Stereotactic brain biopsy in the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma

Functional Outcome and Overall Survival in Patients with Primary or Secondary CNS Lymphoma after Surgical Resection vs. Biopsy

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) is rare form of brain tumour. It manifests either as primary CNS lymphoma (pCNSL) originating within the central nervous system or as secondary CNS lymphoma (sCNSL), arising as cerebral metastases of systemic lymphoma. For a significant period, surgical resection was considered obsolete due to the favourable response to chemotherapy and the associated risk of postoperative deficits. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the benefits of resection in CNSL patients, including extended survival and improved postoperative function.

METHODS

A retrospective study involving patients diagnosed with either PCNSL or SCNSL that were surgically approached at our neurosurgical department between 2010 and 2022 was conducted. Patients were categorised into three subgroups based on their neurosurgical approach: (1) stereotactical biopsy, (2) open biopsy, (3) resection. We then performed statistical analyses to assess overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Additionally, we examined various secondary factors such as functional outcome via Karnofsky Performance Index (KPS) and prognosis scoring.

RESULTS

157 patients diagnosed with PCNSL or SCNSL were enclosed in the study. Of these, 101 underwent stereotactic biopsy, 21 had open biopsy, and 35 underwent resection. Mean age of the cohort was 64.94 years, with majority of patients being female (54.1%). The resection group showed longest OS at 44 months (open biopsy = 13 months, stereotactic biopsy = 9 months). Calculated median follow-up was 34.5 months. In the Cox regression model, postoperative KPS 70% (p < 0.001) and resection vs. stereotactic biopsy (p = 0.040) were identified as protective factors, whereas older age at diagnosis was identified as a risk factor (p < 0.001). In the one-way analysis of variance, differences in postoperative KPS were found among all groups (p = 0.021), while there was no difference in preoperative KPS among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show a favourable outcome when resection is compared to either stereotactic or open biopsy. Additionally, the marginally improved postoperative functional status observed in patients who underwent resection, as opposed to in those who underwent biopsy, provides further evidence in favour of the advantages of surgical resection for enhancing neurological deficits.

Primary Cerebral Lymphoma: A Retrospective Study in 22 Immunocompetent Patients

Aims and background

Primary CNS lymphomas are uncommon tumors in immunocompetent patients. We describe the radiological features that should orient towards performing a biopsy and analyze the results in our series of patients.

Methods

We reviewed 22 immunocompetent patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma admitted in our Institute between 1977 and 1997. The follow-up period ranged from 2 months (patient deceased) to 69 months. Fourteen patients underwent surgical removal of the tumor and the remainder a biopsy. All patients received radiotherapy and 8 patients radiotherapy plus chemotherapy.

Results

Two of the 14 patients treated by surgical removal of the tumor died. There was no mortality related to biopsy procedures. Patients treated with radiotherapy had 1-year, 2-year and 5-year survival rates of 66%, 41.6% and 16.6%, compared to 87.5%, 62.5% and 50%, respectively, for patients who received radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Conclusions

At present, there is no definite treatment for these highly malignant brain tumors. The most favorable results seem related to biopsy followed by radiotherapy plus chemotherapy versus surgical removal, which is related to a high risk of severe postoperative deficit for both the deep location and infiltrating nature of these lesions.

Differentiation of Enhancing Glioma and Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma by Texture-Based Machine Learning

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Accurate preoperative differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma is essential to avoid unnecessary neurosurgical resection in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a machine-learning algorithm by using texture analysis of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images for differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-one adult patients with enhancing gliomas and 35 adult patients with primary central nervous system lymphomas were included. The tumors were manually contoured on contrast-enhanced T1WI, and the resulting volumes of interest were mined for textural features and subjected to a support vector machine-based machine-learning protocol. Three readers classified the tumors independently on contrast-enhanced T1WI. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated for each reader and for the support vector machine classifier. A noninferiority test for diagnostic accuracy based on paired areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed with a noninferiority margin of 0.15.

RESULTS

The mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.877 (95% CI, 0.798-0.955) for the support vector machine classifier; 0.878 (95% CI, 0.807-0.949) for reader 1; 0.899 (95% CI, 0.833-0.966) for reader 2; and 0.845 (95% CI, 0.757-0.933) for reader 3. The mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the support vector machine classifier was significantly noninferior to the mean area under the curve of reader 1 (P = .021), reader 2 (P = .035), and reader 3 (P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

Support vector machine classification based on textural features of contrast-enhanced T1WI is noninferior to expert human evaluation in the differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma and enhancing glioma.

