Potential of chemo-immunotherapy and radioimmunotherapy in relapsed primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma

Five patients with relapsed PCNSL were given chemo-immunotherapy (rituximab followed by carboplatin and methotrexate) with osmotic blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening. Four patients achieved CR and one patient had stable disease. Two patients (2/5) had durable responses (survival: 230+, 122+, 82, 42, 38 weeks). One patient later received Indium-111-ibritumomab tiuxetan and Yttrium-90-ibritumomab tiuxetan intravenous, without BBB opening. There was good uptake of Indium-111 ibritumomab tiuxetan in tumor on SPECT scan after 48 h. Estimated radiation doses to brain around and distant from tumor were within safe limits. After Ytrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan there was CR in enhancing tumor where the BBB was leaky, but lesions occurred in other brain regions, where the BBB was intact during Yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan infusion. Imaging and dosimetry with Indium-111 ibritumomab tiuxetan and efficacy with Yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan suggest the need for future enhanced CNS delivery when using monoclonal or radiolabeled antibodies, as intravenous delivery alone may provide modest clinical benefit due to limited BBB permeability.     

原发中枢神经系统淋巴瘤诊疗进展

原发中枢神经系统淋巴瘤是一种少见的中枢神经系统恶性肿瘤,以大剂量甲氨蝶呤为基础方案诱导化疗是目前一线治疗,随后全脑放疗作为巩固治疗.迟发神经认知功能障碍出现,尤其是老年人,使缓解患者是否需要全脑放疗或减量放疗需要进一步明确.利妥昔单抗治疗PCNSL,初步研究表明美罗华可能给患者带来获益,但研究证据水平较低.HDC/ASCT对于治疗复发性或难治性PCNSL虽有疗效但毒副作用较大,临床价值尚存争议.     

原发中枢神经系统恶性淋巴瘤的诊断及治疗

目的：探讨原发中枢神经系统恶性淋巴瘤（PCNSL）的临床、影像学表现,治疗方案选择和预后。方法：对24例PCNSL的诊断、治疗过程、预后进行回顾性分析。结果：PCNSL的临床表现以颅内压增高、局灶占位性病变损伤症状为主,肿瘤可单发或多发;肿瘤影像学缺乏特异性,确诊依靠病理学诊断。结论：PCNSL恶性度高,预后不良,手术全切率低;对确诊病例采用个体化的手术方案结合术后放、化疗是治疗本病的关键,可显著延长患者生存时间。     

原发中枢神经系统恶性淋巴瘤的诊断及治疗

目的:探讨原发中枢神经系统恶性淋巴瘤(PCNSL)的临床、影像学表现,治疗方案选择和预后. 方法: 对24例PCNSL的诊断、治疗过程、预后进行回顾性分析. 结果: PCNSL的临床表现以颅内压增高、局灶占位性病变损伤症状为主,肿瘤可单发或多发;肿瘤影像学缺乏特异性,确诊依靠病理学诊断. 结论: PCNSL恶性度高,预后不良,手术全切率低;对确诊病例采用个体化的手术方案结合术后放、化疗是治疗本病的关键,可显著延长患者生存时间.     

Consensus recommendations for MRI and PET imaging of primary central nervous system lymphoma: guideline statement from the International Primary CNS Lymphoma Collaborative Group (IPCG)

Advanced molecular and pathophysiologic characterization of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has revealed insights into promising targeted therapeutic approaches. Medical imaging plays a fundamental role in PCNSL diagnosis, staging, and response assessment. Institutional imaging variation and inconsistent clinical trial reporting diminishes the reliability and reproducibility of clinical response assessment. In this context, we aimed to: (1) critically review the use of advanced positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the setting of PCNSL; (2) provide results from an international survey of clinical sites describing the current practices for routine and advanced imaging, and (3) provide biologically based recommendations from the International PCNSL Collaborative Group (IPCG) on adaptation of standardized imaging practices. The IPCG provides PET and MRI consensus recommendations built upon previous recommendations for standardized brain tumor imaging protocols (BTIP) in primary and metastatic disease. A biologically integrated approach is provided to addresses the unique challenges associated with the imaging assessment of PCNSL. Detailed imaging parameters facilitate the adoption of these recommendations by researchers and clinicians. To enhance clinical feasibility, we have developed both “ideal” and “minimum standard” protocols at 3T and 1.5T MR systems that will facilitate widespread adoption.     

