Population-based experience on primary central nervous system lymphoma 2000-2012: the incidence is increasing

Pretreatment findings on magnetic resonance imaging in primary central nervous system lymphoma may predict overall survival duration

BACKGROUND

and purpose: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) lesions often show avid contrast enhancement on T1-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI sequences. However, several case reports and a clinical study have described PCNSL in patients with no contrast enhancement on MRI. We assessed whether overall survival (OS) time was related to any tumor characteristics (lesion location, volume, and number; contrast enhancement; necrosis; proximity to the subarachnoid space; and edema) on MRI in patients with PCNSL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records (MRI features, pathology, and survival data) of all patients at our institution with PCNSL who had been seen from, 2007 through 2017, and had undergone pretreatment MRI.

RESULTS

We identified 79 patients (42 men, 37 women) with a mean age at diagnosis of 61.7 ± 10.4 years. The mean OS duration was 44.6 ± 41.7 months. The most common pathological diagnosis (74 patients) was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. No associations were found between OS time and lesion location, volume, and number; contrast enhancement; necrosis; proximity to the subarachnoid space; or edema. However, a sole patient with non-enhancing PCNSL on MRI was found to have low-grade disease, with prolonged survival (>83 months). Several other patients with leptomeningeal disease had a mean OS time of 80 months. Patients with hemorrhagic lesions had a mean OS of 25.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The survival time for patients with PCNSL may be longer than previously thought, especially for patients with leptomeningeal seeding and lesions with hemorrhagic components Also, non-enhancing tumors may be less aggressive than enhancing tumors.

Treatment Options for Epstein-Barr Virus-Related Disorders of the Central Nervous System

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a causative agent for several types of lymphomas and mucosal cancers, is a human lymphotropic herpesvirus with the capacity to establish lifelong latent infection. More than 90% of the human population worldwide is infected. The primary infection is usually asymptomatic in childhood, whereas infectious mononucleosis (IM) is common when the infection occurs in adolescence. Primary EBV infection, with or without IM, or reactivation of latent infection in immunocompromised individuals have been associated with a wide range of neurologic conditions, such as encephalitis, meningitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and cerebellitis. EBV is also involved in malignant lymphomas in the brain. An increasing number of reports on EBV-related disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) including the convincing association with multiple sclerosis (MS) have put in focus EBV-related conditions beyond its established link to malignancies. In this review, we present the clinical manifestations of EBV-related CNS-disorders, put them in the context of known EBV biology and focus on available treatment options and future therapeutic approaches.

Diagnosis and management of vitreoretinal lymphoma: present and future treatment perspectives

Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) is a rare malignant intraocular lymphocytic tumor that mimics uveitis. IOL is anatomically classified into vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) and uveal lymphoma; most IOLs are VRLs, while uveal lymphoma is rare. VRL is highly malignant, with 60%-85% of patients developing central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma; primary VRL (PVRL) is an ocular disease with poor prognosis. We aimed to review the management and both current and future treatments for VRL. VRL diagnosis is based on the results of cytopathological examination using vitreous biopsy. However, the positive ratio of vitreous cytology remains 29%-70%. A combination of adjunctive tests may improve diagnostic accuracy, but as yet no gold-standard regimen has been established. Methotrexate intravitreal injections are effective in controlling ocular lesions; however, this treatment allows CNS dissemination. The efficacy of systemic chemotherapy in suppressing CNS dissemination has been recently debated. A multicenter prospective study with a unified treatment protocol is required to clarify this issue. In addition, establishing a treatment protocol for elderly patients and those with poor general health is necessary. Moreover, relapsed/refractory VRL and secondary VRL are more difficult to treat than PVRL because they are prone to recurrence. Ibrutinib, lenalidomide with or without rituximab, and temozolomide are promising treatments for relapsed/refractory VRL. In Japan, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have been approved for treating refractory CNS lymphoma. Furthermore, a randomized prospective study of tirabrutinib, a highly selective BTK inhibitor, is ongoing for evaluating the suppressing of CNS progression in patients with PVRL.

A novel inflammation-related prognostic model for predicting the overall survival of primary central nervous system lymphoma: A real-world data analysis

Background

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a type of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although there are widely used prognostic scores, their accuracy and practicality are insufficient. Thus, a novel prognostic prediction model was developed for risk stratification of PCNSL patients in our research.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 122 patients with PCNSL from two medical centers in China from January 2010 to June 2022. Among them, 72 patients were used as the development cohort to construct a new model, and 50 patients were used for the validation. Then, by using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analsis and Lasso analysis, the Xijing model was developed and composed of four variables, including lesion number, β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and Karnofsky performance status (KPS). Finally, we evaluated the Xijing model through internal and external validation.

