Impact of central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis on the incidence and risk factors for CNS relapse in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated in the rituximab era: a single centre experience and review of the literature

Application of the Central Nervous System International Prognostic Index (CNS-IPI) score in daily practice: a retrospective analysis apart from the clinical trial at two centers in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

The diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and, despite all the progress in this field, central nervous system infiltration (CNSi) still occurs at an incidence of 2-10%. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the Central Nervous System International Prognostic Index (CNS-IPI) score in daily practice regarding the reproducibility in a heterogeneous cohort apart from a clinical trial.

METHODS

Primary DLBCL patients were eligible for this study, between January 2007 and January 2017. All patients were treated with rituximab-based chemotherapy, mostly R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone). The CNSi was diagnosed by liquor (positive cytology and/or immunophenotype), computerized tomography, magnetic resonance image and/or fluorodeoxy-glucose-positron emission tomography, requested only in symptomatic patients when the CNSi was clinically suspected. The CNS-IPI was assessed by graphical comparison and calibration.

RESULTS

After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 322 patients were available for the analysis. The median follow-up was 60 months and the median age was 58 years. Seven patients experienced CNSi, characterizing an incidence of 2.17% (7/322). Comparing groups of patients with and without CNSi, we observed that the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), number of extranodal sites, IPI, kidney/adrenal and absence of complete response were statistically different. The CNS-IPI model stratified patients in a three-risk group model as low-, intermediate- and high-risk. In our cohort, using the same stratification, we obtained an equivalent the 2-year rate of CNS relapse of 0.0%, 0.8% and 13.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study reinforces the reproducibility of the CNS-IPI, specifically apart from clinical trials, and suggests the CNS-IPI score as a tool to guide therapy.

Recent updates on central nervous system prophylaxis in patients with high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The use of central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains controversial. Although uncommon, CNS relapses are invariably fatal in this otherwise curable disease. Accurate identification of patients at risk and the optimal approach to CNS prophylaxis therefore remains an area of unmet need. The existing literature, largely retrospective in nature, provides mixed conclusions regarding the efficacy of CNS prophylaxis. The utility of CNS prophylaxis has itself been challenged. In this review, we dissect the issues which render the value of CNS prophylaxis uncertain. We first compare international clinical guidelines for CNS prophylaxis. We then interrogate the factors that should be used to identify high-risk patients accurately. We also explore how clinical patterns of CNS relapse have changed in the pre-rituximab and rituximab era. We then discuss the efficacy of CNS-directed approaches, intensification of systemic treatment and other novel approaches in CNS prophylaxis. Improved diagnostics for early detection of CNS relapses and newer therapeutics for CNS prophylaxis are areas of active investigation. In an area where prospective, randomized studies are impracticable and lacking, guidance for the use of CNS prophylaxis will depend on rigorous statistical review of retrospective data.

High-Dose Methotrexate as CNS Prophylaxis in High-Risk Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE

CNS progression or relapse is an uncommon but devastating complication of aggressive B-cell lymphoma. There is no consensus regarding the optimal approach to CNS prophylaxis. This study was designed to determine whether high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) is effective at preventing CNS progression in patients at high risk of this complication.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients age 18-80 years with aggressive B-cell lymphoma and high risk of CNS progression, treated with curative-intent anti-CD20-based chemoimmunotherapy, were included in this international, retrospective, observational study. Cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and cumulative risks of CNS progression were calculated according to use of HD-MTX, with time to CNS progression calculated from diagnosis for all patients (all-pts) and from completion of frontline systemic lymphoma induction therapy, for patients in complete response at completion of chemoimmunotherapy (CR-pts).

RESULTS

Two thousand four hundred eighteen all-pts (HD-MTX; n = 425) and 1,616 CR-pts (HD-MTX; n = 356) were included. CNS International Prognostic Index was 4-6 in 83.4% all-pts. Patients treated with HD-MTX had a lower risk of CNS progression (adjusted HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.38 to 0.90]; P = .014), but significance was not retained when confined to CR-pts (adjusted HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.42 to 1.30]; P = .29), with 5-year adjusted risk difference of 1.6% (95% CI, -1.5 to 4.4; all-pts) and 1.4% (95% CI, -1.5 to 4.1; CR-pts). Subgroups were underpowered to draw definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of HD-MTX in individual high-risk clinical scenarios; however, there was no clear reduction in CNS progression risk with HD-MTX in any high-risk subgroup.

CONCLUSION

In this large study, high-risk patients receiving HD-MTX had a 7.2% 2-year risk of CNS progression, consistent with the progression risk in previously reported high-risk cohorts. Use of HD-MTX was not associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in risk of CNS progression.

