Diagnostic advances and new trends for the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma

Clinicopathological characteristics of primary central nervous system lymphoma with low 18F-fludeoxyglucose uptake on brain positron emission tomography

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) typically shows a strong uptake of F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) imaged by positron emission tomography (PET). Uncommonly, PCNSL demonstrates a low uptake on FDG PET. We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of the unusual cases of PCNSL with low FDG uptake.We retrospectively enrolled 104 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL who underwent baseline brain FDG PET. The degree of FDG uptake of PCNSL was visually scored by 4 grades (0, ≤contralateral white matter; 1, >contralateral white matter and <contralateral gray matter; 2, = contralateral gray matter; 3, >contralateral gray matter). Grades 0-2 were considered as PCNSL with low uptake. We investigated association of low uptake of PCNSL with the following clinicopathological factors: age, sex, steroid treatment, lactate dehydrogenase level, cerebrospinal fluid protein level, condition of PET scanning, immunohistochemical markers (cluster of differentiation 10 [CD10], B-cell lymphoma 6 [BCL-6], B-cell lymphoma 2 [BCL-2], multiple myeloma oncogene 1 [MUM1], Epstein-Barr virus [EBV] protein, and Ki67), location of lesions, tumor size, multiplicity of lesions, involvement of deep brain structures, and cystic or necrotic appearance of lesions.Of the 104 patients with PCNSL, 14 patients (13.5%) showed PCNSL with low FDG uptake on PET. Among various clinicopathological factors, MUM1 negativity was the only factor associated with low FDG uptake PCNSL by univariate (P = .002) and multivariate analysis (P = .007).This study suggests that the different clinicopathological characteristics between patients with high uptake and low uptake of PCNSL on FDG PET is closely associated with lack of MUM1, a protein known to be a crucial regulator of B-cell development and tumorigenesis.

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system: A case report and literature review

The present study reports the clinical diagnosis and management of a patient with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Bcl) of the central nervous system (CNS). Making an early diagnosis of primary diffuse large Bcl is challenging due to the variable and complicated clinical manifestations of the disease. The relevant literature was reviewed, and high-dose methotrexate, whole brain radiotherapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy was recommended for the patient. The present study elucidates the role of positron emission tomography-computed tomography scans for the diagnosis and management of primary diffuse large Bcl of the CNS, and demonstrates the importance of resection surgery in the management of the disease. Specifically, the present study proposes that resection surgery may be applied in the early stages of disease for patients with a single occupied lesion and increased intracranial pressure.

Primary central nervous system anaplastic large-cell lymphoma mimicking lymphomatosis cerebri

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is usually diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) rarely occurs in the central nervous system. PCNSL always presents as single or multiple nodular contrast-enhancing mass lesions within T2-hyperintense areas on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Infrequently, diffuse infiltrating change with little contrast enhancement called lymphomatosis cerebri can be seen in PCNSL. In this report, we describe a 75-year-old immunocompetent man who had progressive dementia. On MRI, diffuse white matter lesions with little contrast enhancement were observed to gradually progress, which was clinically consistent with his worsening condition. A biopsy specimen revealed non-destructive, diffusely infiltrating, anaplastic large CD30-positive lymphoma, indicating a diagnosis of ALCL. After the biopsy, he was treated by whole brain irradiation (total 46 Gy) and focal boost irradiation (total 14 Gy). However, his performance status worsened and there was no symptom improvement. The patient died 8 months after symptom onset. The clinical course, diagnostic workup, pathologic correlates, and treatment outcomes are described herein.

Primary leptomeningeal central nervous system lymphoma in an immunocompetent adolescent: an unusual presentation

We report a case of primary leptomeningeal central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma with atypical imaging features in an immunocompetent adolescent who presented with diplopia, seizures, vomiting and subsequent unresponsiveness. Primary leptomeningeal CNS lymphoma is rare in the pediatric population, and this is one of few reported cases in the literature of large B-cell lymphoma isolated to the leptomeninges in a teenager.

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.