Results

Compared with the original prognostic scores, the Xijing model has an overall improvement in predicting the prognosis of PCNSL according to the time-dependent area under the curve (AUC), Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), decision curve analysis (DCA), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and continuous net reclassification index (NRI). For overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), the Xijing model can divide PCNSL patients into three groups, and shows more accurate stratification ability. In addition, the Xijing model can still stratify and predict prognosis similarly better in the elderly with PCNSL and subgroups received high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) or Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi). Finally, external validation confirmed the above results.

Conclusions

Integrating four prognostic factors, including imaging findings, tumor burden, systemic inflammation response index, and comprehensive physical condition, we provided a novel prognostic model for PCNSL based on real-world data and evaluated its predictive capacity.

Orelabrutinib-bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor-based regimens in the treatment of central nervous system lymphoma: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) is an aggressive lymphoma. Orelabrutinib, an oral Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a new treatment strategy for CNSL. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of orelabrutinib-based regimens in the treatment of patients with CNSL.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with CNSL were included in this retrospective study. All patients received the orelabrutinib-based regimen. Efficacy was evaluated based on investigators' assessment of overall response rate (ORR), complete response/unconfirmed complete response (CR/CRu), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), progressive disease (PD), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The safety of orelabrutinib-based regimens has also been evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 17.39% of patients received orelabrutinib-based regimens for consolidation therapy, and 82.61% of patients for induction therapy (4 newly diagnosed CNSL, 15 relapsed/refractory CNSL). In the newly diagnosed CNSL group, the ORR was 100% (1 CR, 1 CRu, 2 PR). The 6-month DOR rate, 6-month PFS rate, and 6-month OS rate were 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Of the 15 relapsed/refractory CNSL patients, five therapy regimens were applied (orelabrutinib, n = 3; orelabrutinib/immunotherapy, n = 3; orelabrutinib/chemotherapy, n = 2; orelabrutinib/immunochemotherapy, n = 6; orelabrutinib/radiotherapy, n = 1). The ORR was 60.00% (4 CR, 5 PR). The 6-month DOR rate, 6-month PFS rate, and 6-month OS rate were 92.30%, 67.70%, and 70.00%, respectively. Twenty-one patients reported adverse events (AEs), and 6 patients experienced grade ≥ 3 AEs.

CONCLUSION

Orelabrutinib-based regimens were efficacious and well-tolerated in patients with CNSL. These combined therapies offer a new potential therapeutic strategy for patients with CNSL.

Blood Graft and Outcome After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Background

Autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) is a treatment option for patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

Methods

In this prospective multicenter study, the effects of blood graft cellular content on hematologic recovery and outcome were analyzed in 17 PCNSL patients receiving auto-SCT upfront.

Results

The infused viable CD34⁺ cell count > 1.7 × 10⁶/kg correlated with more rapid platelet engraftment (10 vs. 31 days, P = 0.027) and with early neutrophil recovery (day + 15) (5.4 vs. 1.6 × 10⁹/L, P = 0.047). A higher number of total collected CD34⁺ cells > 3.3 × 10⁶/kg infused predicted worse 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) (33% vs. 100%, P = 0.028). In addition, CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells > 78 × 10⁶/kg in the infused graft impacted negatively on the 5-year PFS (0% vs. 88%, P = 0.016).

Conclusion

The cellular composition of infused graft seems to impact on the hematologic recovery and PFS post-transplant. Further studies are needed to verify the optimal autograft cellular content in PCNSL.

Phase I/II study of tirabrutinib, a second-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in relapsed/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma

Background

The safety, tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of tirabrutinib, a second-generation, highly selective oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, were evaluated for relapsed/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

Methods

Patients with relapsed/refractory PCNSL, Karnofsky performance status ≥70, and normal end-organ function received tirabrutinib 320 and 480 mg once daily (q.d.) in phase I to evaluate dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) within 28 days using a 3 + 3 dose escalation design and with 480 mg q.d. under fasted conditions in phase II.

