systemic lymphoma. Prognosis of SCNSL is poor and the most appropriate treatment is still undetermined.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to assess the feasibility of an R-MIADD (rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, ifosfamide, cytarabine, liposomal formulation of doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) regimen for SCNSL patients.

Results

Nineteen patients with newly diagnosed CNS lesions were selected, with a median age of 58 (range 20 to 72) years. Out of 19 patients, 11 (57.9%) achieved complete remission (CR) and 2 (10.5%) achieved partial remission (PR); the overall response rate was 68.4%. The median progression-free survival after CNS involvement was 28.0 months (95% confidence interval 11.0–44.9), and the median overall survival after CNS involvement was 34.5 months. Treatment-related death occurred in one patient (5.3%).

Conclusions

These single-centered data underscore the feasibility of an R-MIADD regimen as the induction therapy of SCNSL, further investigation is warranted.

Primary and secondary central nervous system mature T- and NK-cell lymphomas

Primary central nervous system (CNS) mature T- and NK-cell lymphomas are rare, only comprising 2% to 3% of all primary CNS lymphomas. Among them, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) are the commonly reported histological subtypes. Secondary CNS T-cell lymphoma generally affects about 5% of patients with T- or NK-cell lymphoma, with some exceptions. Acute and lymphomatous subtypes of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) have high risk of CNS progression, may affect up to 20% of patients; ALK-positive ALCL with extranodal involvement >1 also has high risk of CNS progression. However, the impact and the optimal methodology of CNS prophylaxis remain unclear in systemic T-cell lymphomas. There are little data on the treatment strategy of primary and secondary CNS T-cell lymphoma. Treatment strategy derived from B-cell CNS primary lymphoma is generally used; this includes induction therapy with high-dose methotrexate-based regimens, followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant in fit patients. There are unmet needs for patients who are not fit for intensive chemotherapy. The prognosis after CNS progression in T-cell lymphoma is dismal with the median overall survival of less than 1 year. New agents targeting T-cell lymphomas are emerging and should be tested in patients with mature T- and NK-cell lymphoma who suffer from CNS involvement.

MATRix-RICE therapy and autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with secondary CNS involvement (MARIETTA): an international, single-arm, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Secondary CNS lymphoma is a rare but potentially lethal event in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. We aimed to assess the activity and safety of an intensive, CNS-directed chemoimmunotherapy consolidated by autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with secondary CNS lymphoma.

METHODS

This international, single-arm, phase 2 trial was done in 24 hospitals in Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Adults (aged 18-70 years) with histologically diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and CNS involvement at the time of primary diagnosis or at relapse and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 3 or less were enrolled and received three courses of MATRix (rituximab 375 mg/m2, intravenous infusion, day 0; methotrexate 3·5 g/m2, the first 0·5 g/m2 in 15 min followed by 3 g/m2 in a 3 h intravenous infusion, day 1; cytarabine 2 g/m2 every 12 h, in 1 h intravenous infusions, days 2 and 3; thiotepa 30 mg/m2, 30 min intravenous infusion, day 4) followed by three courses of RICE (rituximab 375 mg/m2, day 1; etoposide 100 mg/m2 per day in 500-1000 mL over a 60 min intravenous infusion, days 1, 2, and 3; ifosfamide 5 g/m2 in 1000 mL in a 24 h intravenous infusion with mesna support, day 2; carboplatin area under the curve of 5 in 500 mL in a 1 h intravenous infusion, day 2) and carmustine-thiotepa and autologous HSCT (carmustine 400 mg/m2 in 500 mL glucose 5% solution in a 1-2 h infusion, day -6; thiotepa 5 mg/kg in saline solution in a 2 h infusion every 12 h, days -5 and -4). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 1 year. Overall and complete response rates before autologous HSCT, duration of response, overall survival, and safety were the secondary endpoints. Analyses were in the modified intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02329080. The trial ended after accrual completion; the database lock was Dec 31, 2019.