Blood brain barrier: a challenge for effectual therapy of brain tumors

Brain tumors are one of the most formidable diseases of mankind. They have only a fair to poor prognosis and high relapse rate. One of the major causes of extreme difficulty in brain tumor treatment is the presence of blood brain barrier (BBB). BBB comprises different molecular components and transport systems, which in turn create efflux machinery or hindrance for the entry of several drugs in brain. Thus, along with the conventional techniques, successful modification of drug delivery and novel therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome this obstacle for treatment of brain tumors. In this review, we have elucidated some critical insights into the composition and function of BBB and along with it we have discussed the effective methods for delivery of drugs to the brain and therapeutic strategies overcoming the barrier.

A systematic approach to the diagnosis of suspected central nervous system lymphoma

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma can present a diagnostic challenge. Currently, there is no consensus regarding what presurgical evaluation is warranted or how to proceed when lesions are not surgically accessible. We conducted a review of the literature on CNS lymphoma diagnosis (1966 to October 2011) to determine whether a common diagnostic algorithm can be generated. We extracted data regarding the usefulness of brain and body imaging, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies, ophthalmologic examination, and tissue biopsy in the diagnosis of CNS lymphoma. Contrast enhancement on imaging is highly sensitive at the time of diagnosis: 98.9% in immunocompetent lymphoma and 96.1% in human immunodeficiency virus-related CNS lymphoma. The sensitivity of CSF cytology is low (2%-32%) but increases when combined with flow cytometry. Cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase isozyme 5, β2-microglobulin, and immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangement studies have improved sensitivity over CSF cytology (58%-85%) but have only moderate specificity (85%). New techniques of proteomics and microRNA analysis have more than 95% specificity in the diagnosis of CNS lymphoma. Positive CSF cytology, vitreous biopsy, or brain/leptomeningeal biopsy remain the current standard for diagnosis. A combined stepwise systematic approach outlined here may facilitate an expeditious, comprehensive presurgical evaluation for cases of suspected CNS lymphoma.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: presentation, diagnosis and staging

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the brain, spinal cord, leptomeninges, and eyes. The clinical presentation and neuroimaging appearance of PCNSL differ in immunocompetent patients and in those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A magnetic resonance (MR) image of the brain in immunocompetent patients with PCNSL typically demonstrates one or more homogeneously enhancing lesions located in the periventricular white matter, characteristically spanning the corpus callosum. In patients with AIDS, multiple ring-enhancing lesions are more common. After neuroimages raising the suspicion of PCNSL are obtained, a definitive diagnosis should be established in both immunocompetent and AIDS patients by performing pathological analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), vitreous fluid, or a biopsy specimen. Brain biopsy sampling remains the gold standard for PCNSL diagnosis in all patients, although the possibility of establishing routine, minimally invasive diagnostic procedures in which Epstein-Barr virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the CSF and nuclear imaging are used is currently under investigation in the population of patients with AIDS. At the time of diagnosis, the patient should undergo further evaluation, which should include a physical examination, ophthalmic evaluation with a slit-lamp examination, serum lactate dehydrogenase levels, human immunodeficiency virus testing, computed tomography scans of the chest/abdomen/pelvis, bone marrow biopsy sampling, contrast-enhanced brain MR imaging, and lumbar puncture (LP). Testicular ultrasonography studies should be considered in men. In patients who cannot undergo LP or in those with evidence of spinal cord dysfunction, contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the entire spine should be considered.

Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

This article reviews the clinical features of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and staging evaluation in both immunocompetent and AIDS patients who have PCNSL are discussed. The differing role of biopsy in these two populations also is addressed.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma report of 32 cases and review of the literature

We retrospectively analyzed 32 cases of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Five cases were diagnosed in the period 1987-1994, for 27 cases in the period 1995-2002. There were 17 men and 15 women whose median age was 69 years. Three patients were immunodeficient. The commonest symptoms were focal deficit (16 patients) and cognitive/behaviour disturbances (14 patients). Radiologically, a total of 47 contrast-enhancing lesions were observed in 32 patients; 18 patients had deep-seated lesions. All but two patients underwent histological diagnosis following craniotomy (11 patients) and/or stereotaxic biopsy (22 patients); diagnosis was obtained on CSF cytology in one patient with a third ventricle tumour. In the last patient, the diagnosis was based on the finding of marked tumour shrinkage under corticotherapy, despite two negative histological examinations. Treatment included surgical resection (10 patients), chemotherapy (25 patients) and/or radiotherapy (12 patients). According to the therapeutic recommendations of the GELA (Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte), 19 patients received at least two courses of high-dose methotrexate; intrathecal chemotherapy was used in 20 patients with methotrexate and/or cytosine arabinoside. Radiation therapy consisted of whole brain irradiation followed by a boost on tumour site. Nine patients received a combined treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Twelve patients showed rapid progression to death. At the time of last contact, 28/32 patients (88%) had died, all from PCNSL disease or from complications due to its treatment. The median survival time was 13.9 months. We conclude that PCNSL is an increasingly frequent tumour. The diagnosis is obtained by stereotactic biopsy in the majority of cases. The prognosis appears dismal despite an intensive multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.

