Low-grade primary central nervous system lymphoma in immunocompetent patients

Intraparenchymal low-grade B-cell lymphomas of the central nervous system: Clinicopathologic and molecular analysis of three cases and a review of the literature

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas represent 1 % of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas, with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas as the prevailing subtype. Low-grade B-cell lymphomas are exceptional with only 24 marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (EMZL) and 1 follicular lymphoma (FL) previously reported so far. While their molecular profiles are studied elsewhere, data on primary intraparenchymal CNS cases remain limited. The objective of the present study is to contribute new cases of primary intraprenchymal low-grade B-cell lymphomas in the CNS and characterize their mutational profile. We conducted a comprehensive review of cases and a literature review to identify similar instances. Clinical, imaging, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics were analyzed. Diagnoses were established according to established criteria. We present three novel cases of intraparenchymal CNS low-grade B-cell lymphomas. One case of intraparenchymal EMZL exhibited plasmacytic differentiation, while another lacked a plasma cell component. The third case was diagnosed as FL. The L265P mutation of MYD88 was absent in all cases. Next generation sequencing revealed pathogenic mutations in SPEN (Glu1970ValfsTer64) and ARID1A (Pro1355LeufsTer118) genes in one EMZL case. In conclusion, intraparenchymal CNS low-grade B-cell lymphomas are rare, with few reported cases. Our findings expand knowledge on their clinical and molecular features. We present the first molecular profile of primary CNS intraparenchymal EMZL, underscoring the need for further research to understand their biology and optimize treatment strategies.

Absence of enhancement in a lesion does not preclude primary central nervous system T-cell lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the central nervous system (CNS) and is exclusively limited to the CNS. Although most PCNSLs are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, primary CNS T-cell lymphomas (PCNSTLs) are rare. PCNSTLs typically demonstrate some degree of enhancement on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To the best of our knowledge, non-enhancing PCNSTL has not been reported previously.

CASE SUMMARY

A 69-year-old male presented to the neurology department with complaints of mild cognitive impairment and gradual onset of left lower leg weakness over a span of two weeks. Initial MRI showed asymmetric T2-hyperintense lesions within the brain. No enhancement was observed on the contrast-enhanced T1 image. The initial diagnosis was neuro-Behçet's disease. Despite high-dose steroid therapy, no alterations in the lesions were identified on initial MRI. The patient's symptoms deteriorated further. An MRI performed one month after the initial scan revealed an increased lesion extent. Subsequently, brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PCNSTL. The patient underwent definitive combined chemo-radiotherapy. However, the patient developed bacteremia and died of septic shock approximately three months after diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The absence of enhancement in the lesion did not rule out PCNSTL. A biopsy approach is advisable for pathological confirmation.

Low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma of the central nervous system with plasmacytic differentiation and amyloid deposition

A 65-year-old woman with a resolved history of epilepsy due to a motor vehicle accident and hippocampal sclerosis presented with recurrent de novo seizures. Brain imaging demonstrated enhancement in the left parieto-occipital lobe. At histopathological examination, the lesion displayed a diffuse lymphoid infiltrate comprised of small atypical lymphocytes, plasmacytoid lymphocytes, and scattered plasma cells with amyloid deposition. Pathology workup demonstrated a monotypic B-cell phenotype of the lymphoid infiltrate, expressing lambda light chain restriction and plasmacytic differentiation without MYD88 mutations. The patient had no systemic evidence of lymphoma, plasma cell dyscrasia, or amyloidosis. A diagnosis of low-grade B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system with plasmacytic differentiation and amyloid deposition was made.

Primary Nondural Central Nervous System Marginal ZoneB-Cell Lymphoma of the Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Type Mimicking CNS Inflammatory Diseases

Marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (MZBCLs) are non-Hodgkin lymphomas arising from postgerminal center marginal zone B cells. MZBCLs are subclassified into extranodal, nodal, and splenic MZBCLs. Primary nondural central nervous system (CNS) MZBCLs of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type are among the extranodal examples. Their clinicopathological features are not well characterized. Therefore, the clinicopathological features of 8 primary nondural CNS MZBCLs of the MALT type were assessed to establish their pathological diagnostic criteria. Histologically, all cases of primary nondural CNS MZBCLs of the MALT type showed perivascular expansive monotonous proliferation of small atypical B lymphoid cells with plasma cell differentiation, low Ki-67 labeling index, and minimal invasion from the perivascular space. In addition, no vascular changes such as glomeruloid changes, obliterative fibrointimal proliferation, and intramural lymphocytic infiltration were seen. These key histological characteristics should be considered when diagnosing cases that are suspected to be primary nondural CNS MZBCLs of the MALT type. Additionally, regarding PCR for the detection of immunoglobulin heavy variable gene and T-cell receptor γ gene rearrangements, the former is detected, but the latter is not detected in all cases. Therefore, PCR detection including sequence analysis should be added when diagnosing difficult cases based on the key histological characteristics.

