Epidemiology of primary CNS lymphoma

[Intraocular lymphoma associated with primary malignant lymphoma of the central nervous system: Seven-year experience of a tertiary center]

INTRODUCTION

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL), associated with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), is a rare malignancy disease. By way of a seven-year experience of a tertiary center, we discuss the presentation and we review the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

OBSERVATIONS

We report six cases of PIOL associated with PCNSL. For all patients, the clinical presentation was a vitreoretinal syndrome. The diagnosis was histologically confirmed by vitreal sample or brain biopsy. Five patients developed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Only one patient developed a T-cell lymphoma. The treatment consisted of conformational radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy and intravitreal injections of methotrexate. The median survival after the diagnosis was 24 months.

DISCUSSION

PIOL, associated with PCNSL, is the most common type of ocular lymphoma. In most cases, ocular manifestations inaugurate the disease. PIOL is often fatal because of ultimate central nervous system presentation. The role of the ophthalmologist consists in early diagnosis. Typical clinical findings include vitroretinal tumor syndrome but can mascarade other eye pathologies. Diagnosis requires histology. The majority of PIOL is diffused large B-cell lymphoma. Decisions are made through multidisciplinary consultation. PIOL exhibits high responsiveness to methotrexate.

CONCLUSION

Through a literature review and many illustrations, we discuss epidemiological, clinical, histological, radiological and treatment characteristics of PIOL associated with PCNSL.

On chip analysis of CNS lymphoma in cerebrospinal fluid

Molecular profiling of central nervous system lymphomas in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples can be challenging due to the paucicellular and limited nature of the samples. Presented herein is a microfluidic platform for complete CSF lymphoid cell analysis, including single cell capture in sub-nanoliter traps, and molecular and chemotherapeutic response profiling via on-chip imaging, all in less than one hour. The system can detect scant lymphoma cells and quantitate their kappa/lambda immunoglobulin light chain restriction patterns. The approach can be further customized for measurement of additional biomarkers, such as those for differential diagnosis of lymphoma subtypes or for prognosis, as well as for imaging exposure to experimental drugs.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma mimicking recurrent depressive disorder: A case report

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is limited to the central nervous system. Few studies are available reporting psychiatric symptoms as the initial and dominant presentation of PCNSL. The current study reports the case of a PCNSL patient with a history of major depressive disorder and coexisting rheumatoid arthritis (treated with methotrexate), who initially presented with recurrent depressive disorder that showed no response to antidepressant drug therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple mass lesions in the brain, and pathological examination of the biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the central nervous system. The present case demonstrated that PCNSL may affect mood in the early stages of the disease and thus, clinicians must be aware of this manifestation in patients with depressive disorder co-existing with immunosuppressive conditions, as early detection and appropriate treatment are important prognostic factors for PCNSL.

An unusual presentation of primary malignant B-cell-type dural lymphoma

Primary malignant B-cell-type dural lymphoma is a rare subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). We herein report an unusual case of diffuse B-cell lymphoma that presents as a chronic subdural haematoma without extracranial involvement. The notable aspects of this case include the patient's immunocompetence, a short clinical history of symptom onset, rapid neurological deterioration and a fi nal diagnosis of high-grade PCNSL. This case highlights the challenges neurosurgeons face, especially in the emergency setting, when the disease manifests in varied presentations.

The role of radiation therapy in the management of primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Early studies of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) alone revealed a robust initial response but high rates of local recurrence with long-term follow-up. The addition of high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX)-based chemotherapy improved the durability of disease control. However, delayed neurotoxicity emerged as an important complication, mainly in elderly patients. Therefore, researchers have investigated eliminating WBRT or reducing its dose. Multiple studies of chemotherapy alone have demonstrated inferior disease control. On the other hand, a phase III trial reported that WBRT may be deferred until relapse without compromising survival; however, this trial is fraught with flaws. A recent study of immunochemotherapy and dose-reduced WBRT demonstrated excellent outcomes. Currently, this regimen is being studied in a multi-institutional trial by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. WBRT maintains an important position in the armamentarium against PCNSL. This article aims to describe its evolving role.

Central nervous system lymphoma: a description and analysis of patients’ clinical and radiological features

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a rare brain neoplasm. Its incidence has increased these years, so it should be considered in the differential diagnosis for mass lesions in the CNS. The aim of the study was to describe the radiological and clinical features of patients with CNS lymphoma.Methods: The study was a retrospective study. All patients histopathologically confirmed to have CNS lymphoma from November 2008 to December 2013 in Siloam Hospital Lippo Village were included in the study. Medical records and patients’ MRI results were retrieved to be analyzed.Results: 32 patients were histopathologically diagnosed to have CNS lymphoma. The patients, mean age was 54 ± 15.01 years with slight male predominance. No patient was immuno compromised (CD4 > 500 cells/µL and leukocyte 5,000-11,000 cells/µL). The median interval between the onset of the initial symptoms and diagnosis is 7 weeks. The most common presenting symptoms were headache, mental changes, and neurological deficits related to the location of lesion. MR images show that most lesions were enhanced with contrast, iso-hypointense in T1 weighted imaging (T1WI), iso- to hypointense with perifocal edema in T2 weighted imaging (T2WI), hyperintense in diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), with the most common location was white matter of cerebral hemisphere on one or more lobes and periventricular area, and the tumor could be single or multiple (24%) without clear edges.Conclusion: Short course of neurological worsening (within weeks) should lead a suspicion toward lymphoma. The characteristics of MR images are markedly enhanced by contrast, iso- to hypointense on T1WI and T2WI, and hyperintense in DWI, involving white matter of cerebral hemisphere and periventricular area.

