Related Experiment Videos
Primary central nervous system lymphoma as a secondary malignancy
1Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Cancer
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) can occur as a second cancer, even in immunocompetent individuals. This study examines seven cases of PCNSL following prior cancer treatment, suggesting potential links to treatment, predisposition, or evolving epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare brain tumor.
- While secondary malignancies often affect the lymphoreticular system, PCNSL as a second neoplasm is exceptionally uncommon.
- PCNSL incidence is increasing, even in immunocompetent patients.
Observation:
- Seven patients developed PCNSL after treatment for a prior neoplasm.
- Previous cancers included colon, breast, thyroid, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- PCNSL diagnosis was delayed due to confusion with brain metastases and corticosteroid response.
Findings:
- PCNSL occurred a median of 10 years after the first tumor diagnosis and 6 years after the last evidence of systemic disease.
- In cases of prior non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, PCNSL was considered distinct due to disease-free intervals and lack of systemic involvement.
- The median time from initial cancer diagnosis to PCNSL was 10 years.
Implications:
- PCNSL may arise as a consequence of prior cancer treatments.
- An unidentified predisposition to neoplastic transformation could contribute to PCNSL development.
- Evolving PCNSL epidemiology in the general population may play a role.
- Multiple factors, not mutually exclusive, likely contribute to these secondary PCNSL cases.