Results

Forty-four patients were enrolled; 20, 7, and 17 received tirabrutinib at 320, 480, and 480 mg under fasted conditions, respectively. No DLTs were observed, and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached at 480 mg. Common grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (9.1%), lymphopenia, leukopenia, and erythema multiforme (6.8% each). One patient with 480 mg q.d. had grade 5 AEs (pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and interstitial lung disease). Independent review committee assessed overall response rate (ORR) at 64%: 60% with 5 complete responses (CR)/unconfirmed complete responses (CRu) at 320 mg, 100% with 4 CR/CRu at 480 mg, and 53% with 6 CR/CRu at 480 mg under fasted conditions. Median progression-free survival was 2.9 months: 2.1, 11.1, and 5.8 months at 320, 480, and 480 mg under fasted conditions, respectively. Median overall survival was not reached. ORR was similar among patients harboring CARD11, MYD88, and CD79B mutations, and corresponding wild types.

Conclusion

These data indicate favorable efficacy of tirabrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory PCNSL.

Trial registration

JapicCTI-173646.

PD-L1 and IDO1 are potential targets for treatment in patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the CNS

BACKGROUND

Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, as well as Indoleamine 2,3-deoxygenase (IDO1) can be expressed both by tumor and microenvironmental cells and are crucial for tumor immune escape. We aimed to evaluate the role of PD-1, its ligands and IDO1 in a cohort of patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the CNS (PCNSL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed in 45 PCNSL cases. RNA extraction from whole tissue sections and RNA sequencing were successfully performed in 33 cases. Immunohistochemical stainings for PD-1, PD-L1/paired box protein 5 (PAX-5), PD-L2/PAX-5 and IDO1, and Epstein-Barr virus encoding RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization were analyzed.

RESULTS

High proportions of PD-L1 and PD-L2 positive tumor cells were observed in 11% and 9% of cases, respectively. High proportions of PD-L1 and PD-L2 positive leukocytes were observed in 55% and 51% of cases, respectively. RNA sequencing revealed that gene expression of IDO1 was high in patients with high proportion of PD-L1 positive leukocytes (p = .01). Protein expression of IDO1 in leukocytes was detected in 14/45 cases, in 79% of these cases a high proportion of PD-L1 positive leukocytes was observed. Gene expression of IDO1 was high in EBER-positive cases (p = .0009) and protein expression of IDO1 was detected in five of six EBER-positive cases.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a significant association between gene and protein expression of IDO1 and protein expression of PD-L1 in the tumor microenvironment of PCNSL, possibly of importance for prediction of response to immunotherapies.

Diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma in the elderly population (Review)

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is unique and different from systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The median age at diagnosis of PCNSL is 65 years and its incidence is rising rapidly in the elderly population. A total of ≥20% of all patients with PCNSL are ≥80 years old. Notably, age has been identified as an independent poor prognostic factor for PCNSL. Elderly patients have an inferior prognosis to that of younger patients and are more severely affected by iatrogenic toxicity; therefore, elderly patients represent a unique and vulnerable treatment subgroup. The present review summarized the available literature to provide an improved understanding of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, prognosis and management of PCNSL in the elderly population. Notably, the incidence of PCNSL in immunocompetent elderly patients, predominantly in men, is increasing. For the diagnosis of CNSL, imaging-guided stereotactic biopsy is considered the gold standard. When stereotactic biopsy is not possible or conclusive, certain biomarkers have been described that can help establish a diagnosis. PCNSL has a very poor prognosis in the elderly, even though several prognostic scoring systems exist and several prognostic markers have been reported in patients with PCNSL. Furthermore, the treatment of elderly patients remains challenging; it is unlikely that a novel agent could be used as a curative monotherapy; however, a combination of novel agents with polychemotherapy or its combination with other novel drugs may have therapeutic potential.

Hemorrhagic Attitude in Frameless and Frame-Based Stereotactic Biopsy for Deep-Seated Primary Central Nervous System Lymphomas in Immunocompetent Patients: A Multicentric Analysis of the Last Twenty Years

BACKGROUND

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare manifestation of aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In patients with deep-seated lesions, stereotactic brain biopsy (SBB) is an accepted diagnostic procedure to obtain histopathologic confirmation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, diagnostic yield, safety, and complications of stereotactic procedures in midline and deep-seated PCNSLs.