Comparison of the Effect of Chemoradiotherapy and Chemotherapy on the Survival of Patients with Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Spine: A SEER-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

The role of radiotherapy in primary spinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PB-DLBCL) remains controversial. This study explored the effects of chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy alone on the survival of patients with PB-DLBCL and established an instructive nomogram.

METHODS

Survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test was performed for patients diagnosed with PB-DLBCL from 1983 to 2016, identified in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. The Cox regression model was used to analyze the effects of each variable on the overall survival (OS) and construct a nomogram for predicting OS in patients.

RESULTS

Overall, 873 patients with PB-DLBCL were included. The patients were divided into the 1983-2001 (227 [26%]) and 2002-2016 (646 [74%]) groups. The 5-and 10-year OS rates of patients with PB-DLBCL in the 2002-2016 group were 62.8% and 49.9%, respectively. The results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis in the 2002-2016 group showed that age, stage, marriage, and treatment strategy were independent prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the OS of patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy from 2002 to 2016 was significantly better than that of patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Further subgroup analysis of patients with different stages of DLBCL and at different ages showed that chemoradiotherapy had a better prognosis than chemotherapy alone in stages I-II and age >60 years, whereas the advantages of chemoradiotherapy were not reflected in stages III-IV and age <60 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoradiotherapy improves the OS of patients with PB-DLBCL who are aged >60 years or have stage I-II disease. The nomograms established in this study can help clinicians determine prognosis and select treatment strategies.

Biosimilar Rituximab (Redditux) Added to CHOP Chemotherapy for De Novo Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients: Real-Life Single-Center Experience

Objective

Redditux® (RED), as a biosimilar rituximab, was approved in Turkey for all indications of the original Mabthera® (MAB) in March 2018. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RED in de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-one patients received RED combined with the CHOP regimen. The median follow-up was 31 months. The historical control group included 219 patients treated with the MAB-CHOP regimen and the median follow-up time was 38 months. We compared the response rates and survival outcomes of these RED-CHOP and MAB-CHOP cohorts.

Results

In the RED cohort, the overall response rate (ORR) at the end of the treatment protocol was 86%, with 37 (72.5%) cases of complete response (CR) and 7 (13.5%) cases of partial response (PR). In the historical MAB cohort, the ORR was 84%, with CR and PR rates of 82% and 2%, respectively. The 24-month progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 73.76% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.84) and 85.2% (95% CI: 0.79-0.90) for the RED and MAB cohorts, respectively (p=0.0106). The 24-month overall survival rates were 78.4% (95% CI: 0.64-0.87) and 81.4% (95% CI: 0.75-0.86) for the RED and MAB cohorts, respectively (p=0.7461). For patients with high revised International Prognostic Index scores, 24-month PFS was 45.5% (95% CI: 0.17-0.71) and 63% (95% CI: 0.37-0.80) for the RED and MAB cohorts, respectively (p=0.0711). In the RED cohort, central nervous system (CNS) relapse was significantly increased compared to the MAB cohort (10% vs. 1.83%, p=0.004). Among the RED cohort, bone involvement at the time of diagnosis was a risk factor for CNS relapse (p=0.028). Thirteen patients died in follow-up. There were no serious adverse events causing the cessation of the drugs.

Conclusion

RED has an ORR similar to that of MAB. However, PFS rates were worse in the RED cohort. Additionally, CNS relapse ratio was a major concern for our RED cohort. Large prospective controlled studies and real-life data with longer follow-up are needed to document the non-inferiority of RED compared to MAB.

The role of central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis in preventing DLBCL patients from CNS relapse: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Secondary central nervous system (CNS) relapses are an uncommon yet devastating complication in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although several prophylaxis attempts were employed clinically in order to reduce the CNS relapse rate, the optimal management remained uncertain.

METHODS

We employed conventional meta-analysis along with Network meta-analysis to investigate an optimal prophylactic strategy. The primary outcome was CNS relapse rate.

RESULTS

A total of thirty-six studies comprising 5 RCTs, one clinical trial and 30 observational studies were included. Rituximab overall was superior in reducing CNS relapse rate, and the statistical significance exists (RR 0.79(0.68-0.93), p = 0.004). In rituximab era, none of intravenous, intrathecal administration or novel target agents could significantly decrease CNS relapse rate in high CNS risk patients. Intensive chemotherapy regimen containing HD-MTX with HD-Ara-C (SUCRA 93.4 %) was ranked as the first in reducing CNS relapse rate followed by no prophylaxis (SUCRA 57.5 %), HD-MTX (SUCRA 53.1 %), IT (SUCRA 34.5 %) and lenalidomide maintenance (SUCRA 11.5 %). In addition, intercalated HD-MTX had a trend of reducing CNS relapse but without statistical significance (RR 0.86(0.44-1.68), p = 0.67). However, i-HD-MTX was associated with increased grade 3-4 toxicities and prolonged inpatient stay. Early HD-MTX exposure also increased the treatment related death.