The role of additional radiotherapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Prior to the introduction of the chemotherapeutic agent methotrexate, radiotherapy was the sole, first-line option for the treatment of individuals with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), Now that methotrexate is available, the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of PCNSL has been called into question. Although various studies suggest promising results with regard to overall and progression-free survival with the use of chemotherapeutic regimens alone as well as in combination with radiotherapy, no evidence-based standard regimen has yet been defined.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess and summarise the evidence available regarding the efficacy and tolerability of radiotherapy in addition to chemotherapy in the treatment of immunocompetent individuals with PCNSL.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (issue 01.2014), MEDLINE from January 1950 to February 2014 and conference proceedings from 2005 to 2013. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing chemotherapy plus radiotherapy with chemotherapy alone in individuals with PCNSL. Outcomes defined in this review were overall survival, progression-free survival, response to treatment, adverse events, treatment related mortality and quality of life. We excluded trials in which the chemotherapy regimen differed between treatment arms, trials in which fewer than 80% of participants had PCNSL or those recruiting immunocompromised individuals with PCNSL.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened the results of the search strategies for eligibility for this review. Both assessed risk of bias. Where relevant data was unavailable, we contacted the investigator by email.

MAIN RESULTS

Of the 556 potentially relevant studies only two met the inclusion criteria. One of those was excluded as the trial was abandoned prematurely and reported only preliminary results. The only analysed trial enrolled 551 participants receiving first-line chemotherapy (methotrexate) followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBR) or receiving chemotherapy only (methotrexate followed by cytarabine in case of incomplete response). In this non-inferiority trial, the intention-to-treat (ITT) population consisted of 411 participants and the per-protocol (PP) population of 318 participants. We judged the potential for risk of bias in this open-label study as moderate.The estimated effect of chemotherapy plus WBR on survival was similar to that with chemotherapy alone but due to a wide CI we could not rule out the superiority of either therapy. This applied to both the ITT population (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.30; P = 0.94) and the PP population (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.40; P = 0.71) (moderate-quality evidence). Due to the low number of participants and a risk of detection bias we found low-quality evidence for an improvement in progression-free survival in participants in the ITT population receiving WBR in addition to chemotherapy (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99; P = 0.041). An improvement in PFS was also observed with WBR plus chemotherapy in participants in the PP population, but the CI was slightly wider and the result not significant (HR 0.82,95% CI 0.64 to 1.07; P = 0.14). Treatment-related mortality and health-related quality of life were not evaluated. Treatment-related neurotoxicity was assessed clinically in 79 participants, revealing signs of neurotoxicity in 49% of those receiving chemotherapy plus radiotherapy and in 26% of those receiving chemotherapy only (RR 1.85, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.48; P = 0.054) (very-low-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the currently available evidence (one RCT) is not sufficient to conclude that WBR plus chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone have similar effects on overall survival in people with PCNSL. The findings suggest that the addition of radiotherapy (WBR) to chemotherapy may increase progression-free survival, but may also increase the incidence of neurotoxicity compared to chemotherapy only (methotrexate monotherapy). As the role of chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of PCNSL remains unclear, further prospective, randomised trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Progress in central nervous system lymphomas

Until recently, primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) was associated with a uniformly dismal prognosis. It is now reasonable to anticipate long-term survival and possibly cure for a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with PCNSL. Accumulated data generated over the past 10 years has provided evidence that long-term progression-free survival (PFS) can reproducibly be attained in a significant fraction of PCNSL patients that receive dose-intensive chemotherapy consolidation, without whole brain radiotherapy. One consolidative regimen that has reproducibly demonstrated promise is the combination of infusional etoposide plus high-dose cytarabine (EA), administered in first complete remission after methotrexate, temozolomide and rituximab-based induction. Given evolving principles of management and the mounting evidence for reproducible improvements in survival rates in prospective clinical series, our goal in this review is to highlight and update principles in diagnosis, staging and management as well as to review data regarding the pathogenesis of central nervous system lymphomas, information that is likely to constitute a basis for the implementation of novel therapies that are requisite for further progress in this unique phenotype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Primary intraocular lymphoma

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is an ocular malignancy that is a subset of primary central system lymphoma (PCNSL). Approximately one-third of PIOL patients will have concurrent PCNSL at presentation, and 42-92% will develop PCNSL within a mean of 8-29 months. Although rare, the incidence has been rising in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations. The majority of PIOL is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, though rare T-cell variants are described. Recently, PIOL has been classified by main site of involvement in the eye, with vitreoretinal lymphoma as the most common type of ocular lymphoma related to PCNSL. Diagnosis remains challenging for ophthalmologists and pathologists. PIOL can masquerade as noninfectious or infectious uveitis, white dot syndromes, or occasionally as other neoplasms such as metastatic cancers. Laboratory diagnosis by cytology has been much aided by the use of immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, biochemical finding of interleukin changes (IL10:IL6 ratio > 1), and cellular microdissection with polymerase chain reaction amplification for clonality. Use of several tests improves the diagnostic yield. Approaches to treatment have centered on systemic methotrexate-based chemotherapy, often with cytarabine (Ara-C) and radiotherapy. Use of intravitreal chemotherapy with methotrexate (0.4 mg/0.1 mL) is promising in controlling ocular disease, and intravitreal rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) has also been tried. Despite these advances, prognosis remains poor.