METHODS

Patients selected had received a histopathologic diagnosis of PCNSL localized in deep-seated midline structures, obtained by SBB. The intraoperative frozen section was executed as an integral part of the procedure. Computed tomography scan was performed after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 476 SBBs were performed between January 2000 and December 2019 . Of these SBBs, 91 deep-seated lesions had a histologic diagnosis of PCNSL. A significant increase of the incidence of PCNSL compared with all other diseases was observed (P < 0.0001). Eight patients (8.7%) showed a symptomatic hemorrhage, 4 of whom required craniotomy. There were 4 deaths and 2 cases of permanent morbidity. The hemorrhage risk in the PCNSL group was statistically significant (P = 0.0003) compared with other histotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

In suspected cases of PCNSL, a histopathologic diagnosis is necessary to distinguish it from glioblastoma or other, nonmalignant conditions. Deep-seated PCNSLs present a higher risk of biopsy-related morbidity and mortality. Intraoperative frozen section increases the diagnostic yield and reduces the number of sampling procedures. Postoperative computed tomography seems to be warranted in patients with suspected PCNSL.

Autoimmune disease-related primary CNS lymphoma: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest a relatively high prevalence of autoimmune disorders (AD) among primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) patients, however, the literature is limited to case reports. To gain a better understanding of AD-PCNSL we reviewed and analyzed all cases described in the literature.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE database using the search terms 'central nervous system lymphoma' or 'CNS lymphoma' along with AD-related terms. We selected 39 records for qualitative synthesis of data and identified 50 AD-PCNSL. Clinical, imaging and outcome data were collected. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using log rank test and Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Most common AD were systemic lupus erythematosus (24%), multiple sclerosis (16%), and myasthenia gravis (14%). All patients had received immunosuppressants for their AD. Median interval from AD until PCNSL diagnosis was 108 months (range: 11-420). Male-to-female ratio was 0.42 and AD-PCNSL was diagnosed at a median age of 57 years (range: 2-88). On imaging lesions typically localized to the hemispheres (65%) and displayed peripheral enhancement (74%). Pathological evaluation revealed diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype (80%) and Epstein-Barr virus positivity (75%) in most AD-PCNSL. Median OS was 31 months. Age > 60 years (p = 0.014) was identified as a significant prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

AD requiring immunosuppression appear over-represented in the population of PCNSL patients. Aggressive polychemotherapy can accomplish long term OS in AD-PCNSL comparable to immunocompetent patients. Age > 60 may serve as a prognostic factor.

Diagnostic delay and outcome in immunocompetent patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma in Spain: a multicentric study

INTRODUCTION

To assess the management of immunocompetent patients with primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) in Spain.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 327 immunocompetent patients with histologically confirmed PCNSL diagnosed between 2005 and 2014 in 27 Spanish hospitals.

RESULTS

Median age was 64 years (range: 19-84; 33% ≥ 70 years), 54% were men, and 59% had a performance status (PS) ≥ 2 at diagnosis. Median delay to diagnosis was 47 days (IQR 24-81). Diagnostic delay > 47 days was associated with PS ≥ 2 (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.13-3.50; p = 0.016) and treatment with corticosteroids (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.14-5.40; p = 0.023), and it did not improve over the years. Patients treated with corticosteroids (62%) had a higher risk of additional biopsies (11.7% vs 4.0%, p = 0.04) but corticosteroids withdrawal before surgery did not reduce this risk and increased the diagnostic delay (64 vs 40 days, p = 0.04). Median overall survival (OS) was 8.9 months [95% CI 5.9-11.7] for the whole series, including 52 (16%) patients that were not treated, and 14.1 months (95%CI 7.7-20.5) for the 240 (73.4%) patients that received high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based chemotherapy. Median OS was shorter in patients ≥ 70 years (4.1 vs. 13.4 months; p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified age ≥ 65 years, PS ≥ 2, no treatment, and cognitive/psychiatric symptoms at diagnosis as independent predictors of short survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroids withdrawal before surgery does not decrease the risk of a negative biopsy but delays diagnosis. In this community-based study, only 73.4% of patients could receive HD-MTX-based chemotherapy and OS remains poor, particularly in elderly patients ≥ 70 years.

