Outcomes for Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma from a Single Institution

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neurology
• Hematology

Background:

• Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Standard treatment regimens involving high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) and consolidation have shown poor outcomes.
• This study presents retrospective data from the Georgia Cancer Center to evaluate PCNSL patient care factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze factors influencing the care and outcomes of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).
• To assess the efficacy of current treatment protocols in a specific patient cohort.
• To identify predictors of treatment response in PCNSL.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted on all PCNSL patients treated between 2013 and 2023.
• Data from 30 eligible patients were analyzed after excluding those who died or were lost to follow-up before therapy.
• Patient demographics, treatment details, and outcomes were assessed.

Main Results:

• Out of 38 patients, 30 were included in the analysis (median age 62.3 years).
• One patient had HIV/AIDS and two had immunosuppression (kidney transplant, multiple sclerosis), with HIV and MS cases being Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-positive.
• Completion of six or more induction cycles was a significant predictor of treatment response.

Conclusions:

• PCNSL remains a challenging condition with significant unmet needs.
• Combination chemoimmunotherapy is effective, and the number of induction cycles impacts response, even in elderly patients.
• A multidisciplinary approach and targeted maintenance therapy are recommended to improve outcomes, particularly in elderly populations.