How I treat CNS lymphomas

The pathogenesis of primary and secondary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma poses a unique set of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic challenges. During the past 10 years, there has been significant progress in the elucidation of the molecular properties of CNS lymphomas and their microenvironment, as well as evolution in the development of novel treatment strategies. Although a CNS lymphoma diagnosis was once assumed to be uniformly associated with a dismal prognosis, it is now reasonable to anticipate long-term survival, and possibly a cure, for a significant fraction of CNS lymphoma patients. The pathogenesis of CNS lymphomas affects multiple compartments within the neuroaxis, and proper treatment of the CNS lymphoma patient requires a multidisciplinary team with expertise not only in hematology/oncology but also in neurology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, clinical neuropsychology, ophthalmology, pathology, and radiation oncology. Given the evolving principles of management and the evidence for improvements in survival, our goal is to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of CNS lymphomas and to highlight promising strategies that we believe to be most effective in establishing diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic management.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: a clinicopathological and cytomorpholgical study from a tertiary care centre in Chennai, India

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) cases occurring in Indian patients and also study the utility of the crush smear preparation in intraoperative diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The immune status, clinical, radiological details, immunohistochemical profile, histopathological findings and cytological features in smear preparation of 32 cases of PCNSL were analyzed. Patients with systemic NHL and skull-base lymphomas were excluded.

RESULTS

The mean age of our patients was 52 years with a male: female ratio 1:1. A periventricular location was found in 62.5% of patients. None of our PCNSL cases were associated with AIDS. All cases except one were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Intraoperative diagnosis using crush smears allowed correct prediction in 93% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that PCNSL is seen predominantly in immunocompetent patients in India .The age of presentation is relatively young as compared to the West. Our study also stresses the utility of crush smear preparation in establishing an intraoperative diagnosis.

Treatment outcomes and survival in patients with primary central nervous system lymphomas treated between 1995 and 2010 - a single centre report

BACKGROUND.: Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are rare variants of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that are nowadays primarily treated with high-dose methotrexate or methotrexate-based chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy. The optimal treatment of PCNSL is still unknown and there are differences in clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS.: With a retrospective research we evaluated our series of patients with PCNSL in regards to the patient's characteristics, treatment results, disease specific survival and overall survival. Fifty nine patients who attended the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana between 1995 and 2010 were treated according to the protocol that was valid at the time of the patient's admission. Between 1995 and 1999, the systemic treatment was classical CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, steroids) chemotherapy, and later on high-dose methotrexate either alone or in combination with other agents. From 1999 onwards, radiation therapy was applied according to the patient's age and response to chemotherapy, prior to that all patients treated with CHOP were also irradiated. Patients ineligible for the systemic treatment were treated with sole radiation therapy. RESULTS.: There was a strong female predominance in our series and the median age at diagnosis was 59.8 years. Patients had predominantly aggressive B cell lymphomas (69.5%), one patient had marginal cell lymphoma and two patients T cell lymphoma. In total, 20.3% of patients were treated just with chemotherapy, 33.9% with combined therapy and 42.4% with sole radiation therapy. The overall response rate to the primary treatment in patients treated with sole chemotherapy was 33.3%, in patients treated with combined therapy 65% and in patients treated only with radiation therapy 56%, respectively. In terms of response duration, significantly better results were achieved with combined therapy or radiation therapy alone compared to sole chemotherapy (p<0.0006). The median overall survival of the whole cohort was 11 months and the overall survival was significantly affected by the patient's age. The longest overall survival was observed in patients treated with combined therapy (median survival of 39 months). Patients treated just with radiation therapy had a median overall survival of 9 months and those treated with sole chemotherapy of 4.5 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS.: The treatment outcomes in ordinary clinical practice are definitely inferior to the ones reported in clinical trials. The now standard treatment with high-dose methotrexate with or without radiation therapy is sometimes too aggressive and, therefore, a careful selection on the basis of patient's age, performance status and concomitant diseases of those eligible for such treatment is mandatory. According to our results from a retrospective study, radiation therapy should not be excluded from the primary treatment.

Successful treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma without irradiation in children: single center experience

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a very uncommon disease in children, and usually treated by chemotherapy, combined with focal or craniospinal radiotherapy (RT). However, adverse effects of RT are a concern. We evaluated the outcomes of childhood PCNSL, treated with systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy, but without RT. For fifteen years, six patients among 175 of non-Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed as PCNSL in Seoul National University Children's Hospital and we analyzed their medical records retrospectively. Their male:female ratio was 5:1, and median age was 10.1 yr. The primary sites were the sellar area in three patients, parietal area in one, cerebellum in one, and multiple areas in one. Their pathologic diagnoses were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in three patients, Burkitt lymphoma in two, and undifferentiated B-cell lymphoma in one. Five were treated with the LMB96 treatment protocol, and one was treated with the CCG-106B protocol. None had RT as a first-line treatment. One patient had a local relapse and received RT and salvage chemotherapy, without success. No patient had treatment-related mortality. Their estimated 5-yr event-free and overall survival rates were both 83.3%. In conclusion, PCNSL is a rare disease in childhood, but successfully treated by chemotherapy without RT.

Diagnosing CNS vasculitis: the case against empiric treatment

INTRODUCTION

Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a rare inflammatory arteriopathy confined to the brain, spinal cord, and leptomeninges. Because of its nonspecific presentation and difficulties in making a positive diagnosis, empiric treatment is often instituted.

CASE SERIES

We report a case series of 5 patients who were admitted or transferred to the Johns Hopkins Hospital with a clinical history and magnetic resonance imaging findings suggestive of PCNSV. Four patients had received at least 1 course of immunosuppression with high-dose intravenous (IV) corticosteroids and/or a corticosteroid-sparing agent. Each underwent an extensive workup including 4-vessel cerebral angiography and, in the majority of cases, brain biopsy to evaluate for mimics of PCNSV. In each of the 5 cases, an alternative diagnosis was found.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a cautious, multistep approach to the diagnosis of PCNSV, which takes into account more common diagnoses and avoids the pitfalls of empiric treatment.

Efficacy and Complications of Intravitreal Rituximab Injection for Treating Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term clinical outcomes of intravitreal injections of rituximab (IVR), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, to treat CD20-positive primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL).

