BACKGROUND: To improve survival of elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), we conducted a phase II study with high-dose methotrexate (MTX) combined with procarbazine and CCNU. To reduce neurotoxicity, whole-brain irradiation was reserved for patients not responding to chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: High-dose MTX was applied on days 1, 15, and 30, procarbazine on days 1-10, and CCNU on day 1. Study treatment comprised up to three 45-day cycles. There was no lower limit of Karnofsky performance status (KPS). RESULTS: Thirty patients with PCNSL (n = 29) or primary ocular lymphoma (n = 1) were included (median age 70 years, range 57-79 years). The median initial KPS was 60% (range 30%-90%). Best documented response in 27 assessable patients were 12 of 27 (44.4%) complete remissions, 7 of 27 (25.9%) partial remissions, and 8 of 27 (29.6%) disease progressions. Two patients died of probable treatment-related causes. With a median follow-up of 78 months (range 34-105), the 5-year overall survival is 33%. Eight of 30 patients (26.7%) are currently alive and well, six without signs of leukoencephalopathy. CONCLUSION: The combination of high-dose MTX with procarbazine and CCNU is feasible and effective and results in a low rate of leukoencephalopathy. Comorbidity and toxicity remain of concern when treating PCNSL in elderly patients.
BACKGROUND: To improve survival of elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), we conducted a phase II study with high-dose methotrexate (MTX) combined with procarbazine and CCNU. To reduce neurotoxicity, whole-brain irradiation was reserved for patients not responding to chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: High-dose MTX was applied on days 1, 15, and 30, procarbazine on days 1-10, and CCNU on day 1. Study treatment comprised up to three 45-day cycles. There was no lower limit of Karnofsky performance status (KPS). RESULTS: Thirty patients with PCNSL (n = 29) or primary ocular lymphoma (n = 1) were included (median age 70 years, range 57-79 years). The median initial KPS was 60% (range 30%-90%). Best documented response in 27 assessable patients were 12 of 27 (44.4%) complete remissions, 7 of 27 (25.9%) partial remissions, and 8 of 27 (29.6%) disease progressions. Two patients died of probable treatment-related causes. With a median follow-up of 78 months (range 34-105), the 5-year overall survival is 33%. Eight of 30 patients (26.7%) are currently alive and well, six without signs of leukoencephalopathy. CONCLUSION: The combination of high-dose MTX with procarbazine and CCNU is feasible and effective and results in a low rate of leukoencephalopathy. Comorbidity and toxicity remain of concern when treating PCNSL in elderly patients.
Authors: Denise D Correa; Weiji Shi; Lauren E Abrey; Lisa M Deangelis; Antonio M Omuro; Mariel B Deutsch; Howard T Thaler Journal: Neuro Oncol Date: 2011-10-19 Impact factor: 12.300
Authors: Delia Kurzwelly; Martin Glas; Patrick Roth; Elke Weimann; Hanns Lohner; Andreas Waha; Martin Schabet; Guido Reifenberger; Michael Weller; Ulrich Herrlinger Journal: J Neurooncol Date: 2009-10-20 Impact factor: 4.130