Diversity of genetic alterations of primary central nervous system lymphoma in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic patients

PURPOSE

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Previous studies have identified MYD88, CD79b and PIM1 as the most common genetic mutations in PCNSL. The extent to which mutations vary by ethnicity is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe differences in genetic mutations and survival by Hispanic ethnicity in PCNSL.

METHODS

30 patients with PCNSL were examined for mutations in 275 genes by DNA analysis and 1408 genes by RNA analysis utilizing next generation sequencing.

RESULTS

60% of patients were Hispanic. 125 different mutated genes were detected. The most commonly affected genes were: MYD88 (44%), CARD11 (21%), CD79b (17%), PIM1 (17%) and KMT2D (17%) . MYD88 mutation was less frequent in Hispanic patients (27% vs 66%, P=.02). More Hispanic patients had >3 mutated genes (89% vs 55 %. P=.03). Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic patients (PFS 60% vs 27%, P=.09), (OS 60% vs 36%, P=.23). MYD88, CARD11, PIM1, and KMT2D were not associated with significant differences in OS or PFS. CD79b mutation correlated with superior 2-yr PFS (P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified highly recurrent genetic alterations in PCNSL. Our data suggest that heterogeneity in some mutations may be related to ethnicity. There was no statistically significant difference in 2-yr PFS and OS in our Hispanic patients. Studies on larger population may further help to describe differences in tumor biology, and outcomes in Hispanic patients.

Molecular Diagnostics in Lymphoid Neoplasms of the Central Nervous System

Primary lymphoid neoplasms of the central nervous system are rare tumors that span a wide range of histopathologic appearances and can overlap occasionally with non-neoplastic processes. Application of modern molecular techniques has not only begun to unravel their unique underlying biology but has also started to lay a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic framework for these frequently aggressive malignancies. This review summarizes the existing landscape of clinicopathologic and genomic features of lymphoid neoplasms that may arise primarily within the central nervous system.

Intraventricular pseudolymphoma a case review

Intracranial pseudolymphoma is a rare entity. We report the case of a 44 year old female who presented with headaches and was noted to have a right lateral ventricular lesion on a background history of Burkitt's lymphoma. She underwent biopsy of said lesion and was found to have benign reactive lymphoid tissue. This is the third reported case in literature of intracranial pseudolymphoma and the first reported intraventricular lesion.

Primary central nervous system small lymphocytic lymphoma in the bilateral ventricles: two case reports

Background

Primary central nervous system (CNS) small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), as a type of low-grade lymphoma, is extremely rare. The diagnosis of CNS SLL is challenging due to its variable clinical and radiological features, which may overlap with those of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Primary CNS SLL differs from DLBCL in that it has an indolent clinical course and a good prognosis. Thus, it is important to distinguish SLL from DLBCL. By reviewing the literature, only two cases of low-grade SLL, primarily located in the CNS and involving the brain parenchyma and dura, have been reported. To our knowledge, primary CNS SLL in the bilateral ventricles has never been reported. Interestingly, the two cases in our report are identical in terms of the clinical presentations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, pathological results and prognoses.

Case presentation

Both patients presented with headaches. MRI suggested solid lesions located in the bilateral ventricles that were isointense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. After the injection of contrast agent (gadolinium, Gd), the intraventricular lesions were homogeneously enhanced and hyperperfused. CSF cytology revealed malignant cells. Brain biopsy revealed diffuse proliferation of small lymphocytes with positive labelling of B-cell immunomarkers. The primary origin in the CNS was confirmed with no evidence of systemic lymphoma. Two patients were given high doses of methotrexate-based chemotherapy and were free from symptoms and progression for more than 1-year of follow-up.

Conclusions

The presence of homogeneously enhanced intraventricular MRI lesions should raise the suspicion of primary CNS SLL.

B cell-rich non-neoplastic sentinel lesion preceding primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an uncommon tumor in the brain. Although most PCNSL are readily diagnosed as diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) on the first biopsy, very rare cases have been described in which the first detected intracerebral lesions are non-neoplastic, and are composed mostly of perivascular T cells, not B cells. This phenomenon is known as “sentinel lesions.”