METHODS

Twenty eyes of 13 women (mean age, 66.2 ± 9.9 years) with CD20-positive PVRL were included in this prospective, interventional case series. All patients had discontinued previous intravitreal methotrexate (IVM) treatment because of severe corneal epitheliopathy. Weekly IVR injections (1 mg/0.1 ml) for 4 weeks were administered as a one-course protocol. Additional injections were administered when the PVRL recurred. The effects and the adverse events associated with IVR injections were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients completed a 1-year follow-up (mean observation after IVR injections, 24.7 ± 6.3 months). Before treatment, diffuse keratic precipitates (KPs), anterior vitreous cells, or both were observed in 18 (90%) eyes of 11 patients, and typical subretinal infiltrates were seen in eight (40%) eyes of six patients; all improved with one treatment course. The anterior segment lesions recurred in 11 (55%) eyes of nine patients and resolved with another course of injections. Transient IOP elevations occurred in 12 (60%) eyes of 10 patients within 3.8 ± 1.9 weeks after the first treatment course; iridocyclitis with mutton-fat KPs developed in seven (35%) eyes of six patients with elevated IOP and resolved with topical treatment. No other significant ocular complications or systemic side effects developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Injections of IVR were shown to be an efficacious alternative treatment for PVRL, although the disease recurred in approximately half of the eyes. Complications included transient IOP elevations and iridocyclitis with mutton-fat KPs that were managed topically.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

The results of this trial support IVR as one element of combined modality therapy for treating PVRL patients without CNS involvement, particularly for those who respond poorly and have side effects with IVM. (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ number, UMIN000005604).

IL-10 -1082 SNP and IL-10 in primary CNS and vitreoretinal lymphomas

OBJECTIVES

Most primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) and primary vitreoretinal lymphomas (PVRLs) are B-cell lymphomas that produce high levels of interleukin (IL)-10, which is linked to rapid disease progression. The IL-10 (-1082) G → A polymorphism (IL-10 SNP) is associated with improved survival in certain non-CNS lymphoma patients. PDCD4 is a tumor suppressor gene and upstream regulator of IL-10. This study examined the correlation between the IL-10 SNP, PDCD4 mRNA expression, and IL-10 expression (at transcript and protein levels) in these lymphoma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-typing at IL-10 (-1082) was performed after microdissecting cytospun PVRL cells from 26 specimens. Vitreal IL-10 and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA. PCNSL cells from 52 paraffin-embedded sections were microdissected and SNP typed on genomic DNA. RT-PCR was performed to analyze expression of IL-10 and PDCD4 mRNA. IL-10 (-1082) SNP typing was performed on blood samples of 96 healthy controls. We measured IL-10 (-1082) SNP expression in 26 PVRLs and 52 PCNSLs and examined its relationship with IL-10 protein and gene expression, respectively.

RESULTS

More PVRL patients expressed one copy of the IL-10 ( -1082 )  G → A SNP with the GA genotype compared to controls. The frequencies of the three genotypes (AA, AG, GG) significantly differed in PVRL versus controls and in PCNSL versus controls. In PVRLs, the vitreal IL-10/IL-6 ratio was higher in IL-10 (-1082) AG and IL-10 (-1082) AA patients, compared to IL-10 (-1082) GG patients. IL-10 mRNA expression was higher in IL-10 (-1082) AG and IL-10 (-1082) AA PCNSLs, compared to IL-10 (-1082) GG PCNSLs. No correlation was found between IL-10 and PDCD4 expression levels in 37 PCNSL samples.

CONCLUSIONS

PVRL and PCNSL patients had similar IL-10 (-1082) A allele frequencies, but genotype distributions differed from healthy controls. The findings suggest that the IL-10 (-1082) A allele is a risk factor for higher IL-10 levels in PVRLs and PCNSLs. Higher IL-10 levels have been correlated with more aggressive disease in both PVRLs and PCNSLs, making this finding an important and potentially clinically significant observation.

Pathogenesis and management of primary CNS lymphoma

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), a rare variant of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, may cause various neurological symptoms and signs. The best therapeutic strategy is still a matter of debate. High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) is the most active compound and should be used as the backbone for any chemotherapy applied. Several other chemotherapeutic drugs have been assessed in combination with HD-MTX, but no standard has yet been defined. Whole-brain radiotherapy is active against PCNSL, but typically does not confer long-lasting remission and is associated with significant neurotoxicity in many patients. The recently published G-PCNSL-SG1 trial has shown that consolidating whole-brain radiotherapy after HD-MTX-based chemotherapy does not prolong overall survival and may therefore be deferred. Combined systemic and intraventricular polychemotherapy, or high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation may offer cures to younger patients. Improving treatment regimens without adding significant (neuro-)toxicity should be the focus of ongoing and future studies.

A single centre study of the treatment of relapsed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) with single agent temozolomide

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of extra-nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although recommendations for first-line treatment usually incorporate high-dose methotrexate, there is substantial heterogeneity in the types of salvage therapies used at relapse. Phase II data supported the use of temozolomide as a well-tolerated treatment modality in this setting. Therefore, we reviewed the treatment and outcomes of patients with relapsed PCNSL who were treated with salvage temozolomide at our institution. Seven patients were treated with salvage temozolomide between January 2000 and May 2011. The objective response rate was 14%. Progression-free survival was 2 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0-5.9) and median overall survival was 4 months (95% CI: 0-13). Toxicity was mild, with one episode of grade 3 neutropenia during 25 cycles of chemotherapy. Although these results are consistent with previous phase II results, the outcomes for these patients remain extremely poor. The low toxicity of temozolomide raises the possibility of combining temozolomide with other chemotherapeutic agents or targeted agents in future clinical trials.