Intraocular lymphoma: update on diagnosis and management

BACKGROUND

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a subset of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in which lymphoma cells initially invade the retina, vitreous, or optic nerve head, with or without concomitant CNS involvement. The incidence of this previously rare condition has increased dramatically. Given its nonspecific presentation and aggressive course, PIOL provides a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

METHODS

We review the current strategies for diagnosis and treatment of PIOL and present our own experience with PIOL.

RESULTS

Recent developments in the diagnosis of PIOL include immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cytokine evaluation, and molecular analysis. However, definitive diagnosis still requires harvesting of tissue for histopathology. Optimal treatment for PIOL remains unclear. Initial therapeutic regimens should include methotrexate-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the brain and eye. In addition, promising results have been seen with intravitreal methotrexate and autologous stem cell transplantation for recurrent and refractory disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to further determine the immunophenotype and molecular characteristics of PIOL will continue to assist in the diagnosis of PIOL. Future studies are required to determine the role of radiotherapy and optimal local and systemic chemotherapeutic regimens.

Metabolic and molecular imaging in neuro-oncology

Techniques for human brain imaging have undergone rapid developments in recent years. Technological progress has enabled the assessment of many physiological parameters in vivo that are highly relevant for tumour grading, tissue characterisation, definition of the extent and infiltration of tumours, and planning and monitoring of therapy. In this review, we provide a brief overview of advanced MRI and molecular-tracer techniques that have many potential clinical uses. A broad range of techniques, including dynamic MRI, PET, and single photon emission computed tomography, provide measurements of various features of tumour blood flow and microvasculature. Using PET to measure glucose consumption enables visualisation of tumour metabolism, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques provide complementary information on energy metabolism. Changes in protein and DNA synthesis can be assessed through uptake of labelled amino acids and nucleosides. Advanced imaging techniques can be used to assess tumour malignancy, extent, and infiltration, and might provide diagnostic clues to distinguish between lesion types and between recurrent tumour and necrosis. Stereotactic biopsies should be taken from the most malignant part of tumours, which can be identified by changes in microvascular structure and metabolic activity. Functional and metabolic imaging can improve the planning and monitoring of radiation and chemotherapy and contribute to the development of new therapies.

Whole-brain radiotherapy and high-dose methylprednisolone for elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma: Results of North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) 96-73-51

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, and survival of whole-brain radiotherapy-treated (WBRT) and high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP)-treated in elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with PCNSL who were 70 years and older received 1 g of methylprednisolone daily for 5 days, 30 days after WBRT. Patients then received 1 g of methylprednisolone every 28 days until progression. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) at 6 months. Results were compared with those in patients on the previous North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) trial who received pre-WBRT cytoxan, adriamycin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) and high-dose cytarabine (CHOP-WBRT). A planned interim analysis was performed. The current regimen would be considered inactive if survival was not improved from patients treated with CHOP-WBRT.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were accrued between 1998 and 2003. Median age was 76 years. Interim analysis revealed a 6-month survival of 33%, resulting in closure of the trial. Toxicity, OS, and event-free survival (EFS) were similar to those in patients more than 70 years of age who received CHOP-WBRT. The subgroup of patients who received HDMP had longer OS (12.1 vs. 7.0 months, p = 0.76) and EFS (11.7 vs. 4.0 months, p = 0.04) compared with the CHOP-WBRT patients alive 60 days after the start of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients on-study long enough to receive HDMP had prolongation of OS and EFS compared to patients receiving CHOP-WBRT. Although the numbers of patients are too small for statistical conclusions, the HDMP regimen deserves further study.

Diagnostic value of kinetic analysis using dynamic FDG PET in immunocompetent patients with primary CNS lymphoma

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accumulation of FDG in immunocompetent patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma using qualitative and quantitative PET images and to compare baseline with follow-up PET after therapy.

METHODS

Twelve immunocompetent patients with CNS lymphoma were examined. Dynamic emission data were acquired for 60 min immediately following injection of FDG. In seven patients, repeated PET studies were performed after treatment. Applying a three-compartment five-parameter model, K (1), k (2), k (3), k (4), vascular fraction (V ( B )) and cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMR(Glc)) were obtained. We evaluated the FDG uptake visually using qualitative and parametric images and quantitatively using parametric images.