Treatment of newly diagnosed B-cell origin primary CNS lymphoma with systemic R-IDARAM chemotherapy and intrathecal immunochemotherapy

Background

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The aim was to evaluate response rate, progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity in PCNSL after systemic R-IDARAM and intrathecal immunochemotherapy with deferred radiotherapy.

Results

The response rate was 94% with 17 (89%) complete responses and 1 (5%) partial responses. Follow-up time is from 5 to 63 months (median, 39 months). Median survival has not been reached. 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 84.2% (CI 72.6% to 99.8%) and 63.2% (CI 41.4% to 73.8%). Systemic toxicity was mainly hematologic. Neurocognitive and neuromotor deterioration as a result of treatment occurred in only one patient (5%).

Patients and Methods

From September 2010 to June 2015, 19 consecutive patients with PCNSL (median age, 54 years) were enrolled into a pilot phase II study evaluating immunochemotherapy without radiotherapy. The patients were accrued to a chemotherapy regimen that incorporated rituximab, idarubicin, dexamethasone, cytarabine (Ara-c) and methotrexate (MTX) combined with intrathecal rituximab, MTX, dexamethasone and Ara-c.

Conclusions

The results indicate that R-IDARAM regimen with intrathecal immunochemotherapy is generally well tolerated and produces a high complete response rate and survival rate.

Primary CNS T-cell Lymphomas: A Clinical, Morphologic, Immunophenotypic, and Molecular Analysis

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas are relatively rare with the most common subtype being diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Primary CNS T-cell lymphomas (PCNSTL) account for <5% of CNS lymphomas. We report the clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular characteristics of 18 PCNSTLs. Fifteen cases were classified as peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, 2 of which were of γδ T-cell derivation and 1 was TCR silent; there was 1 anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive and 2 anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative. Median age was 58.5 years (range, 21 to 81 y), with an M:F ratio of 11:7. Imaging results showed that 15 patients had supratentorial lesions. Regardless of subtype, necrosis and perivascular cuffing of tumor cells were frequently observed (11/18 cases). CD3 was positive in all cases but 1; 10/17 were CD8-positive, and 5/17 were CD4-positive. Most cases studied had a cytotoxic phenotype with expression of TIA1 (13/15) and granzyme-B (9/13). Polymerase chain reaction analysis of T-cell receptor γ rearrangement confirmed a T-cell clone in 14 cases with adequate DNA quality. Next-generation sequencing showed somatic mutations in 36% of cases studied; 2 had >1 mutation, and none showed overlapping mutations. These included mutations in DNMT3A, KRAS, JAK3, STAT3, STAT5B, GNB1, and TET2 genes, genes implicated previously in other T-cell neoplasms. The outcome was heterogenous; 2 patients are alive without disease, 4 are alive with disease, and 6 died of disease. In conclusion, PCNSTLs are histologically and genomically heterogenous with frequent phenotypic aberrancy and a cytotoxic phenotype in most cases.

Objective cerebrospinal fluid response to intraventricular rituximab in indolent CNS lymphoma

Indolent CNS lymphomas (CNSLs) are rare and no guidelines exist for management. Recent literature highlights the potential for safe and tolerable intrathecal (IT) delivery of rituximab, a large anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, for aggressive CNSL. We report a patient with relapsed indolent CNSL who failed systemic rituximab and could not tolerate IT chemotherapies, but had an objective response of 6 months duration to IT rituximab.

"Brain on fire": a new imaging sign

Primary central nervous system (CNS) marginal zone B cell lymphoma is a rare condition. It has an indolent disease course and usually presents as a dural-based lesion. We present a patient with non-dural-based, primary CNS marginal zone B cell lymphoma with an unusual imaging appearance, not previously described to our knowledge.