Retrospective cytological study of intraocular lymphoma using vitreous and intraocular perfusion fluid

Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) is an extremely rare tumor. We carried out a retrospective cytopathological study with vitreous and intraocular perfusion fluid obtained on conducting a pars plana vitrectomy in 18 cases of IOL. In the 18 cases, nine were patients of Kansai Medical University Takii Hospital from 1991 to 2007, and the other nine had already been reported by other hospitals. Most patients were male, and the average age at onset was 60.4-year-old. The main symptoms were vitreous opacity, amblyopia, and blurred vision. Cases of primary intraocular lymphoma numbered 8/15 (53%), while cases of infiltration of malignant lymphoma from the brain numbered 2/15 (13%). Although IOL contains various subtypes of lymphoma, the most frequent subtype is diffuse large B-cell type lymphoma. It has been reported that making a definite diagnosis of IOL is difficult because the clinical symptoms and examinations are similar to chronic uveitis, and so IOL is called "masquerade syndrome." Recently, serological and molecular pathological studies have been carried out in addition to morphological examination. However, a cytological diagnosis based on the clinical background and/or image findings is important for the diagnosis of IOL, because of the volume limit of the vitreous fluid and difficulty of obtaining specimens from the inside of the eyes.

Clinical features and diagnostic significance of the intraocular fluid of 217 patients with intraocular lymphoma

PURPOSE

Intraocular lymphoma is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and early treatment greatly influence the survival prognosis of this disease. This retrospective study aimed to clarify the clinical features of patients diagnosed with intraocular lymphoma, and the diagnostic significance of results from analysis of vitreous samples including cytology, cytokine measurements, and the IgH gene rearrangement test.

METHODS

We reviewed 217 patients with intraocular lymphoma diagnosed at 25 medical institutions in Japan. Together with clinical observation, cytological analysis, determination of the levels of cytokines, and/or detection of IgH gene rearrangements were conducted using vitreous fluid specimens. The results were studied in conjunction with clinical findings of intraocular lymphoma. Survival curves were estimated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The subjects comprised 85 men and 132 women, with a mean age at first ophthalmological examination of 63.4 years. The mean observation period was 41.3 months. During the observation period, 69 patients had onset of lymphoma in one eye and 148 had onset in both eyes. Intraocular lymphoma with involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) was most common, found in 60.8 % of the patients, whereas intraocular lymphoma without involvement of other organs was found in 28.1 % of patients. With respect to onset patterns, 82.5 % of patients developed primary ocular lesions whereas 16.1 % developed primary CNS lesions preceding intraocular lymphoma. Blurred vision and ataxia were the most common ocular and extra-ocular symptoms that prompted patients to seek medical examination. Vitreous opacification was the most common ocular finding. The detection rates of malignant cytology, IL-10/IL-6 ratio greater than 1.0, and IgH gene rearrangements in vitreous specimens were 44.5, 91.7, and 80.6 %, respectively, of patients tested. IL-10/IL-6 ratio greater than 1.0 had the highest overall detection rate, and was extremely high (≥90 %) in patients with or without vitreous opacification. The 5-year survival rate was 61.1 %.

CONCLUSION

Cytokine analysis of vitreous biopsy had the highest detection rate for intraocular lymphoma. This supplementary diagnostic test should be performed frequently to confirm a diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma.

Primary lymphoma of the ocular adnexa (orbital lymphoma) and primary intraocular lymphoma

Lymphomas of the orbit and eye are rare conditions that should be treated as separate entities due to the differences in presumed aetiology, investigations, management and outcomes. Orbital lymphoma is most often of low-grade histology; thyroid eye disease may predispose and chlamydial infection has been suggested as a trigger. Commonly, stage IE, in most cases, can be managed with radiotherapy alone using either a kilovoltage portal for conjunctival disease or a wedged pair of megavoltage beams for more infiltrative disease to a dose of 30 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks. However, medical therapy is being investigated, including a rituximab-only approach for conjunctival-only presentations. The cure rate for stage IE disease is very high. In contrast, primary ocular lymphoma is often of high-grade histology, in particular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and can be regarded as one end of primary central nervous system lymphoma - both eyes and brain being at risk. Immunosuppression predisposes to the disease. Management consists of an initial high-dose chemotherapy regimen with methotrexate. In most cases, this should be followed by radiotherapy to the whole brain and globes to a dose of 30-36 Gy with a boost to bulk/presenting disease. Cure rates are rarely above 50%.

Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system: a clinicopathologic study

We performed clinicopathologic examinations of 27 cases of primary lymphoma of the central nervous system not related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. We considered age and change of performance status (PS) to be especially important in clinical examination. We also conducted pathological studies of these tumors and the characteristics of their cells, in order to characterize pathological subtypes, cell kinetics, and involvement of viruses. PS of patients more than 70 years old decreased markedly before treatment and did not show the improvement after treatment that was exhibited by those under 70 years of age. Low PS (60% or less) after initial treatment, high MIB-1 positivity (over 44.0%), and high counts of AgNOR (over 4.56/cell) were significantly associated with lower survival rates. Patients with immunoblastic lymphoma and high MIB-1 positivity are likely to die from general debilitation, without evidence of recurrence from imaging. Preoperative steroid therapy was significantly associated with higher apoptotic positivity.