RESULTS

A total of 12 lesions were identified in ten patients with newly diagnosed CNS lymphoma. On visual analysis, ten lesions showed an increase on qualitative images, eight showed an increase on K (1) images, 12 showed an increase on k (3) images and ten showed an increase on CMR(Glc) images. On quantitative analysis, k (2), k (3) and CMR(Glc) values of the lesion were significantly different from those of the normal grey matter (p<0.02-0.0005). A total of three lesions were identified in two patients with recurrent tumour. All three lesions showed an increase on qualitative, k (3) and CMR(Glc) images. The K (1), k (2), k (3) and CMR(Glc) values after treatment were significantly different from those obtained before treatment (p<0.04-0.008).

CONCLUSION

Kinetic analysis, especially with respect to k (3), using dynamic FDG PET might be helpful for diagnosis of CNS lymphoma and for monitoring therapeutic assessment.

Primary malignant lymphoma of the central nervous system in an immunocompetent child: a case report

Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) is extremely rare, especially in childhood. A 9-year-old Japanese boy was diagnosed as having precursor-B cell-type lymphoblastic lymphoma, based on morphologic and immunocytochemical analysis of mononuclear cells in the cerebrospinal fluid and a positive reaction for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), CD19, CD79a, and CD179b. After seven courses of chemotherapy and craniospinal radiotherapy, the patient is alive, well, and in continuous complete remission. Despite its rarity, PCNSL should be included in the differential diagnosis in the presence of symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and/or unusual imaging findings of the brain.

Imaging in neurooncology

Imaging in patients with brain tumors aims toward the determination of the localization, extend, type, and malignancy of the tumor. Imaging is being used for primary diagnosis, planning of treatment including placement of stereotaxic biopsy, resection, radiation, guided application of experimental therapeutics, and delineation of tumor from functionally important neuronal tissue. After treatment, imaging is being used to quantify the treatment response and the extent of residual tumor. At follow-up, imaging helps to determine tumor progression and to differentiate recurrent tumor growth from treatment-induced tissue changes, such as radiation necrosis. A variety of complementary imaging methods are currently being used to obtain all the information necessary to achieve the above mentioned goals. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveal mostly anatomical information on the tumor, whereas magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography (PET) give important information on the metabolic state and molecular events within the tumor. Functional MRI and functional PET, in combination with electrophysiological methods like transcranial magnetic stimulation, are being used to delineate functionally important neuronal tissue, which has to be preserved from treatment-induced damage, as well as to gather information on tumor-induced brain plasticity. In addition, optical imaging devices have been implemented in the past few years for the development of new therapeutics, especially in experimental glioma models. In summary, imaging in patients with brain tumors plays a central role in the management of the disease and in the development of improved imaging-guided therapies.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma - A hospital based study of incidence and clinicopathological features from India (1983-2003)

Over the last two decades, an increase in the incidence of PCNSL cases has been reported in the West, both among immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. The present study was undertaken to assess the trend of incidence of PCNSL cases in India. To the best of our knowledge, only a single such report is available from India. All biopsy proven PCNSL cases obtained from the Neurosurgical databases of two large referral hospitals, one in Northern India (AIIMS, New Delhi) and another in Southern India (NIMHANS, Bangalore) from the period 1980 to 2003, were reviewed. Immunophenotyping was done and relevant clinical details collected. Appropriate statistical analysis was done to assess any change in trend of incidence or age at presentation. PCNSL cases constituted 0.95% and 0.92% of the total intracranial neoplasms at AIIMS and at NIMHANS, respectively. The mean age for cases diagnosed at AIIMS was 44.35 years, while that for NIMHANS was 39.51 years. Statistical analysis to evaluate any change in trend either of incidence or of age at presentation, over the study period, did not reveal any significant change. All the cases occurred in immunocompetent patients, except one case of HIV positive at NIMHANS, and one case of renal transplant at AIIMS. Frontal lobe was the most common site of involvement. Majority of the cases were diffuse, high grade, large cell lymphoma, B-cell immunophenotype. Thus, this multicentric hospital based study did not reveal any increase in incidence of PCNSL cases in India over the past 24 years. Further, in contrast to the West, majority of the cases in this Indian study were immunocompetent and a decade younger than in the West. The association of PCNSL with HIV/AIDS has been low in India, possibly due to early death in AIDS on account of opportunistic infections.