CONCLUSION

Our network meta-analysis provides an overview of the relative efficacy of all available CNS prophylaxis strategies in DLBCL. In rituximab era, none of intravenous, intrathecal administration or novel target agents could significantly decrease CNS relapse rate in high CNS risk patients. Further studies with prospective, randomized clinical trials as well as with more focus on novel target agents that could spread blood-brain barriers are suggested.

Feasibility of high-dose methotrexate administered on day 1 of (R)CHOP in aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas

The optimal timing for administering high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) when combined with (R)CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, with/without rituximab) is unclear. Recent data showed that the administration of prophylactic HDMTX before day 10 of R- CHOP may lead to fewer treatment delays. Herein, we report our experience with HDMTX administered on day 1 of (R)CHOP in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We identified 140 patients treated with ≥1 cycle of HDMTX combined with (R)CHOP for prophylaxis against (n = 84) or treatment of (n = 56) central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Overall, (R)CHOP treatment delays ≥7 days (4% of cycles, 13% of patients), doxorubicin, and/or cyclophosphamide dose reductions (1% of cycles, 6% of patients) or (R)CHOP discontinuations due to toxicity (4% of patients) were uncommon. Neutropenic fever (NF) occurred in 7% of cycles and 24% of patients and was more common during HDMTX-containing cycles. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 19% of cycles but was mostly grade ≤2. Grade ≥3 hepatotoxicity and mucositis were uncommon (each 2% of cycles). In the prophylaxis cohort, the rates of NF and grade ≥2 AKI were lower in patients who initiated HDMTX with cycle 2 or later (11% vs 30%, P = .03 and 16% vs 39%, P = .03, respectively). Our data show that HDMTX administration on day 1 of (R)CHOP may improve the deliverability of (R)CHOP and the overall safety of the regimen compared with historical data of HDMTX administration on day 10 or later of R-CHOP. Delaying prophylactic HDMTX beyond cycle 1 of (R)CHOP may reduce the risk of NF and AKI.

Central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis in antiCD20-CHOP treated DLBCL at intermediate to high risk for CNS relapse: A systematic review and meta-analysis

CNS prophylaxis is commonly used in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with risk features for CNS relapse. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares CNS relapse rates with and without CNS prophylaxis, for patients at intermediate to high CNS relapse risk. Studies reporting CNS relapse risk category and CNS outcomes with and without CNS prophylaxis for antiCD20-CHOP treated DLBCL patients were included. 10 studies with 3770 patients at intermediate to high CNS relapse risk were analyzed. No significant difference in the pooled Absolute Risk Difference (ARD 0.01, 95 % CI -0.01 to 0.02, P = 0.61) or Risk (RR 1.22, 95 % CI 0.81-1.83, P = 0.34) was noted in patients with and without CNS prophylaxis. There were also no differences within pre-specified subgroups of IV Methotrexate or IT chemotherapy. However, the quality of evidence supporting these observations was low. A meta-analysis of individual patient data will help evaluate the benefit of CNS prophylaxis strategies.

The beneficial effect of Escalated-R-CHOP-21 for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in elderly male patients: A propensity-matched cohort study

PURPOSE

Some studies have indicated that using 500 mg/m² rituximab combined with CHOP-14 may be beneficial for elderly men but not women with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential benefit of escalated doses of rituximab with CHOP-21 as the first-line treatment in male patients with DLBCL.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study to analyze the survival benefit of rituximab 500 mg/m² plus the CHOP-21 regimen (Escalated-R-CHOP-21) as the first-line treatment compared with using rituximab 375 mg/m² plus the CHOP-21 regimen (Standard-R-CHOP-21) in men with DLBCL. We used propensity score matching to maximize the balance of the observed covariables. The primary endpoints of this study were the progression-free survival (PFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate at 3 years.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 47 months (IQR 31-65), no significant difference in PFS and OS was found for men treated with Escalated-R-CHOP-21 compared with Standard-R-CHOP-21 [3-year PFS: 69.7% versus 71.9%, p = 0.867; 3-year OS: 83.0% versus 82.4%, p = 0.660]. After 1:1 propensity score matching, we found that the patients using Escalated-R-CHOP-21 had statistically significant survival benefits relative to Standard-R-CHOP-21 among the 96 matched elderly male patients for 3-year PFS [75.5% (95% CI 62.8-88.2) versus 58.2% (95% CI 44.3-72.1); p = 0.019] and 3-year OS [86.6% (95% CI 76.4-96.8) versus 65.8% (95% CI 52.1-79.5); p = 0.017]. However, no differences in survival were observed for younger male patients. Furthermore, the dose effect in PFS of Escalated-R-CHOP-21 was more obvious for elderly male patients with no high-risk extranodal sites (p = 0.005 and interaction p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

Escalated-R-CHOP-21 could be a safe and effective option for treating elderly male patients with DLBCL. This study provides new insight into optimizing the standard treatment regimen, which may have important therapeutic implications in elderly male patients with DLBCL.