Prolonged remission of primary central nervous system lymphoma after discontinuation of steroid therapy

Summary The case of a 63-year old man is presented in whom remission of a primary central nervous system lymphoma was achieved by corticosteroids only. After discontinuation of steroid therapy the remission persisted for two and a half years. Recurrences appeared at other sites of the brain, and were steroid resistant.     

Association of genetic variants of methionine metabolism with methotrexate-induced CNS white matter changes in patients with primary CNS lymphoma

Methotrexate (MTX) is an important anticancer drug and the most efficient chemotherapy component in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). A typical side effect of intravenous high-dose MTX is the occurrence of confluent CNS white matter changes (WMC). Because MTX directly interferes with methionine metabolism, we analyzed the impact of genetic variants of methionine metabolism on the occurrence of WMC as a model of MTX toxicity. In a retrospective analysis of 68 PCNSL patients treated with MTX-based polychemotherapy with (n = 42) or without (n = 26) intraventricular treatment, 10 genetic variants influencing methionine metabolism were analyzed. Pearson's chi(2) test and multinominal regression analysis were used to define the relevance of these genetic variants for the occurrence of WMC. In this patient sample, the occurrence of WMC was significantly predicted by the TT genotype of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase c.677C>T (chi(2) = 8.67; p = 0.013; df = 2), the AA genotype of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase c.1298A>C (chi(2) = 13.5; p = 0.001; df = 2), and the GG genotype of transcobalamin 2 c.776C>G (chi(2) = 19.73; p < 0.001), in addition to male gender (chi(2) = 11.95; p = 0.001). These data strengthen the hypothesis that MTX effects are influenced by methionine metabolism, which may offer new strategies to improve MTX-based therapies.     

Patterns of treatment in older adults with primary central nervous system lymphoma

BACKGROUND: The incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has increased in recent decades and is highest in people aged >or=65 years. Radiotherapy (XRT) and systemic chemotherapy (CTX), alone or in combination, are reported to extend survival, but treatment-related toxicity is a particular concern in the elderly. The objective of the current study was to identify factors associated with the receipt and type of treatment in a population-based cohort of older PCNSL patients. METHODS: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry data linked with Medicare claims, the authors identified PCNSL cases in adults aged >or=65 years who were diagnosed between 1994 and 2002. Initial treatment was defined as XRT alone, CTX alone, combined CTX and XRT, or no treatment, based on Medicare claims in the 6 months after diagnosis. The authors assessed the effects of age, comorbidity, and sociodemographic characteristics on the odds of receiving treatment. RESULTS: Of 579 PCNSL patients, 464 (80%) received any treatment. XRT alone was the most common modality (46%), followed by combined therapy (33%) and CTX alone (22%). The type of treatment varied by age (P < .0001). The use of CTX alone or in combination with XRT decreased with increasing age, whereas the use of XRT alone increased with age. In adjusted analysis, younger age (P < .01) was found to be predictive of the receipt of any treatment. The use of CTX decreased with age (P < .0001). The median survival was 7 months (95% confidence interval, 6-8 months); no significant time trends were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of older PCNSL patients received treatment, most did not receive optimal therapy. Age was found to have the greatest influence on treatment selection. Overall survival in elderly PCNSL patients appears to be poor.     

Primary CNS Lymphoma: Findings Outside the Brain

In addition to the brain parenchyma and the leptomeninges, primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) can involve the posterior parts of the eye with ocular lymphoma in up to 20% of patients and lead to systemic dissemination of lymphoma in 7–8% of patients. Ocular lymphoma is diagnosed by slit lamp examination and requires treatment by ocular irradiation. However, the clinical significance of systemic dissemination, which occurs mainly in the end stage of the disease, appears to be disputable. Extensive systemic staging at the time of initial presentation proved to be unrewarding in the vast majority of studies. So far, only 10 patients have been reported with occult systemic lymphoma at time of initial presentation, and systemic lymphoma determined the course of the disease in none of them. Thus, initial staging procedures for patients with biopsy-confirmed PCNSL can be restricted to regular blood tests, including HIV testing, and slit lamp examination of the eye.     

