The need for prophylactic treatment to the central nervous system in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

During 2 years, 6 out of 34 patients presenting with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma developed central nervous system (CNS) complications. All were male and had diffuse, undifferentiated lymphomas. In all 6 patients, CNS disease developed during, or shortly after, treatment. We suggest that a group at high risk from these complications can be identified and should be considered for a trial of prophylaxis.