Neuroradiological findings in primary cerebral lymphomas of non-AIDS patients

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL's) are rare tumours which generally accounted for 1.0-1.5% of all intracranial neoplasms. However, within the last decade the frequency of cerebral lymphomas has dramatically increased. We retrospectively analysed the neuroradiological findings (computed tomography (CT), MRI, angiography) in 37 patients with PCNSL. Thirty patients with the clinically and neuroradiologically suspected diagnosis of cerebral lymphoma underwent CT- or MRI-guided stereotactic biopsy. In seven cases an open surgical intervention was performed. Preoperatively, CT with and without contrast medium was performed in all but two cases. Twenty-eight patients received MRI (axial SE T2 weighted, triplanar SE T1 weighted, triplanar SE T1+Gadolinium). Additionally, in 9 patients cerebral angiography was performed. Typical neuroradiological patterns are: (1) iso- or hyper-density (85.5%) on unenhanced CT scan with marked contrast enhancement (87.7%); (2) infiltration/contact of leptomeningeal and/or ependymal spaces (97.3%); (3) hyperintensity on T2 with moderate oedema (80.3%). Histopathological work-up included conventional and immunohistochemical stains performed on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded bioptical specimen. Despite widely used preoperative dexamethasone treatment, an accurate histopathological diagnosis of PCNSL of B cell type was established in all cases except one. The high percentage of accurate histopathological diagnosis was based on: (1) great mean sample volume per biopsy site; (2) great number of biopsies in patients suspected to have cerebral lymphomas; and (3) MR-guided stereotactic procedures if the lesion was not clearly identifiable on CT scan.

Accuracy of grading gliomas on CT-guided stereotactic biopsies: a survival analysis

The accuracy of using a combination of cytopathologic and histopathologic techniques to diagnose stereotactically guided brain biopsies was investigated in 74 patients. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by determining whether classification of the biopsies as gliosis, astrocytoma (A), anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) predicted survival. The utility of on-site evaluation using Diff-Quik-stained crush preparations was also assessed. The patients ranged in age from 5 to 88 years (mean, 55 years) and were followed for over 2 years in most cases. Four cases (5%) were classified as gliosis (G), 7 (9%) as atypical gliosis (AG), 4 (5%) as high-grade mixed oligodendroglioma/astrocytoma (OA), 11 (15%) as astrocytoma (A), 21 (28%) as anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), and 27 (36%) as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Median survival was 11 months in patient with OA, 57 months in patients with A, 10 months in patients with AA, and 5 months in patients with GBM. Diagnosis of Diff-Quik-stained crush preparations made during the biopsy procedure was highly correlated with the final diagnosis and survival. We conclude that the diagnosis of stereotactic brain biopsies using cytopathology with on-site evaluation in combination with histopathological evaluation of needle cores is accurate based on a survival analysis. However, A and G may be difficult to distinguish.

Glucocorticoid-induced long-term remission in primary cerebral lymphoma: case report and review of the literature

We report a 25-year old immunocompetent woman with a high grade primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the central nervous system (PNHL-CNS) in whom the administration of dexamethasone alone during three months produced a complete clinical and radiological response lasting over four years. If complete remission of PNHL-CNS induced by glucocorticoids are well known, the opportunity to observe glucocorticoid-induced remission for a long period of time without radio- and chemotherapy is rare. Only nine other cases of PNHL-CNS with complete remission induced by glucocorticoids lasting from 6 to 60 months, were found in the literature and are summarized here. Duration of glucocorticoids therapeutic effect in PNHL-CNS is probably underestimated. Glucocorticoids cannot be recommended as sole initial treatment for PNHL-CNS. However, we suggest standard therapies to be delayed in those patients responding completely to glucocorticoids where radio- and chemotherapy should be contraindicated (kidney, liver, bone marrow failure, pregnancy).