Advances and challenges in the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), a rare variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is characterized by distinct biological characteristics and clinical behaviors, and patient prognosis is not satisfactory. The advent of high-dose (HD) methotrexate (HD-MTX) therapy has significantly improved PCNSL prognosis. Currently, HD-MTX-based chemotherapy regimens are recognized as first-line treatment. PCNSL is sensitive to radiotherapy, and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) can consolidate response to chemotherapy; however, WBRT-associated delayed neurotoxicity leads to neurocognitive impairment, especially in elderly patients. Other effective approaches include rituximab, temozolomide, and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). In addition, new drugs against PCNSL such as those targeting the B-cell receptor signaling pathway, are undergoing clinical trials. However, optimal therapeutic approaches in PCNSL remain undefined. This review provides an overview of advances in surgical approaches, induction chemotherapy, radiotherapy, ASCT, salvage treatments, and novel therapeutic approaches in immunocompetent patients with PCNSL in the past 5 years. Additionally, therapeutic progress in elderly patients and in those with relapsed/refractory PCNSL is also summarized based on the outcomes of recent clinical studies.

Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders in the central nervous system and stomach: A case report

RATIONALE

Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD) is a serious complication in patients treated using methotrexate. It occasionally develops in extra-nodal sites, but rarely in the central nervous system (CNS) or in 2 different sites at the same time. We present the rare case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who developed lymphoma in the CNS and stomach during MTX therapy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 75-year-old Japanese man with rheumatoid arthritis who received methotrexate was admitted to our hospital because of gait ataxia and anorexia.

DIAGNOSES

Imaging findings and biopsy led to a diagnosis of 2 different types of MTX-LPD in the central nervous system and stomach.

INTERVENTIONS

The lesion in his stomach improved after methotrexate withdrawal, whereas the cerebellar mass required high-dose methotrexate and rituximab therapy.

OUTCOMES

Complete remission has been maintained for the 2 years following the initiation of chemotherapy.

LESSONS

In patients with RA who receive MTX and develop new neurological symptoms, CNS lymphoma as an MTX-LPD may be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Real-World Impact of Surgical Excision on Overall Survival in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Substantial controversy still exists regarding the use of surgical excision in the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). This study was aimed to evaluate the survival benefit of surgical excision in PCNSL patients based on a US population. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program database, a total of 3,543 PCNSL patients were identified from 2000 to 2014 for analysis. Surgical excision was accessed via Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression survival analyses. Coarsened exact matching (CEM) analysis was additionally employed to intensify our findings. Finally, we found that surgical excision was significantly associated with increased survival over no surgery/biopsy (P < 0.001), and its survival benefit was also independent of baseline prognostic factors. The survival benefit of surgery was also validated in clinically important subsets. CEM analysis further validated the survival advantage of surgery (P < 0.001). Moreover, a novel prediction model with excellent performance was established to estimate the potential benefit from surgical excision of the lesion with respect to the end point of overall survival. The current study supports the favorable impact of surgical excision on clinical outcome in patients with PCNSL. Although further randomized controlled trials are warranted, currently available evidence should be considered in the clinical management of this disease.

Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in the Development of Neurological Disorders

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus that contributes to the etiology of diverse human cancers and auto-immune diseases. EBV establishes a relatively benign, long-term latent infection in over 90 percent of the adult population. Yet, it also increases risk for certain cancers and auto-immune disorders depending on complex viral, host, and environmental factors that are only partly understood. EBV latent infection is found predominantly in memory B-cells, but the natural infection cycle and pathological aberrations enable EBV to infect numerous other cell types, including oral, nasopharyngeal, and gastric epithelia, B-, T-, and NK-lymphoid cells, myocytes, adipocytes, astrocytes, and neurons. EBV infected cells, free virus, and gene products can also be found in the CNS. In addition to the direct effects of EBV on infected cells and tissue, the effect of chronic EBV infection on the immune system is also thought to contribute to pathogenesis, especially auto-immune disease. Here, we review properties of EBV infection that may shed light on its potential pathogenic role in neurological disorders.

Increasing use of immunotherapy and prolonged survival among younger patients with primary CNS lymphoma: a population-based study

Background: Primary CNS lymphoma is a highly aggressive and rare type of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although, new therapeutic approaches have led to improved survival, the management of the disease poses a challenge, practice patterns vary across institutions and countries, and remain ill-defined for vulnerable patient subgroups. Material and Methods: Using information from the Austrian Brain Tumor Registry we followed a population-based cohort of 189 patients newly diagnosed from 2005 to 2010 through various lines of treatment until death or last follow-up (12-31-2016). Prognostic factors and treatment-related data were integrated in a comprehensive survival analysis including conditional survival estimates. Results: We find variable patterns of first-line treatment with increasing use of rituximab and high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX)-based poly-chemotherapy after 2007, paralleled by an increase in median overall survival restricted to patients aged below 70 years. In the entire cohort, 5-year overall survival was 24.4% while 5-year conditional survival increased with every year postdiagnosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, we show that the use of poly-chemotherapy and immunotherapy has disseminated to community practice to a fair extent and survival has increased over time at least in younger patients. Annually increasing conditional survival rates provide clinicians with an adequate and encouraging prognostic measure.