Combined treatment of rituximab, idarubicin, dexamethasone, cytarabine, methotrexate with radiotherapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma

The overall response rates and long-term survival of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) are still significantly inferior to the results achieved in similar subtypes of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is clearly necessary to investigate new therapeutic methods on PCNSL. We encountered three patients histologically documented PCNSL as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). They were treated with R-IDARAM which comprised rituximab, idarubicin, dexamethasone, cytarabine and methotrexate. Patient 1 received stereotactic brachytherapy (SBT) prior to chemotherapy performed with iodine-125 seeds (cumulative therapeutic dose 50 Gy). After six cycles of R-IDARAM at 3-weekly intervals, radiotherapy was applied at a dosage of 2000–4000 cGy in conventional schedule (180 or 200 cGy/day) to whole brain or spinal cord in all patients. Complete remission (CR) was achieved after first two cycles of R-IDARAM in all patients. All three patients remained in CR at the time of this report with a median duration of follow-up of 23 months (ranging from 13 to 41 months). Three patients have been alive for 41, 13, 16 months respectively until now. The patient with the longest survival time was the one given SBT prior to chemotherapy. This study suggests that R-IDARAM combining with radiotherapy maybe a high effective regimen in PCNSL patients especially those with primary central nervous system DLBCL. A comprehensive treatment combining internal radiotherapy by SBT, modified R-IDARAM and followed reduced external radiotherapy may be a new treatment concept for PCNSL with higher efficiency and lower toxicity.

Intracranial pseudolymphoma presenting with grand mal seizures

Primary central nervous system lymphoproliferative disorders comprise a heterogenous group of intracranial disease, predominantly of the high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma type. We report a 56-year-old woman who developed new-onset grand mal seizures and was found to have two small uniformly enhancing dural-based lesions, which were radiologically concerning for meningiomas. Biopsy demonstrated findings consistent with benign, reactive lymphoid tissue. The patient's seizures resolved post-operatively. To our knowledge, this is the first reported patient with intracranial pseudolymphoma presenting as grand mal seizures. This case highlights this rare differential consideration in a patient with symptomatic dural-based lesion.

Primary cerebral low-grade B-cell lymphoma, monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, cerebral light chain deposition disease and "aggregoma": an update on classification and diagnosis

Background

This work aims to add evidence and provide an update on the classification and diagnosis of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) and primary central nervous system low-grade lymphomas. MIDD is characterized by the deposition of light and heavy chain proteins. Depending on the spatial arrangement of the secreted proteins, light chain-derived amyloidosis (AL) can be distinguished from non-amyloid light chain deposition disease (LCDD). We present a case of an extremely rare tumoral presentation of LCDD (aggregoma) and review the 3 previously published LCDD cases and discuss their presentation with respect to AL.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old woman presented with a 3½-year history of neurologic symptoms due to a progressive white matter lesion of the left subcortical parieto-insular lobe and basal ganglia. 2 former stereotactic biopsies conducted at different hospitals revealed no evidence of malignancy or inflammation; thus, no therapy had been initiated. After performing physiological and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumor was removed under intraoperative monitoring at our department. Histological analysis revealed large amorphous deposits and small islands of lymphoid cells.

Conclusion

LCCD is a very rare and obscure manifestation of primary central nervous system low-grade lymphomas that can be easily misdiagnosed by stereotactic biopsy sampling. If stereotactic biopsy does not reveal a definite result, a “wait-and-see” strategy can delay possible therapy for this disease. The impact of surgical removal, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in LCDD obviously remains controversial because of the low number of relevant cases.

First case report of a peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, of the central nervous system in a child

We report on the first pediatric patient with a localized primary peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, of the central nervous system (CNS). The solid lesion that was enhanced in magnetic resonance images of the left precentral region was totally resected. The histopathology revealed a peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. Staging procedures showed that the lesion was confined to the CNS. Without any further therapy, the patient still remains in complete remission 6 years after diagnosis. Thus, we conclude that a peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, of the CNS can occur in children. In the case presented here, complete resection sufficed.

Primary CNS lymphoma

Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) accounts for 3% of all primary brain tumors with a median age at onset of about 62 years. In the vast majority of cases, PCNSL presents as unifocal or multifocal enhancing lesions on MRI, frequently adjacent to the ventricles. Stereotactic biopsy is the diagnostic procedure of choice revealing high-grade malignant non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma in more than 90% of cases. Therapy is not evidence based. When eligible, patients should be included in clinical trials. In patients younger than 60 years cure is the aim. Polychemotherapy based on high-dose methotrexate (MTX) or alternatively high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue should be offered to patients eligible for this regimens. For patients over 60 years of age no curative regimen with acceptable toxicity has yet been established. An MTX-based chemotherapy, for example, in combination with temozolomide, is recommended. The role of radiotherapy as part of the initial treatment is not established; however, the combination of radiotherapy with MTX-based chemotherapy potentially leads to severe long-term neurotoxic sequelae. Therefore, radiotherapy as part of the initial therapy is not recommended by the author outside clinical trials. At relapse or in cases of refractory disease, patients will frequently benefit of salvage therapy, which depends on the initial treatment.