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in immunocompetent patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma

Background: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) non-invasively evaluates the metabolic profile of normal and abnormal brain tissue. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a highly aggressive tumor responsive to high-dose methotrexate based regimens. Patients often have complete responses but relapses are common. We characterized the MR spectra of PCNSL patients, correlated MRSI with MRI and evaluated whether early recurrence could be detected by MRSI.Methods: Patients with PCNSL had multi-voxel MRSI before, during, and after treatment. The region of interest was defined using axial FLAIR images. Metabolites assessed were N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), lipid, and lactate. Ratios of Cho/Cr, NAA/Cho, and NAA/Cr were calculated and correlated with MRI. Overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and relative risks of each of the ratios were determined.Results: MRSI was performed on 11 men and seven women; median age of 59. Sixty-seven MRSI studies were performed, 17 baseline and 48 follow-up studies. Median ratios in 16 pretreated patients were Cho/Cr-1.90, NAA/Cho-0.39, and NAA/Cr-1.27. Two patients had lipid at baseline, five had lactate and two had both. MRSI correlated with tumor response or progression on MRI; in three patients MRSI suggested disease progression prior to changes on MRI. Univariate analysis of metabolite ratios, lipid, and lactate revealed that none significantly affected PFS or OS. Kaplan–Meier analysis of the presence or absence of lipid, lactate or both revealed a trend for increased PFS.Conclusion: MRSI and MRI correlate with tumor response or progression and may allow early detection of disease recurrence. The presence or absence of lipid and/or lactate may have prognostic significance. Further research using MRSI needs to be done to validate our findings and determine the role of MRSI in PCNSL.Presented in part at the 1999 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology; April 12, 1999.     

Second malignancies in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma

Background

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare extranodal lymphoma with distinctive biological behaviors. The evolving treatment of PCNSL has greatly improved the outcome for patients with this disease and has stimulated interest in second malignancies (SMs) in patients diagnosed with PCNSL.

Methods

The records of 129 cases of PCNSL at Mayo Clinic, diagnosed between January 1, 1988, and November 26, 2012, were reviewed. Data on clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, treatments, outcomes, and SMs were collected. The mean follow-up time was 44.8 months (range, 0.5–240 months; median, 28.0 months).

Results

Altogether, 28 cases with 30 (23.26%) SMs were identified. Twenty (15.50%) patients had prior or synchronous SM. Ten (7.76%) patients developed a subsequent primary cancer after PCNSL. The most common sites of prior or synchronous SMs were prostate (4/20), skin (4/20), and gastrointestinal (3/20). The most common site of the subsequent SM was skin (4/10). Two cases were identified with both prior SM and subsequent SM.

Conclusions

Second malignancies in cases with PCNSL were not uncommon and occurred in nearly a quarter of our cohort. Nonmelanoma skin cancers were frequently seen. Therefore, screening for SMs should also be considered in long-term follow-up of patients with PCNSL. In addition, the high incidence of subsequent cancer, synchronous cancer, and frequently seen nonmelanoma skin cancers may all indicate an immunosuppressed state in patients with PCNSL.     

原发乳腺淋巴瘤的研究进展

原发性乳腺恶性淋巴瘤是一种少见的、异质性结外非霍奇金淋巴瘤类型,具有特殊的临床表现。最常见的病理类型是弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤,但也存在其他不常见的亚型。我们将描述原发性乳腺恶性淋巴瘤的特点,重点在发病机理、分期、风险分层、预后及最新治疗进展。     

原发性中枢神经系统淋巴瘤患者预后的影响因素分析

目的 探讨原发性中枢神经系统淋巴瘤(PCNSL)患者预后的影响因素.方法 收集82例PCNSL患者的临床资料,包括性别、年龄、病灶数量、病灶部位、病灶直径、治疗方法、意识状态、体力状况(PS)评分等一般资料,以及脑脊液(CSF)常规检测指标(CSF蛋白质、CSF氯化物)和生化检测指标[血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、β2微球...     