Delayed Contrast Enhancement in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Vascular Morphology of Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) of the Central Nervous System (CNS): A Retrospective Study

Background

This study aimed to compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the central nervous system (CNS) with delayed contrast enhancement and histological microvessel density (MVD). T1-weighted and T2-weighted contrast-enhanced and non-enhanced brain imaging were used. CNS lymphoma tissue was evaluated using primary antibodies to endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, and histochemical staining for reticulin fibers and basement membrane, which allowed quantification of the MVD.

Material/Methods

Twenty-one patients with histologically confirmed primary DLBCL of the CNS underwent pre-contrast-enhanced and postcontrast-enhanced MRI. Histology of the CNS lymphoma tissue included immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to CD34 for vascular endothelial cells and alpha smooth muscle actin (ASMA) for vascular smooth muscle cells, and histochemical staining included periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and silver staining for reticulin fibers to evaluate microvessel density (MVD).

Results

In primary DLBCL of the CNS, a positive correlation was found between the degree of necrosis and the size of the lymphoma (r=0.546, P=0.01). Delayed imaging enhancement was significantly correlated with the number of mature vessels, MVD, basement membrane, and reticulin fibers (r=0.593, 0.466, 0.446 and 0.497, respectively). Standardized β regression coefficient analysis showed that the MVD, PAS-positive structures, the number of mature vessels, and reticulin fibers, were significantly associated with delayed enhancement on MRI (β values, 0.425, 0.409, 0.295, and 0.188, respectively).

Conclusions

In primary DLBCL of the CNS, delayed imaging enhancement on MRI may be due to reduced neovascularization and vascular infiltration by lymphoma cells.

Management of primary central nervous system lymphoma

A rare tumor, primary central nervous system lymphoma can affect immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. While sensitive to radiotherapy or chemotherapy crossing the blood-brain barrier, it often recurs. Modern treatment consists of high-dose methotrexate-based induction chemotherapy, often followed by consolidation with either radiotherapy or further chemotherapy. Neurotoxicity is however a concern with radiotherapy, especially for patients older than 60 years. The benefit of the addition of rituximab to chemotherapy is unclear. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have been effective in some patients and are tested on a larger scale. Survival has improved in the last decade, but remains poor in older patients.

How is stereotactic brain biopsy evolving? A multicentric analysis of a series of 421 cases treated in Rome over the last sixteen years

OBJECTIVE

In recent decades, frame-based (FBB) and frame-less stereotactic brain biopsy (FLB) have played a crucial role in defining the diagnosis and management of expanding intracranial lesions in critical areas. During the same period, there have been significant advances in diagnostic imaging, a shift in surgical strategies towards extensive resection in gliomas and new molecular classification of brain tumors. Taking these advances into account, we have evaluated whether significant changes have occurred over the last sixteen years of our clinical practice in terms of frequency, indications, target selection, and the histologic results of stereotactic brain biopsy (SBB) procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed a series of 421 SBB cases treated between January 2002 and June 2017 in three major neurosurgical institutes in Rome, serving a total of 1.5 million people. Within this series, 94.8% of patients underwent FBB, while, more recently, FLB was performed in 5.2% of cases. The entire period under consideration, running from 2002 to 2017, has been further stratified into four-year time-frames (2002-2005, 2006-2009, 2010-2013, 2014-2017) for the purpose of analysis.

