Combined Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Primary CNS Lymphoma

Lee, Jeong Eun; Kim, Dae Yong; Ahn, Yong Chan; Lim, Do Hoon; Huh, Seung Jae; Shin, Seong Soo; Kim, Won Seok; Kang, Won Ki; Nam, Do Hyun; Lee, Jung Il; Kim, Jong Hyun

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was performed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From January 1995 to August 1999, 21 patients with a diagnosis of PCNSL were treated with combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Their median age was 47 years with range of 19 to 78 years. Twelve patients were male and nine patients were female. All patients were immunocompetent and they had no evidence of systemic lymphoma. All patients underwent placement of an Ommaya reservoir and recieved a combination regimen using pre-RT systemic and intra-Ommaya methotrexate (MTX), 40 Gy whole-brain RT with a 14.4 Gy boost, and 2 courses of post-RT high-dose cytarabine. The median follow-up period of all patients and survived patients were 22 months and 36 months, respectively.
RESULTS
The median overall survival duration was 21 months and the overall two- and four-year survival rates were 51% and 43%, respectively. Complete response (CR), partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease were achieved in 12, 3, 1, and 5 patients, respectively. All nine patients without CR expired within 1-31 months (median 6 months). Two patients among the patients with CR developed recurrence after 13 and 14 months, respectively. The location of recurrent disease was within the port of radiation boost. Survival was influenced by age, performance status, and CR. There was one episode of MTX neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity,respectively.
CONCLUSION
Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy was an effective treatment for PCNSL, and was associated with a minimum toxicity. However, we must pay attention to the recurrence and late toxicity, particularly within two years following treatment.