FINDINGS

Between March 30, 2015, and Aug 3, 2018, 79 patients were enrolled. 75 patients were assessable. 319 (71%) of the 450 planned courses were delivered. At 1 year from enrolment the primary endpoint was met, 42 patients were progression free (progression-free survival 58%; 95% CI 55-61). 49 patients (65%; 95% CI 54-76) had an objective response after MATRix-RICE, 29 (39%) of whom had a complete response. 37 patients who responded had autologous HSCT. At the end of the programme, 46 patients (61%; 95% CI 51-71) had an objective response, with a median duration of objective response of 26 months (IQR 16-37). At a median follow-up of 29 months (IQR 20-40), 35 patients were progression-free and 33 were alive, with a 2-year overall survival of 46% (95% CI 39-53). Grade 3-4 toxicity was most commonly haematological: neutropenia in 46 (61%) of 75 patients, thrombocytopenia in 45 (60%), and anaemia in 26 (35%). 79 serious adverse events were recorded in 42 (56%) patients; four (5%) of those 79 were lethal due to sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacteria (treatment-related mortality 5%; 95% CI 0·07-9·93).

INTERPRETATION

MATRix-RICE plus autologous HSCT was active in this population of patients with very poor prognosis, and had an acceptable toxicity profile.

FUNDING

Stand Up To Cancer Campaign for Cancer Research UK, the Swiss Cancer Research foundation, and the Swiss Cancer League.

Consolidative or palliative whole brain radiation for secondary CNS diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma

We analyzed 25 patients receiving whole brain radiation (WBRT) for secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL), grouped by consolidative intent (after complete/partial response, n = 13) vs. palliative intent (initial CNS treatment, primary refractory disease, or CNS progression, n = 12). Median WBRT dose for the consolidative and palliative cohorts were 24 Gy and 30 Gy, respectively. For 13 patients receiving consolidative WBRT, median OS was 24 months from WBRT and 2-year OS was 64%. Three patients had CNS relapse at 2, 9, and 24 months after consolidative WBRT. For 12 patients receiving palliative WBRT, median OS was 3 months from WBRT and two-year OS was 8%. All 10 patients with neurologic symptoms had documented improvement. In conclusion, consolidative WBRT after chemotherapy response led to reasonable long-term survival and may be an effective strategy for SCNSL, especially transplant-ineligible patients and/or isolated CNS recurrence. Palliative WBRT effectively improved neurologic symptoms, but survival was usually only months.

Outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery for CNS lymphoma

BACKGROUND

The standard of care for CNS lymphoma typically includes high dose methotrexate followed by whole brain radiation therapy, but there is an increased risk of neurotoxicity with this regimen. In our institution, we offered stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for disease refractory to HD-MTX in a subset of patients. A search of the literature on this modality for CNS lymphoma was also conducted.

METHODS

Medical records of six patients who received partial brain radiation therapy for persistent CNS lymphoma were reviewed. SRS was given via 1-3 fractions to doses of 21 or 24 Gy. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for articles reporting on outcomes for CNS lymphoma treated with SRS.

RESULTS

Six patients (eleven lesions) were treated with SRS for CNS lymphomas. Median follow up was 15.6 months (range 3.3-37.8). Median RT dose per lesion was 21 Gy and median time to progression was 12.7 months. Median overall survival was not reached. Four patients had distant intracranial failure with two developing local recurrence. The search strategy yielded 16 studies of which only one was prospective and included a control group. 183 out of 256 evaluated lesions (69%) responded completely to treatment and 13 of 204 patients (6%) recurred within the treatment area at last follow-up. Overall, the treatment was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

SRS may provide favorable local control in patients with refractory CNS lymphomas. A prospective trial is warranted to validate the efficacy of such an approach.

