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Primary central nervous system lymphomas in patients with AIDS
M L Rosenblum1, R M Levy, D E Bredesen
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Annals of Neurology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Primary central nervous system non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are a significant concern in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. While these tumors respond to radiation, overall survival is limited by the syndrome itself.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Primary central nervous system non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (PCNS-NHL) affect approximately 1.9% of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.
- The incidence of AIDS-associated tumors is rising, potentially matching low-grade astrocytomas.
- PCNS-NHL in AIDS patients shares pathological similarities with pre-AIDS epidemic cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the characteristics and clinical considerations of primary central nervous system non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in the context of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical data on PCNS-NHL in AIDS patients.
- Pathological comparison of AIDS-associated lymphomas with non-AIDS-associated lymphomas.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment responses.
Main Results:
- Signs, symptoms, and radiographic findings are non-specific, often necessitating brain biopsy for diagnosis.
- Most AIDS-associated PCNS-NHL are high-grade lymphomas.
- These tumors demonstrate a positive response to radiation therapy.
Conclusions:
- Definitive diagnosis of PCNS-NHL in AIDS patients typically requires brain biopsy due to non-specific clinical presentations.
- Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for AIDS-associated PCNS-NHL.
- Limited patient survival is primarily attributed to other concurrent manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.