Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Retrospective Analysis

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare extranodal lymphoma characterized by a poor prognosis due to high relapse rates and a lack of standardized treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of induction/consolidation therapy on long-term survival and to provide extended follow-up data.

In this retrospective analysis, 140 immunocompetent patients with diffuse large B-cell PCNSL (DLBCL-PCNSL) treated at two centers between 2014 and 2024 were enrolled. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on baseline characteristics, therapeutic regimens, and treatment response. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors were identified using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models.

With a median follow-up of 5.3 years (range: 0.1-11.0 years), the 2- and 5-year PFS rates were 50.4% (95% CI: 42.1-60.2) and 34.1% (95% CI: 25.5-45.0), respectively, while the corresponding OS rates were 85.3% (95% CI: 79.4-91.6) and 60.8% (95% CI: 52.0-71.1). No survival plateau was observed. Among patients, 94% received methotrexate-based induction therapy: 94 received rituximab-methotrexate-temozolomide (R-MT) and 17 received MT alone, with 2-year PFS rates of 57.7% and 39.7%, respectively. Overall, 75% of patients achieved remission (CR/CRu/PR) after induction, and among these, 55% underwent consolidation therapy, predominantly autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT, 90%) or whole-brain radiotherapy (10%). Patients receiving ASCT exhibited superior survival outcomes compared to those who did not.

R-MT induction combined with ASCT consolidation is associated with improved survival in PCNSL, although relapse risk remains substantial. Outcomes remain poor in refractory subgroups, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.