Current strategies in the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system

Lymphomas can arise within the central nervous system (CNS) as primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) typically involving the brain and less often the leptomeninges, eyes, and spinal cord. In contrast to PCNSL, secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) is considered to originate as quasi metastasis from systemic lymphoma spreading to the CNS. Both types of CNS lymphomas are predominantly tumours of the diffuse large B-cell type and represent aggressive diseases necessitating a rapid diagnosis. Following neuroimaging based on magnetic resonance imaging, stereotaxy and histopathological diagnosis of CNS lymphoma currently remain obligatory to plan treatment. However, progress in cytopathological, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic analyses of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been achieved recently and potentially will facilitate lymphoma diagnosis in the future. This review describes the diagnostic procedures in patients with suspected CNS lymphomas, primarily PCNSL. In addition to a summary of the standard diagnostic work-up, an overview and discussion of current data on different techniques for evaluation of the CSF in CNS lymphoma are given.

Post-transplantation primary central nervous system lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature

Background:

Post-transplantation primary central nervous system lymphoma (PT-PCNSL) is a rare neoplasm that can develop within months to years after transplantation, and imaging often reveals multiple lesions with homogeneous or ring enhancement. The clinical and imaging presentation of PT-PCNSL can often be nonspecific and present a diagnostic challenge.

Case Description:

A 56-year-old woman presented to a tertiary university emergency room with altered mental status 15 months after undergoing renal transplantation. On brain MRI, she was found to have three rim-enhancing mass lesions, and biopsy revealed PT-PCNSL.

Conclusion:

There has been a steady increase in the number of patients living following organ transplantation in the United States and an increasing likelihood that PT-PCNSL will increasingly be encountered in neurosurgical practice. We present here a case of PT-PCNSL and a brief review of the relevant clinical characteristics, treatment options, and prognosis of PT-PCNSL.

Age, gender, and racial differences in incidence and survival in primary CNS lymphoma

Background:

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that accounts for ∼4% of newly diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) tumours. The objective of this study was to analyse the epidemiology, incidence, and outcome of these rare tumours.

Methods:

Primary brain and CNS lymphoma cases were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) research data sets for the years 1980–2008 for analysis of trends in incidence and survival. SEER^*Stat v. 7.0.4 software was used to analyse the data.

Results:

The overall incidence rate of PCNSL was 0.47 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence was significantly higher in males compared with females, blacks aged 0–49 years at diagnosis compared with whites, and whites aged 50 years and older at diagnosis compared with blacks. After a significant decline in incidence between 1995 and 1999, incidence rates rose slightly; those aged 75+ years at diagnosis had the most dramatic increase in incidence rates over time. Five-year survival rates were significantly higher in whites compared with blacks aged 0–49 years at diagnosis, but was primarily driven by white women aged 0–49 years.

Conclusion:

There is an increase in incidence of PCNSL in the elderly, and elderly blacks have lower incidence compared with white population. Survival remains poor and is negatively dominated by factors associated with HIV infection and advanced age.

Microfluidic pillar array sandwich immunofluorescence assay for ocular diagnostics

Uveitis and primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) are diseases associated with the invasion of lymphocytes into various regions of the eye, accompanied by expression of inflammatory cytokines. While these diseases are very different in terms of survivability and treatment options they have similar symptoms that make accurate diagnosis challenging. Furthermore, the diagnostic yield with state-of-the-art techniques for cell and cytokine analysis of vitreous and aqueous humor samples is under 20% due to inadequate sensitivity. This paper describes a simple sandwich immunofluorescence assay (sIFA) microfluidic device that is capable of identifying important analytes in ocular biopsies as a potential alternative to current diagnostic approaches. Detection is accomplished by capture of the target molecules on antibody-coated, vertical, oval shaped pillars in a microfluidic device followed by a biotinylated detection antibody and finally fluorescent avidin for target molecule quantification. Cytokine concentration measurements were carried out on aqueous humor samples from rats with endotoxin-induced uveitis as well as human cataract patients. Results correlated well with conventional protein quantification techniques and additionally, measurements from the human samples surpassed detection limits of current state-of-the-art immunoassay techniques. The single-digit femtomolar range of detection of this sIFA system provides lower limits of detection when compared to traditional techniques and allows for the mapping of the cytokine content of vitreous biopsies with detection limits that have yet to be realized using cost effective microfluidics. Furthermore, the relative simplicity of the device design, fabrication and ability to automate makes it easily translatable from the laboratory to a clinical setting.

Primary CNS lymphoma other than DLBCL: a descriptive analysis of clinical features and treatment outcomes

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) constitutes most primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (PCNSL), whereas T-cell, low-grade and Burkitt’s lymphomas (BL) are rarely encountered. Due to the paucity of cases, little is known about the clinical features and treatment outcomes of PCNSL other than DLBCL. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes for patients with PCNSL other than DLBCL. Fifteen patients, newly diagnosed with PCNSLs other than DLBCL between 2000 and 2010, were included. The male to female ratio was 0.67:1 with a median age of diagnosis of 31 years (range 18–59). Pathologic distributions were as follows: peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL; n = 7), marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBCL; n = 1), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL; n = 2), Burkitt’s lymphoma (n = 1), other unspecified (T-cell lineage, n = 2; B-cell lineage, n = 2). Thirteen patients (87%) showed Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (ECOG PS) 1–2. The remaining two were one PTCL patient and one Burkitt’s lymphoma patient. Of the nine patients with T-cell lymphoma, five (56%) had multifocal lesions, and one (20%) with LPL of the five patients with B-cell lymphoma showed a single lesion. Leptomeningeal lymphomatosis was identified in two patients (one with Burkitt’s lymphoma and one with unspecified B-cell lymphoma). Two patients (22%) with T-cell lymphoma died 7.7 and 23.3 months later, respectively, due to disease progression, despite HD-MTX-based therapy. Six patients with T-cell lymphoma (6/9, 66.7%) and four patients with low-grade B-cell lymphoma (4/5, 80%) achieved complete response and have survived without relapse (Table 3). One patient with Burkitt’s lymphoma showed poor clinical features with ECOG PS 3, deep structure, multifocal, and leptomeningeal lymphomatosis, and died 7.6 months after the initiation of treatment. In comparison with previously reported DLBCLs (median OS 6.4 years, 95% CI 3.7–9.1 years), T-cell lymphoma showed equivocal or favorable clinical outcomes and low-grade B-cell lymphomas, such as MZBCL and LPL, had a good prognosis. However, primary CNS Burkitt’s lymphoma presented poor clinical outcomes and showed a comparatively aggressive clinical course. In conclusion, primary CNS lymphoma other than DLBCL occurred more in younger patients and showed a generally good prognosis, except for Burkitt’s lymphoma. Further research on treatment strategies for Burkitt’s lymphoma is needed.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma in a patient with adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma

We present a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) arising from a patient with cutaneous-type adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Extranodal sites affected by ATLL include the skin, lung, liver, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system (CNS). CNS involvement usually occurs as an acute and lymphoma-type ATLL. PCNSL is a rare type of tumor and the vast majority of PCNSL are of B-cell lineage. Individuals with acquired, iatrogenic or congenital immunodeficiency are at increased risk of PCNSL, which is commonly associated with EBV. In our patient, the expression of latent infection membrane protein 1 (LMP1), EBV nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2), and EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) in tumor cells confirmed a type III latency of EBV infection. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) can induce immunodeficiency before the overt development of ATLL. The HTLV-I infection led to suppression of the immune system and the development of EBV-associated PCNSL. This is the first reported case of the clinicopathological features of EBV-associated PCNSL arising from a patient with ATLL.

Primary CNS lymphoma in children and adolescents: a descriptive analysis from the International Primary CNS Lymphoma Collaborative Group (IPCG)

PURPOSE

To describe the demographic and clinical features and outcomes for children and adolescents with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A retrospective series of children and adolescents with PCNSL was assembled from 10 cancer centers in 3 countries.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients with a median age of 14 years were identified. Sixteen (55%) had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 1 or greater. Frontline therapy consisted of chemotherapy only in 20 patients (69%), while 9 (31%) had chemotherapy plus cranial radiotherapy. Most patients received methotrexate (MTX)-based regimens. Overall response rate was 86% (complete remission 69%, partial remission 17%). The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 61% and 86%, respectively; the 3-year OS was 82%. Univariate analyses were conducted for age (≤ 14 vs. >14 years), PS (0 or 1 vs. >1), deep brain lesions, MTX dose, primary treatment with chemotherapy alone, intrathecal chemotherapy, and high-dose therapy. Primary treatment with chemotherapy alone was associated with better overall response rates with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.125 (P = 0.02). There was a marginally significant relationship between higher doses of MTX and response (OR = 1.5, P = 0.06). ECOG-PS of 0 to 1 was the only factor associated with better outcome with hazard ratios of 0.136 (P = 0.017) and 0.073 (P = 0.033) for PFS and OS, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest series collected of pediatric PCNSL. The outcome of children and adolescents seems to be better than in adults. PS of 0 to 1 is associated with better survival.

Treatment of primary CNS lymphoma with high-dose methotrexate in immunocompetent pediatric patients

We report two cases of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) treated with high-dose methotrexate. Though standard adult treatment of PCNSL incorporates whole-brain radiotherapy, the literature suggests it may be possible to delay or avoid radiotherapy and the associated increased risk of neurologic sequelae in pediatric patients. Studies in adults indicate methotrexate therapy can be effective against PCNSL and has advantages over the current standard of treatment. Both patients have no evidence of disease 9 and 7 years after treatment, suggesting high-dose methotrexate may lead to disease control in pediatric patients with PCNSL while avoiding the effects of radiotherapy.

Ocular involvement in patients with primary CNS lymphoma

To describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes in patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) with ocular involvement. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 61 patients who were diagnosed with PCNSL from January 2000 to October 2008 at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Among 46 patients who underwent ophthalmologic examination, 13 (28%) showed intraocular involvement. Mean age at diagnosis was 52.8 years, and 54% of patients were female. Diagnosis of PCNSL was made by vitrectomy (1 patient) or brain biopsy and/or CSF cytology (12 patients). In 4 (31%) patients, ocular symptoms preceded CNS symptoms. The most common ocular symptom was decreased visual acuity. Nine patients showed bilateral involvement. Intraocular findings included retinal infiltrative lesions (3 eyes), vitritis/vitreous opacity (5 eyes), or both (14 eyes). In addition to systemic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, vitrectomy and/or intravitreal methotrexate was utilized in 8 patients. Mean survival duration was 32.2 months (range 2-120 months). Although rare, the number of patients with PCNSL seems to be increasing in Korea. Early detection and dedicated treatment of intraocular lymphoma may result in improved visual outcome.

MRI findings of primary CNS lymphoma in 26 immunocompetent patients

Objective

To record the MR imaging features of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and compare these features in monofocal and multifocal disease.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-one cases of monofocal disease were compared to five cases of multifocal disease. All patients were examined by non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced MRI. Tumor location, tumor size, signal intensity, enhancement characteristics, age distribution, peritumoral edema, cystic changes, and the presence of calcifications were assessed. The MRI features were compared between the monofocal and multifocal disease cases.