Role of the atypical chemoattractant receptor CRAM in regulating CCL19 induced CCR7 responses in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Background

The non-signalling chemokine receptors, including receptors DARC, D6 and CCX-CKR, have recently been shown to be involved in chemokine clearance and activity regulation. The human chemokine receptor CRAM (also known as HCR or CCRL2) is the most recently identified member of this atypical group. CRAM is expressed on B cells in a maturation-stage dependent manner and absent on T cells. We have recently shown that it competitively binds CCL19. CCL19 and its signalling receptor CCR7 are critical components involved in cell recruitment to secondary lymphoid organs and in maturation. B cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (B-CLL) is a low-grade lymphoma characterized by proliferative centres (or pseudofollicles). Proliferative centres develop due to abnormal cellular localisation and they are involved in the development of malignant cells. CCR7 is highly expressed on B cells from CLL patients and mediates migration towards its ligands CCL19 and CCL21, while CRAM expression and potential interferences with CCR7 are yet to be characterized.

Results

In this study, we show that B cells from patients with B-CLL present highly variable degrees of CRAM expression in contrast to more consistently high levels of CCR7. We investigated the hypothesis that, similar to the atypical receptor DARC, CRAM can modulate chemokine availability and/or efficacy, resulting in the regulation of cellular activation. We found that a high level of CRAM expression was detrimental to efficient chemotaxis with CCL19. MAP-kinase phosphorylation and intracellular calcium release induced by CCL19 were also altered by CRAM expression. In addition, we demonstrate that CRAM-induced regulation of CCL19 signalling is maintained over time.

Conclusions

We postulate that CRAM is a factor involved in the fine tuning/control of CCR7/CCL19 mediated responses. This regulation could be critical to the pivotal role of CCL19 induced formation of proliferation centres supporting the T/B cells encounter as well as disease progression in B-CLL.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma

There is no class I evidence for any therapeutic option in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). When possible, patients should be included in clinical trials. The role of surgery is restricted to stereotactic biopsy in order to gain material for histopathologic diagnosis. Radiotherapy alone is associated with a median survival of no more than 1.5 years; cure is exceptional. However, in patients aged younger than 60 years, cure is the therapeutic aim. Polychemotherapy based on high-dose methotrexate with deferred radiation results in long-term survival in most of these patients and possibly cure in a substantial fraction of these patients. With regard to chemotherapy in PCNSL, the following must be considered: 1) the most efficient drug in PCNSL is methotrexate at a dosage of at least 1.5 g/m(2) per single dose; 2) methotrexate alone will lead to complete remission in only some patients, whereas the combination of methotrexate with other drugs is more efficient; and 3) the value of additional intraventricular chemotherapy and the necessity of "consolidation" radiotherapy after response to chemotherapy are not yet defined. For patients aged older than 60 years, no curative regimen with acceptable toxicity has yet been established. The combination of radiotherapy with methotrexate-based chemotherapy leads to severe long-term neurotoxic sequelae, ie, cognitive dysfunction, in most older patients and in some patients aged younger than 60 years.

Isolated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder at the dura mater with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia immunophenotype

Lymphoma manifestations of the dura mater are extremely rare and have mostly been attributed to extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. We report a patient with an isolated meningeal tumor, identified as a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with typical B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia immunophenotype. Because of the subclinical detection of trisomy 3 in the bone marrow by cytogenetic analysis and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization, CD5(+) MALT is an important differential diagnosis; however, to our knowledge, this entity has never been reported in the context of dural lymphoma.

High-dose methotrexate is beneficial in parenchymal brain masses of uncertain origin suspicious for primary CNS lymphoma

In patients with parenchymal brain masses of uncertain origin responsive to corticosteroids, primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) should be considered. PCNSL is a rare but aggressive brain tumor that is highly sensitive to high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX)-based chemotherapy. We report a series of six patients with brain masses without histologic confirmation suspicious for PCNSL based on clinical and radiomorphologic criteria after exclusion of some infectious conditions. All patients were treated with HDMTX. We observed two complete responses, two partial responses, and one stable disease. One patient had progressive disease and received rescue whole-brain irradiation. All patients were alive without disease progression 12-48 months after HDMTX start. No symptoms of late neurotoxicity have occurred so far. The response and survival data in this small series of patients are encouraging and suggest a benefit for patients with suspected PCNSL after initial treatment with HDMTX.