Clinicopathological features, survival and prognostic factors of primary central nervous system lymphomas: trends in incidence of primary central nervous system lymphomas and primary malignant brain tumors in a well-defined geographical area. Population-based data from the Danish Lymphoma Registry, LYFO, and the Danish Cancer Registry

It has been claimed that Primary Central Nervous System Lymphomas (PCNSL), a rare neoplasm accounting for only a small fraction of malignant brain tumors and extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), occur with increasing frequency in immunologically normal as well as in immunocompromised individuals. In an attempt to characterize the clinicopathological features, outcome and prognostic factors of PCNSL we here report our experience in a large unselected series of patients from a well-defined region. In addition, we present data on trends in incidence of PCNSL and primary malignant brain tumors in a well-defined geographical area. In a Danish population-based NHL registry (LYFO) representing a population of 2.7 million all new cases of NHL were registered during the approximate 11-year period from 1st January 1983 to 31st May 1994. Incidence data of primary malignant tumors of the brain and central nervous system in western Denmark for the period 1971-1990 have been obtained from the Danish Cancer Registry. During the approximate 11-year period 3124 new cases of NHL were registered. Of these, 1152 (37%) were extranodal and 48 were non-AIDS related PCNSL accounting for 4.2% of extranodal NHL and 1.5% of all NHL, respectively. The average annual incidence rate of non-AIDS related PCNSL during the period was 1.56 cases per million population (age range: 15-85 yrs, median: 62 yrs, M/F ratio: 1). In a 23-year period there was no trend towards an increasing incidence of non-AIDS related PCNSL in a well-defined population. PCNSL accounted for 1.7% of all primary malignant brain tumors. Incidence of primary malignant brain tumors was stable, except for age ranges over 70 years. However, diagnostic artifacts might be responsible for this apparent increase. Histologically, 85% were high grade. Using the Kiel classification centroblastic diffuse (60%) and immunoblastic lymphoma (13%) were the most common subtypes. Forty-three patients had B-cell lymphoma and no T-cell lymphoma was detected. Forty-seven cases were diagnosed pre mortem. Treatment included surgical resection (26 patients), whole brain irradiation (WBRT) (43 patients) and chemotherapy (28 patients). Median survival for those receiving either WBRT or WBRT and chemotherapy was 8 months and 20 months, respectively (p = 0.78). Overall survival was 53%, 38% and 26% at 1, 2 and 5 years. Cox-regression analysis identified only one factor having independent impact on survival in PCNSL: performances score > or = 2 (p < 0.001, RR = 5.8).

Incidence, clinicopathological features and outcome of primary central nervous system lymphomas. Population-based data from a Danish lymphoma registry. Danish Lymphoma Study Group, LYFO

BACKGROUND

Primary Central Nervous System lymphomas (PCNSL), a rare neoplasm accounting for only a small fraction of malignant brain tumors and extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), seems to occur with increasing frequency in immunologically-normal as well as immunocompromised individuals. In an attempt to characterize the clinicopathological features, incidence rate and outcome of PCNSL, we here report our experience in a large unselected group of patients from a well-defined region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a Danish population-based NHL registry (LYFO) representing a population of 2.7 million, all new cases of NHL were registered during the 10-year period from 1st January 1983 to 31st December 1992. The number of malignant brain tumors reported to the Danish Cancer Registry from the region covered by LYFO, during the 7-year period from 1st January 1983 to 31st December 1989, is compared to the number of PCNSL.

RESULTS

During the 10-year period 2687 new cases of NHL were registered. Of these, 1004 (37%) were extranodal and 42 were non-AIDS-related PCNSL, accounting for 4.2% of extranodal NHL and 1.6% of all NHL, respectively. The incidence rate for PCNSL during the ten-year period (age range: 21-85 yrs, median: 62 yrs, M/F ratio: 0.9) was 15.6 cases per million population. Eighteen and 24 cases were diagnosed during the first and the second 5-year period, respectively (p > 0.05). During the 7-year period 1866 primary malignant brain tumors were registered in the region covered by the LYFO study group. In the same period 30 cases of PCNSL were detected. Thus, PCNSL accounted for 1.6% of all primary malignant brain tumors diagnosed in Western Denmark. Histologically, 83% were high-grade. Using the Kiel classification centroblastic diffuse (62%) and immunoblastic lymphoma (12%) were the most common subtypes. Thirty-seven patients had B-cell lymphoma; no T-cell lymphomas were detected. Forty-one cases were diagnosed pre mortem. Treatment included surgical resection (23 patients), whole brain irradiation (WBRT) (37 patients) and chemotherapy (22 patients). Median survival for those receiving either WBRT or WBRT and chemotherapy was 7.5 months and 12 months, respectively (p > 0.05). Survival was 43.9%, 31.7% and 7.3% at 1, 2 and 5 years.