Cognitive sequelae of brain radiation in adults

Radiotherapy (RT) is a proven curative and palliative therapeutic tool in the treatment of a wide variety of primary and metastatic brain tumors in adults. Recent advances in multimodality therapy have led to improvement in survival for many cancer patients. As survival has improved, more attention has been directed toward long-term treatment-related morbidity. Specifically, the effect of RT on the long-term cognitive performance of these patients is a major concern. This article reviews the neurocognitive effects of cranial RT on adult patients with brain tumors. Analyses of neurocognitive function are confounded by factors such as surgery, chemotherapy, tumor characteristics, tumor progression, concurrent medical illnesses, neurologic comorbidity, and medications that can contribute to neurocognitive deficits. Risk of deficits after cranial RT is associated with high RT dose, large fraction size, larger field size, and extremes of age at time of treatment. Using modern techniques with moderate total doses (50 to 54 Gy), conformal RT, conventional fractionation, and advanced planning imaging and software, the risks of neurocognitive deficits are quite small and greatly overshadowed by deficits caused by the tumor itself. Further studies need to be undertaken to elucidate the degree and cause of cognitive decline in adult patients undergoing multimodality therapy for cranial tumors.

Primary intraocular lymphoma: a review of the clinical, histopathological and molecular biological features

INTRODUCTION

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma which arises in the retina or the vitreous. It can occur either together with or independently of primary cerebral nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL); the incidence of the latter has significantly increased over the past three decades. PIOL remains one of the most difficult diagnoses to establish, particularly due to its ability to mimic other diseases in the eye and to the limited material which is often available for examination.

METHODS

The article reviews the clinical, histopathological, molecular biological and biochemical approaches to the diagnosis of PIOL. The differential diagnoses, including other lymphomatous manifestations in the eye, e.g. primary uveal lymphoma, as well as non-neoplastic uveal diseases are addressed. Furthermore, the treatment strategies for PIOL are summarised.

RESULTS

Diagnostic progress has been made in various fields, including flow cytometry and immunocytology, cytokine analysis, and as well as molecular biological analysis of the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains using polymerase chain reaction on both fixed and non-fixed material. The optimal therapy of PIOL remains to be determined: the current trends suggest that combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as intravitreal chemotherapy, are of value. Novel therapies which may have a role in the future include oral trofosfamide.

CONCLUSION

Our understanding of the pathogenesis of PIOL/PCNSL remains far from complete. Intensified efforts must be made to determine the cell of origin of PIOL, as well as to establish "molecular signatures", which could be used to decrease diagnostic delay. Further studies, possibly prospective ones, are required to establish the optimal therapy for initial and recurrent disease.

Syndrome de Garcin révélant un lymphome malin non hodgkinien

INTRODUCTION

R Garcin described progressive unilateral cranial nerve palsy in 1926. Garcin syndrome is characterized by progressive involvement of the cranial nerves culminating in total unilateral paralysis of all cranial nerves. Carcinoma of the skull base or ENT regions is the most common etiology.

CASE REPORT

A 74-year-old man developed signs involving the left Vth (V2 and V3) cranial nerve then the VIth, VIIth and VIIIth cranial nerves and finally the IXth and Xth. MRI showed involvement of these cranial nerves with gadolinium uptake and involvement of the pons at the terminal phase. Careful ENT explorations failed to reveal a cause. The lymphocyte count was elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient died one year after diagnosis and the general autopsy was normal. The neuropathological studies led to the post-mortem diagnosis of type B non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

In patients with Garcin syndrome, lymphoma is a possible diagnosis when carcinoma of the ENT regions or of the skull bases are not present.