ESMO Consensus Conference on malignant lymphoma: management of 'ultra-high-risk' patients

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) consensus conference on malignant lymphoma was held on 20 June 2015 in Lugano, Switzerland, and included a multidisciplinary panel of 25 leading experts. The aim of the conference was to develop recommendations on critical subjects difficult to consider in detail in the ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. The following areas were identified: (1) the elderly patient, (2) prognostic factors suitable for clinical use and (3) the 'ultra-high-risk' group. Before the conference, the expert panel was divided into three working groups; each group focused on one of these areas in order to address clinically relevant questions relating to that topic. All relevant scientific literature, as identified by the experts, was reviewed in advance. During the consensus conference, each working group developed recommendations to address each of the questions devised by their group. These recommendations were then presented to the entire multidisciplinary panel and a consensus was reached. This manuscript presents recommendations regarding the management of the following 'ultra-high-risk' situations: (1) early central nervous system relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, (2) primary refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and (3) plasmablastic lymphoma. Results, including a summary of evidence supporting each recommendation, are detailed in this manuscript. All expert panel members approved this final article.

Nanomedicine review: clinical developments in liposomal applications

Background

In recent years, disease treatment has evolved strategies that require increase in pharmaceutical agent’s efficacy and selectivity while decreasing their toxicity in normal tissues. These requirements have led to the development of nanoscale liposome systems for drug release. This review focuses on lipid features, pharmacological properties of liposomal formulations and the clinical studies of their application.

Main body

Several lipids are available, but their properties could affect pharmacological or clinical efficiency of drug formulations. Many liposomal formulations have been developed and are currently on the market. Proper selection of lipid is essential for the pharmacological effect to be improved. Most of the formulations use mainly zwitterionic, cationic or anionic lipids, PEG and/or cholesterol, which have different effects on stability, pharmacokinetics and delivery of the drug formulation. Clinical trials have shown that liposomes are pharmacologically and pharmacokinetically more efficient than drug-alone formulations in treating acute myeloid leukemia, hepatitis A, pain management, ovary, gastric breast and lung cancer, among others.

Conclusion

Liposomal formulations are less toxic than drugs alone and have better pharmacological parameters. Although they seem to be the first choice for drug delivery systems for various diseases, further research about dosage regimen regarding dose and time needs to be carried out.

Characteristics, management and outcome of DLBCL patients, presenting with simultaneous systemic and CNS disease at diagnosis: A retrospective multicenter study

The incidence of systemic diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) concurrently involving the central nervous system (CNS) at diagnosis, is very low and data regarding the clinical course of these patients are scarce. We investigated characteristics, efficacy of treatment regimens including consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation and outcome of patients presenting with concomitant systemic and CNS DLBCL. The records of 44 patients, diagnosed between 2004 and 2017, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were retrospectively reviewed. CNS involvement was diagnosed as solely parenchymal in 41%, solely leptomeningeal in 43%, and paranchymal with leptomeningeal in 11% of the patients. Induction regimens were anthracycline-based combined with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) in 80% (n = 35) of patients, anthracycline-based combined with intrathecal MTX in 3, cytarabine-based (without antracyclines) in 2, HD-MTX in 1 and palliative in three. Five of 41 patients treated with chemotherapy died of treatment-related toxicity, all due to infections. Nineteen patients had consolidative autologous transplantation. Overall response rate following induction was 80% (complete responses 66% and partial responses 15%). All relapses (n = 11) occurred within less than 2 years. Within a median follow-up of 26.8 months, 3-years projected overall survival (OS) and progression free survival rates for the entire cohort were 56% ± 8.3 and 42% ± 8.9, respectively. In multivariate analysis, RCHOP-HD MTX-based induction [HR = 0.228, (0.054-0.964)], administration of 3.5 g/m² MTX [HR = 0.735 (0.620-0.871)], and attaining CR following induction [HR = 0.185, (0.051-0.667)] predicted longer OS. RCHOP-HD MTX can provide prolonged remissions in DLBCL patients presenting with concomitant systemic and CNS involvement whereas role of autograft remains uncertain.