Long-term survival in primary CNS lymphoma.

PURPOSE

We have previously reported on 31 patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) treated between 1986 and 1992 with methotrexate (MTX), cranial radiotherapy (RT), and high-dose cytarabine who remained free of disease longer than historical controls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a follow-up analysis of our original cohort and now report their long-term survival and late treatment-related toxicity.

RESULTS

The median cause-specific survival was 42 months, with a five-year survival of 22.3% compared with 3% to 4% in historical controls treated with RT alone. Age less than 50 years at diagnosis was a significant prognostic factor for survival (P = .01). Median disease-free survival was 40.3 months; 15 patients relapsed, all but one in the CNS. Late treatment-related toxicity was observed in nearly one third of patients and those more than 60 years of age were at substantially higher risk (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Combined modality therapy for PCNSL has improved survival, but relapse is common and late neurologic toxicity is a significant complication. Although this approach is highly effective for younger patients, efficacious but less neurotoxic regimens need to be developed for older patients.