Therapeutic management of primary CNS lymphoma in immunocompetent patients

The best therapeutic management in primary CNS lymphomas remains to be defined because of the small size and short follow-up of retrospective series, the methodological pitfalls and limited number of prospective studies, and the paucity of randomized trials. The purpose of this article is to analyze, discuss and summarize the current therapeutic approaches, namely chemotherapy or radiotherapy as exclusive treatment, combined treatment, most commonly used drugs, intrathecal chemotherapy and consolidation radiotherapy and to provide recommendations for ordinary clinical practice. Some important therapeutic issues such as the management of intraocular lymphomas, elderly patients and patients without histological diagnosis, as well as the relevance of salvage therapy as a playground for the evaluation of new drugs are also analyzed. Finally, the main open questions as well as current and expected investigation trends are discussed.     

Imaging analysis of primary malignant intracranial lymphoma

OBJECTIVE To investigate the images characteristics of primary malignant intracranial lymphoma. METHODS Retrospective study was conducted on CT/MRI imaging characteristics of 9 cases with primary malignant intracranial lymphoma. RESULTS The patients had lesions mostly in the supratentorial region, including the parts of deep white matter, para-ependymal regions, and corpus callosum. The shapes of the lesions were round or irregular. CT scan showed equal or slightly high density of the tumor images, compared with the normal tissue in the brain. The TIWI of MRI scan on the tumor showed low signal and the T2WI showed equal or slightly high signal. The MRI signals were homogenous. Cystic lesion, calcification, and hemorrhage were rarely seen in MRI. Edema around tumor and its occupational effect was lessened. Edema around tumor shown in MRI was not in accordance with the true volume of the tumor mass. Enhanced scan on the lesions showed homogenous enhancement, and the pia mater invaded and/or the spread along ependyma. CONCLUSION Images of primary malignant intracranial lymphoma have specific characteristics that are useful in its diagnosis and differential diagnosis.     

Pemetrexed in the treatment of relapsed/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma

BACKGROUND:

Despite initial treatment with high‐dose methotrexate‐based regimens, many patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) relapse and die from their disease. No standard of care exists at progression or relapse, but chemotherapy and in some cases radiation are usually used. Pemetrexed is a multitargeted antifolate, similar to methotrexate, but with a broader spectrum of activity. Because methotrexate is an integral part of PCSNL treatment, the authors assessed the antitumor activity and safety of pemetrexed in recurrent PCNSL.

METHODS:

Patients with relapsed/refractory PCNSL were enrolled in this trial. Treatment consisted of pemetrexed 900 mg/m² given every 3 weeks with low‐dose dexamethasone, folate, and B12 supplementation. Each cycle was 6 weeks, and follow‐up imaging was done before each new cycle. Treatment was continued until complete remission, progression, or toxicity.

RESULTS:

Eleven patients were treated, with a median age of 69.8 years and Karnofsky performance status of 70%; 10 of 11 patients had failed prior high‐dose methotrexate. The median number of pemetrexed cycles given was 5, with an associated overall response rate of 55% and disease control rate of 91%. The 6‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) was 45%, median PFS was 5.7 months, and median overall survival was 10.1 months. Toxicities were primarily hematologic and infectious.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pemetrexed has single‐agent activity in relapsed/refractory PCNSL. Toxicities were seen likely because of the higher than standard dose used. Further investigation of this agent or other multitargeted antifolates in PCNSL is warranted to determine optimal dose and efficacy in a more homogeneous population. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.     

Characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma

BACKGROUND:

Approximately 50% of all patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) are aged ≥65 years; however, this group is relatively understudied, and to the authors's knowledge, optimal treatment for older patients is not well defined.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective review of PCNSL patients aged ≥65 years who were treated at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center between 1986 and 2008. A multivariate analysis of demographic and clinical variables on prognosis and receipt of treatment was performed.

