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Targeted Therapies and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Primary CNS Lymphoma

Hans-Georg Wirsching1, Michael Weller1, Stefan Balabanov2

  • 1Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.

Cancers
|July 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Emerging treatments for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) include targeted therapies like Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs. Immune checkpoint inhibitors also show promise for this rare brain tumor.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Hematology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare brain malignancy with limited established treatment options.
  • Advances in understanding PCNSL pathogenesis are paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current and emerging treatment strategies for PCNSL.
  • To summarize the mechanisms of action, clinical trial results, and future perspectives of novel therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on PCNSL treatments.
  • Discussion of small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
  • Analysis of completed and ongoing clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a promising targeted therapy.
  • Thalidomide analogs (lenalidomide, pomalidomide) demonstrate immunomodulatory effects.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 pathway offer potential for anti-tumor immunity.

Conclusions:

  • Novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies are expanding treatment options for PCNSL.
  • Further clinical investigation is warranted to optimize the use of these emerging agents.
  • These strategies hold promise for improving outcomes in patients with this rare brain tumor.
Keywords:
PCNSLPD-1ibrutinibimmune checkpoint inhibitionlenalidomidenivolumabpembrolizumabprimary CNS lymphoma

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