[Stereotaxic biopsy for primary lymphomas of the central nervous system]

Primary lymphomas of the CNS are rare. However the incidence of these lesions has increased recently. These tumors are often situated in the thalamus and basal ganglia, but can be multifocal. The treatment for primary CNS lymphoma is radiotherapy alone or in association with chemotherapy. Because the associated morbidity is very low stereotactic biopsy is an ideal method for determining the histologic diagnosis in patients with suspected CNS lymphoma. The authors present a study of 49 patients with primary CNS lymphomas in which a stereotactic biopsy was performed.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are uncommon neoplasms accounting for less than 2% of brain tumours. Their incidence appears to be increasing across a wide age range, in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed populations. Particular risk groups include those with congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies and transplant recipients. The spread of the AIDS epidemic has seen large numbers of complicating PCNSL develop. Epstein-Barr virus infection appears to play a role in the development of these lymphomas in the immunosuppressed population. The aetiology of these tumours in the immunocompetent is uncertain. Their tendency to remain within the nervous system is not well understood but may be a function of CNS binding molecules carried by lymphocytes. Clinically PCNSL may present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms and has a capacity to mimic many other neurological conditions. Radiologically they appear as hyperdense homogenous deposits in subcortical white matter. Although most lesions are intermediate or high grade B cell lymphomas, T cell lymphomas are being recognised with increasing frequency. Immunohistochemistry and genotypic analysis have an important role in accurately characterising PCNSL, particularly in stereotactic biopsies. Involvement of multiple areas of the neuraxis, the eye and multiple intracranial sites can occur in the absence of obvious systemic lymphoma. The role of surgery in their treatment is uncertain. A combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy can increase the length of survival. The prognosis, however, remains poor in comparison with nodal lymphomas, and particularly so in those with AIDS.

Primary central nervous system lymphomas--an update

Primary CNS lymphomas (PCNSL), until recently representing about 1% of all brain tumors, show dramatically increased incidence both in high-risk groups (immunocompromised, AIDS) and in the general population. They are extranodal diffuse non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, the morphology and classification of which are identical to those of systemic lymphomas, although PCNSL show different biological behavior and diagnosis according to the New Working Formulation and updated Kiel classification may be difficult. The majority are large B cell variants of high-grade malignancy; low-grade subtypes and T cell lymphomas are rare. Sixty per cent occur in the supratentorial space (hemispheres, periventricular) and 12% in the posterior fossa; 30% are multiple (50%-70% in AIDS). PCNSL show a male preponderance with a peak incidence in the 5th-7th decade (3rd-4th in AIDS). The duration of diffuse or focal clinical symptoms averages 1-2 months. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans show single or multiple or diffuse, often typical lesions. Diagnosis is achieved by evaluation of stereotactic biopsy material or cerebrospinal fluid cytology using immunocytological markers. Current therapy in immunocompetent patients, radiation plus corticosteroids and pre- or postradiation polychemotherapy, shows response rates of 85% with a median survival of 17-44 months, a prognosis similar to that for glioblastoma. Meningeal PCNSL is treated with intrathecal methotrexate or cytosine arabinoside. Transliquoral seeding of PCNSL is frequent, distant metastases occurring in 6%-8%. Therapy of AIDS-related PCNSL makes use of radiation and corticosteroids, and rarely of chemotherapy. The pathogenesis of PCNSL is unknown, but Epstein-Barr virus may be a contributory factor.

Epstein-Barr virus in AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma occurs more often in patients with AIDS. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in these tumours, but the degree of association has not been defined because of both the highly restricted expression of EBV in malignant tissue and the lack of a technique that is reliable in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. EBV-transformed lymphocytes contain short non-protein coding EBV transcripts (EBERs), which are expressed in much higher quantity than other EBV-latency transcripts. We describe a new strategy for detection of latent EBV with these transcripts as targets for in-situ hybridisation. 18 cases of AIDS-related primary CNS lymphoma from a consecutive necropsy series together with specimens from 3 further cases were studied. In each case, a strong positive signal over tumour cells indicated abundant expression of the EBV-EBER1 transcript. This 100% association suggests that the pathogenesis of these AIDS-associated lymphomas may differ from the systemic disease in which only 30-50% of tumours are associated with EBV. A pathogenetic role for EBV was further supported by showing expression of a viral protein (the latent membrane protein) that is implicated as an effector for EBV-associated lymphomagenesis. EBV might have a role as a tumour marker in the diagnosis and management of AIDS-related primary CNS lymphoma.