Results

The 26 cases, including both the monofocal and multifocal cases, exhibited 37 lesions. Contrast-enhanced images showed variable enhancement patterns: homogeneous enhancement (33 lesions), ring-like enhancement (2), and 'open-ring-like' enhancement (2). The 'notch sign' was noted in four of 33 homogeneously enhancing lesions. One case of hemorrhage and three cases of cystic formation were observed. Intra-tumoral calcification was not found. The frontal lobe, the corpus callosum and the basal ganglia were commonly affected in both the monofocal and multifocal groups. Tumor size differed significantly between the two groups (t = 3.129, p < 0.01) and mildly or moderately enhanced lesions were more frequently found in the monofocal group (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between perifocal edema (p > 0.05) and the signal characteristics (p > 0.05) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our data show that PCNSL has a variable enhancement pattern on MR images. We first reported two lesions with an 'open-ring' enhancement as well as four cases with a 'notch sign'. Monofocal PCNSL cases typically have larger sized tumors with mild or moderate enhancement.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: immunohistochemical profile and prognostic significance

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with extranodal location affecting only the CNS, meninges and eye, without visceral or lymph node involvement. Its incidence has increased sharply over the past three decades, especially in immunocompetent subjects. Most PCNSL cases are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). However, it differs from nodal DLBCL in that it has a worse prognosis. DLBCLs are a heterogeneous entity and according to new genomic discoveries, classifications into prognostic subgroups have been embarked upon. Two prognostic algorithms were then prepared using a panel of immunohistochemical markers (CD10, Bcl6, MUM1/IRF-4, and Bcl2), thus categorizing DLBCL into two subgroups, GCB (germinal centre B-cell-like) or non-GCB, and into Group 1 or Group 2. Our goal is to apply both of these two sub-classifications to 39 PCNSLs, in order to assess their usefulness and prognostic relevance. 74.3% of our PCNSLs were of a non-GCB phenotype, corresponding to an activated postgerminal origin. They were evenly distributed across G1 and G2. Two- and 5-year overall survival rates were 34.8% and 19.6%, respectively. Younger age (<65) and a therapeutic combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy significantly improved our patients' survival rates. The other clinical or biological markers tested had no prognostic impact. The two classifications did not reveal any significant survival difference. The recent discovery of a specific "transcriptional signature" of PCNSL, marking them out of DLBCL could account for the irrelevance of such prognostic classifications to PCNSL.

Primary Intraocular Lymphoma: A Review

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a type of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). It is the most common neoplastic masquerade syndrome involving the eye. Its protean ocular manifestations, plus in many cases the initial positive response to corticosteroid therapy for presumed uveitis, delay accurate diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is essential, followed by tissue biopsy with cytology and ancillary studies. Current treatment is based on chemotherapy featuring high-dose methotrexate and radiation therapy. Prognosis is poor due to CNS involvement, but newer therapies have had some success in prolonging survival.

Biology and treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare variant of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is restricted in distribution to the brain, leptomeninges, spinal cord, and intraocular compartments. Although PCNSL shares overlapping features with systemic lymphoma, recent studies also reveal a unique pattern of gene and protein expression in PCNSL. These findings have yielded new insights into the pathophysiology of the disease, as well as the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers. Immune system compromise, such as is seen in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), is the best established known risk factor for PCNSL. Like other lesions of the brain, meninges, and eye, the presenting symptoms associated with PCNSL typically include focal neurological deficits related to the site of disease or more global consequences of increased intracranial pressure. Diagnosis of PCNSL typically includes gadolinium-enhanced MRI and pathologic tissue analysis, as well as additional studies aimed at excluding concurrent systemic disease. PCNSL typically has a worse overall prognosis than systemic lymphoma. High-dose chemotherapy, particularly with methotrexate-based regimens, is the backbone of therapy for most patients, and chemotherapy is associated with much lower rates of treatment-related morbidity and mortality than whole-brain irradiation. Autologous stem cell transplantation is an emerging treatment modality, particularly in younger patients with relapsed disease, but high rates of treatment-related mortality are observed in older patients. Immunotherapy, including treatment with intrathecal rituximab, is another area of active research that may have promise in refractory or relapsed disease. Treatment options for intraocular lymphoma parallel those for PCNSL elsewhere in the brain: systemic chemotherapy, radiation, and local delivery of cytotoxic and immunologically active agents such as anti-CD20 antibody.

Insights into the biology of primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is confined to the central nervous system. Biologic studies of PCNSL are challenging to conduct because the disease is rare and available tissue material is sparse. However, in recent years there has been progress in the understanding of PCNSL biology, largely as the result of multicenter studies using modern molecular techniques. Recent studies may improve insight into the pathogenesis of PCNSL and increase the chances of identifying prognostic factors and novel therapeutic targets. This review discusses recent advances in PCNSL biology, including immunologic and genetic risk factors, and focuses on the molecular alterations important in central nervous system lymphomagenesis.

Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system: epidemiology, pathology and current approaches to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment

An overview of the current approaches to the management of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is provided. Although accumulating evidence demonstrates that PCNSL is a curable type of brain tumor, in many cases establishing the diagnosis and overcoming chemotherapeutic resistance remain significant obstacles. The issue of treatment-related neurotoxicity is also a central consideration in treatment planning. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has had a major impact on this disease in that the incidence of AIDS-related central nervous system lymphoma, once highly prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s, has now virtually disappeared. However, the problem of diagnostic delays secondary to steroid effects, radiation-induced neurotoxicity and methotrexate resistance represent unique and important problems in this disease. The use of anti-CD20 antibody in this disease represents the first application of biologically based targeted therapies for PCNSL; however, the overall impact of this modality in brain lymphoma awaits further evaluation in ongoing studies The application of proteomic as well as gene expression technologies is yielding insights into PCNSL pathogenesis, in particular specific oncogenic pathways, which may be exploited to develop new therapies.

Primary CNS lymphoma presenting as fever of unknown origin

We report a case of fever of unknown origin in an immunocompetent patient as the first manifestation of primary central nervous lymphoma. To our knowledge this is the first reported case in the literature of this association. We recommend brain imaging to be considered in patients presenting with fever of unknown origin and no apparent diagnosis after extensive investigation.