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Tumor Engraftment in a Xenograft Mouse Model of Human Mantle Cell Lymphoma
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Published on: March 30, 2018

Primary central nervous system lymphoma

Jennifer I Stern1, Jeffrey J Raizer

  • 1Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|November 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare cancer affecting the brain. While treatments improve survival, high rates of relapse and neurotoxicity necessitate exploring new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma exclusively affecting the central nervous system.
  • It occurs in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient individuals, with Epstein-Barr virus association in the latter.
  • PCNSL can involve the brain, leptomeninges, spinal cord, and eyes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current understanding and treatment approaches for primary central nervous system lymphoma.
  • To highlight challenges in PCNSL management, including relapse rates and treatment-related toxicities.
  • To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies and the ongoing search for optimal treatment regimens.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on PCNSL diagnosis and treatment.
  • Analysis of outcomes associated with methotrexate-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
  • Examination of recent advancements including immunotherapy and stem-cell transplantation.

Main Results:

  • High-dose methotrexate and whole-brain radiation have improved survival but cause significant neurotoxicity in older patients.
  • Despite current treatments, approximately 50% of patients experience disease relapse.
  • Novel approaches like rituximab, stem-cell transplantation, and radiation-sparing regimens are under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Current treatments for PCNSL offer survival benefits but are limited by relapse and neurotoxicity.
  • The optimal treatment strategy for PCNSL remains undetermined, particularly in elderly patients.
  • Ongoing research focuses on refining existing therapies and exploring novel agents to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.

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