RESULTS:

One hundred seventy‐four patients between the ages of 65 and 89 years were identified; there was a slight predominance of women (52.9%). One hundred forty‐eight patients were treated with chemotherapy at the time of diagnosis (98% with methotrexate‐based therapy) and 31 of these patients also received whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Sixteen patients received WBRT alone. A radiographic response to chemotherapy was noted in 76% of patients. Ninety patients developed disease progression after initial treatment; 74 received salvage therapy and 48% of these patients responded to salvage treatment. The median overall survival was 25 months (range, 18‐33 months), and the 3‐year survival rate was 36%. Approximately 20.1% of patients were alive for ≥11 years. WBRT was delivered more frequently before 1998, and patients with a history of prior malignancy were less likely to receive WBRT. Age and performance status were identified as the most important predictors of survival. Treatment‐related neurotoxicity at 2 years was strongly associated with receipt of WBRT (P = .0002).

CONCLUSIONS:

PCNSL in the elderly remains sensitive to methotrexate‐based chemotherapy and aggressive treatment may be warranted both at the time of diagnosis and disease recurrence. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.     

A case of large cell CNS lymphoma associated with a systemic small cell lymphocytic lymphoma

Summary A case is reported of a 59 y/o woman with a large cell CNS lymphoma and a small cell lymphocytic lymphoma in the bone marrow. The brain tumor underwent spontaneous regression and subsequent regrowth while there was slow progression of the systemic small cell lymphoma. The CNS lymphoma regressed rapidly following treatment with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. We hypothesize that the small cell lymphoma in this patient may represent an underlying immunodeficiency disorder. Dr. Weissman is a recipient of an American Cancer Society Career Development Award.     

Association of transcobalamin c. 776C>G with overall survival in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma

Background:

Chemotherapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is based on methotrexate (MTX), which interferes with both nucleic acid synthesis and methionine metabolism. We have reported previously that genetic variants with influence on methionine metabolism are associated with MTX side effects, that is, the occurrence of white matter lesions as a sign of MTX neurotoxicity. Here, we investigated whether such variants are associated with MTX efficacy in terms of overall survival in MTX-treated PCNSL patients.

Methods:

We analysed seven genetic variants influencing methionine metabolism in 68 PCNSL patients treated with systemic and facultative intraventricular MTX-based polychemotherapy (Bonn protocol).

Results:

Median age at diagnosis was 59 years (range: 28–77), 32 patients were female. Younger age (Wald=8.9; P=0.003) and the wild-type C (CC) allele of the genotype transcobalamin c (Tc2). 776C>G (Wald=6.7; P=0.010) were associated with longer overall survival in a multivariate COX regression analysis.

Conclusion:

This observation suggests that the missense variant Tc2. 776C>G influences both neurotoxicity and efficacy of MTX in the Bonn PCNSL protocol.     

常规MRI纹理分析鉴别脑胶质母细胞瘤和原发性中枢神经系统淋巴瘤的价值

背景与目的：影像组学是近年来研究的热点，可量化肿瘤异质性，广泛应用于病灶定性、临床分期、疗效评价及危险因素分层分析等。该研究旨在探讨常规磁共振成像（magnetic resonance imaging，MRI）影像学纹理分析对脑胶质母细胞瘤和原发性中枢神经系统淋巴瘤的鉴别诊断价值。方法：回顾性分析2012年6月—2017年7月在皖南医学院第一附属医院经术后病理学检查证实的35例脑胶质母细胞瘤及15例原发性中枢神经系统淋巴瘤患者临床及影像学资料。所有患者术前均接受常规MRI平扫，包括轴位T1WI、T₂WI和T2WI液体衰减反转恢复序列（T₂-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery，T2-FLAIR）。利用MaZda软件于3个平扫序列上显示肿瘤病灶最大层面手动勾画感兴趣区（region of interest， ROI），提取并分析其纹理特征。结果：通过对大量的纹理特征进行统计筛选，灰度共生矩阵类参数中T1WI自相关、T1WI熵、T2WI均值、T2-FLAIR均值及T2-FLAIR熵在二者之间的差异有统计学意义。基于这些纹理参数构建多变量logistic回归分析，显示该模型受试者工作特征曲线（receiver operating characteristic curve，ROC）下面积为0.94。结论：常规MRI纹理分析可提供可靠、量化的客观依据，无需增强检查，有助于鉴别脑胶质母细胞瘤和原发性中枢神经系统淋巴瘤。