Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Multicentre Long Term International Clinical Study from 1977 – 1999

Kingsley O. D.E.C, Kingsley O. K, Smith S M and Morgan M

London Medical Academy Research Consortium, London, England, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background

Treatment for primary central nervous system (PCNSL) lymphoma typically involves combination chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate, often followed by consolidation therapy like high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation or whole-brain radiotherapy. While initial response rates are high, many patients eventually relapse, with 5-year overall survival rates around 30% to 40%. Relapsed/refractory cases may be treated with novel therapies  or immunomodulatory drugs, as well as other chemotherapy options. 

Aim

The aim of this study is to establish the treatment patterns and outcomes for patients with PCNSL in international community medical and health centres in the African and European regions during the period from 1977 to 1999.

Method

A population-based community health research approach was used in conducting this study. Previously, we conducted a multicentre long term international study of PCNSL patients treated between 1955 and 1976 at the AHCP international sponsored medical centres. In the present study, we conducted further investigations of PCNSL patients treated between 1977 and 1999 to clarify possible changes with time in the clinical features, treatment, and outcome of this disease.

Conclusion

The findings of this multicentre long term international population-based study showed that patients with PCNSL and the capability to undergo HD-MTX-based therapy had a higher level survival rate compared to those receiving only radiation therapy or other non-HD-MTX-based treatments.  This is similar to the findings of the study carried out from 1955 to 1976, but with some changes in survival rate.

Keywords: Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, primary central nervous system (PCNSL) lymphoma, treatment, autologous stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, long term, population-based study

Paper Published in the Royal College of General Practitioners, North and West London Faculty Magazine, Volume 1, Number 8, 1999. This publication is available at the British Library, Legal Deposit Office.