RESULTS

The diagnostic yield was 97%. Final diagnoses revealed tumors in 90% of cases and non-neoplastic masses in 7%, while 3% of cases were not conclusive. The morbidity rate was 3% (12 cases) and mortality was 0.7% (3 cases). Intra-operative frozen sections were made in 78% of biopsies. In our three institutes, the number of SBBs decreased steadily throughout the time-frames under consideration. We have also observed a statistically significant reduction in biopsy procedures in lobar lesions, while those performed on the basal ganglia increased and the number of SBBs of multiple masses and lesions of the corpus callosum remained stable. Primary central nervous system diagnosis of lymphomas (PCNSL) was the sole diagnosis whose incidence increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the last sixteen years, we have witnessed a significant decrease in SBB procedures and a modification in target selection and histologic results. Despite the significant evolution of neuroimaging, an accurate non-invasive diagnosis of intracranial expanding lesions has not yet been achieved. Furthermore, the most recent WHO classification of brain tumors (2016), which incorporates molecular and morphological features, has boosted the need for molecular processing of tissue samples in all expanding brain lesions. For these reasons, it is likely that SBBs will continue to be performed in specific cases, playing a significant role in diagnostic confirmation by providing tissue samples, so as to better assess the biology and the prognosis of cerebral lesions, as well as their sensitivity to standard radio-chemotherapy or to new molecular target therapies.

Evaluation of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group prognostic scoring systems to predict Overall Survival in intracranial Primary CNS lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the validity of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG) prognostic scoring systems for Overall Survival (OS) in intracranial Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) of all patients diagnosed at a single center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pretreatment clinical factors including tumor characteristics and histology, treatment, and survival of PCNSL patients with diagnostic biopsies over a 12-year period (2003-2014) were retrieved from a prospective database at Oslo University Hospital.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients with intracranial PCNSL were identified. The female:male ratio was 1:1.63 and the median age was 65.3 years [range 18.9-80.7]. Involvement of deep brain structures was shown in 63 patients. Six patients were MSKCC risk group 1, 35 patients were in risk group 2, and 38 patients were in risk group 3. International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group scores were <2 in 17 patients (22%). After a median follow-up of 70.5 months, 55 patients were dead. Median OS was 16.4 months [range 0.2-157.7]. Age, sLDH by recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score (ECOG), lesion size, involvement of deep brain structures, IELSG score, and MSKCC score were significant factors for OS in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of age (p < .05), sLDH by RPA (p < .005), ECOG (p < .05), and deep brain structure involvement (p < .05) for OS. The six-tiered IELSG scores had to be dichotomized according to RPA analysis into <2 and ≥2 in order to have prognostic value. In contrast, when using the three-tiered MSKCC, three distinct risk groups were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study failed to verify the IELSG, but validated the use of MSKCC for prognostication of OS in intracranial PCNSL.

The role of surgery in intracranial PCNSL

This aimed to evaluate the effect of surgery for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in intracranial primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) of all patients diagnosed at a single center. A prospective database at Oslo University Hospital of PCNSL was reviewed over a 12-year period (2003-2014). Seventy-nine patients with intracranial PCNSL were identified. Deep brain involvement was shown in 63 patients. Thirty-two patients underwent craniotomy with resection, while all other patients had a biopsy. Fifty-seven patients were given chemotherapy: 18 were treated with the MSKCC (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) with rituximab, 21 with the MSKCC without rituximab, and 14 within a Nordic prospective phase II protocol. Forty-four patients achieved complete response (CR) and had OS of 46.3 months. Patients who underwent resection had a median OS of 28.6 versus 11.7 months for those who had a biopsy performed. Resection showed an insignificant prolongation of OS. Multivariate analysis confirmed statistical significance of deep brain involvement only (p < 0.005). Neither chemotherapy regimen, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), type of surgery, nor patient age was significant factors for OS or PFS. Resective surgery played no role in significantly improving either OS or PFS and therefore it is not recommended as treatment for PCNSL.

Increasing incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma but no improvement in survival in Sweden 2000-2013

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to characterize the epidemiology of immunocompetent Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) diagnosed 2000-2013 in Sweden.

METHODS

Cases were identified in the population-based Swedish Lymphoma Register. Incidence per 100 000 person-years and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and PCNSL-specific survival was estimated using relative survival. Tests for temporal trends were performed using Poisson regression. Population incidence of all brain tumors was retrieved for comparison.

RESULTS

With 359 identified PCNSL cases (median age 66 years), overall incidence was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.24-0.29) and the average annual increase 4% (P = .002). The increasing trend was primarily observed among elderly individuals (70+ years). Similarly, an increase in incidence of all brain tumors was noted only among the elderly. There was no significant improvement in relative survival across the study period although, among fit patients (with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, EGOC 0), survival plateaued 6 years after diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The increasing PCNSL incidence in the elderly was consistent with an increasing incidence of brain tumors of any type and may in part be attributable to improved diagnostics and reporting in this group. New treatment options have not yet translated into general survival improvements in a population-based setting, although the presence of long-term survivors among fit patients is encouraging.