Rare pathological variants and presentations of primary central nervous system lymphomas

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of primary brain neoplasm, accounting for less than 3% of all primary brain tumors. Ninety percent of cases involve a large B-cell lymphoma that presents as a homogeneously enhancing lesion or lesions, typically deep-seated in the brain parenchyma. The authors describe unusual pathological forms of PCNSLs, including low-grade, T-cell, and Burkitt types, and also rare presentations such as neurolymphomatosis and pituitary lymphomas.

Primary meningeal Burkitt-type lymphoma presenting as the first clinical manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

The purpose of this study is to report a rare case of primary meningeal high grade Burkitt-type lymphoma presenting as the first clinical manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A 38-year-old Caucasian man, with a negative past medical history, sought treatment after experiencing global headache for five days. CT-Scan revealed a right front-temporo-parietal hyperdense subdural expansive mass. A craniotomy was performed and a hard white subdural was microsurgically dissected. Some hours after the surgery, the patient developed hemispheric cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension syndrome. Decompressive craniotomy was performed and the patient had an excellent recovery. Screening blood tests diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection. Further investigation ruled out systemic diseases. Eleven days after the initial surgery, the patient developed an acute respiratory failure and sepsis, dying on that day. Pathological studies diagnosed Burkitt-type lymphoma.

Clinical utility and pharmacology of high-dose methotrexate in the treatment of primary CNS lymphoma

Primary CNS non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PCNSL) has been shown to be increasing in incidence. This appears to be a consequence of the increasing population of those older than 65 years of age in whom PCNSL occurs most often. PCNSL often has a favorable response to treatment and aggressive management may result in extended survival and, in a proportion of patients less than 65 years of age, cure. The majority of neuro-oncologist's advocate utilizing high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) as a platform for the chemotherapy treatment of these neoplasms. In this review, the literature regarding HDHMTX as a treatment for PCNSL is summarized as are the pharmacological principles of HD-MTX.

International study on low-grade primary central nervous system lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation, course, and outcome of low-grade primary central nervous system lymphoma.

METHODS

Cases were assessed in a retrospective series collected from 18 cancer centers in 5 countries.

RESULTS

Forty patients (18 men, 22 women; median age, 60 years [range, 19-78]) were identified. Involvement of a cerebral hemisphere or deeper brain structures was seen in 37 patients, only leptomeningeal involvement in 2 patients, and spinal cord disease in 1 patient. Chemotherapy/radiotherapy was conducted in 15 patients, radiotherapy alone in 12, chemotherapy alone in 10, and tumor resection alone in 2, whereas 1 patient received no treatment. The median progression-free, disease-specific, and overall survival were 61.5 (range, 0-204), 130 (range, 1-204), and 79 (range, 1-204) months, respectively. Only age 60 years or older was associated with shorter progression-free (p = 0.009), disease-specific (p = 0.015), and overall survival (p = 0.001) in multivariate analysis.

INTERPRETATION

Low-grade primary central nervous system lymphoma differs from the high-grade subtype in its pathological, clinical, and radiological features. It has a better long-term outcome than primary central nervous system lymphoma in general with age 60 years or older adversely affecting survival.

Update on primary central nervous system lymphoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is confined to the central nervous system and eye. Numerous studies examining this disorder have been published in the past 2 years. This review will discuss recent advances in the understanding of the pathology, radiographic appearance, and treatment of this disorder.

RECENT FINDINGS

Novel treatment regimens continue to be studied for newly diagnosed and recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma. As overall survival improves, the burden of late neurotoxicity has become more apparent. Neuropsychological testing of patients treated with chemoradiation shows significant cognitive deficits that can be attributed to whole brain irradiation. Standardization of phase II clinical trials across individual institutions remains an important goal within the oncology community. The International Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Collaborative Group (IPCG) has proposed guidelines for the baseline evaluation and response criteria for clinical trials of the disorder. In addition, series of patients with uncommon histological variants of primary central nervous system lymphoma have been published.

SUMMARY

In 2005, the optimal treatment for primary central nervous system lymphoma remains undefined. Treatment of newly diagnosed disease should include methotrexate-based chemotherapy but the role of irradiation and intrathecal chemotherapy remain unclear. Salvage therapy for progressive or recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma is an area of active interest but no standard recommendations exist at the present time. Future studies on the biology of recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma should help to clarify treatment options for these patients.