Impact of central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis on the incidence of CNS relapse in patients with high-risk diffuse large B cell/follicular grade 3B lymphoma

Although overall survival in diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCL) has improved, central nervous system (CNS) relapse is still a fatal complication of DLBCL. For this reason, CNS prophylaxis is recommended for patients at high risk of CNS disease. However, no consensus exists on definition of high-risk patient and optimal CNS prophylaxis. Systemic high-dose methotrexate in combination with R-CHOP has been suggested as a potential prophylactic method, since methotrexate penetrates the blood-brain barrier and achieves high concentration in the CNS. In this retrospective analysis, we report treatment outcome of 95 high-risk DLBCL/FL grade 3B patients treated with R-CHOP or its derivatives with (N = 57) or without (N = 38) CNS prophylaxis. At a median follow-up time (51 months), CNS relapses were detected in twelve patients (12.6%). Ten out of twelve (83%) of CNS events were confined to CNS system only. Median overall survival after CNS relapse was 9 months. Five-year isolated CNS relapse rates were 5% in the prophylaxis group and 26% in the group without prophylaxis. These findings suggest that high-dose methotrexate-containing prophylaxis decreases the risk of CNS failure.

Management of central nervous system relapse in a young patient affected by primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: A case report

In primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, central nervous system (CNS) relapse is an uncommon event with a dismal prognosis. We report about the successful management of CNS relapse with chemoimmunotherapy according to MATRix (methotrexate, cytarabine, thiotepa, and rituximab) protocol followed by autologous stem cell transplant.

ESMO Consensus Conference on malignant lymphoma: management of 'ultra-high-risk' patients

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) consensus conference on malignant lymphoma was held on 20 June 2015 in Lugano, Switzerland, and included a multidisciplinary panel of 25 leading experts. The aim of the conference was to develop recommendations on critical subjects difficult to consider in detail in the ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. The following areas were identified: (1) the elderly patient, (2) prognostic factors suitable for clinical use and (3) the 'ultra-high-risk' group. Before the conference, the expert panel was divided into three working groups; each group focused on one of these areas in order to address clinically relevant questions relating to that topic. All relevant scientific literature, as identified by the experts, was reviewed in advance. During the consensus conference, each working group developed recommendations to address each of the questions devised by their group. These recommendations were then presented to the entire multidisciplinary panel and a consensus was reached. This manuscript presents recommendations regarding the management of the following 'ultra-high-risk' situations: (1) early central nervous system relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, (2) primary refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and (3) plasmablastic lymphoma. Results, including a summary of evidence supporting each recommendation, are detailed in this manuscript. All expert panel members approved this final article.

Are there primary intraocular lymphomas that do not develop into central nervous system lymphomas?

Primary intraocular lymphomas frequently develop into central nervous system lymphomas and vice versa. This study reviewed 22 consecutive patients with primary intraocular lymphoma diagnosed by immunostaining of vitrectomy cell blocks, and examined whether they developed central nervous system lymphoma. Seventeen patients developed central nervous system lymphoma: 3 patients developed intraocular and central nervous system lymphoma simultaneously, 9 patients developed central nervous system lymphoma 1 month to 5 years (median, 3 months) after intraocular lymphoma, and 5 patients developed central nervous system lymphoma preceding the diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma by 3 months to 9 years and 8 months (median, 1.5 years). In contrast, 5 patients did not develop central nervous system lymphoma: 2 patients did not develop local recurrence or central nervous system lymphoma in the follow-up period of 5 years and 11 years, respectively, after vitrectomy alone without additional local or systemic treatment. The remaining 3 patients with intraocular lymphoma had insufficient follow-up periods to determine the prognosis. The results of CD5 immunostaining of vitrectomy specimens were found in pathology reports of 8 patients: 3 patients with CD5-positive large cells and 4 patients with CD5-negative large cells developed central nervous system lymphoma. In summary, only a small number of patients did not develop central nervous system lymphoma based on long-term follow-up after vitrectomy alone. CD5 was not a marker of central nervous system involvement in this study population.

De novo CD5+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, NOS: clinical characteristics and outcomes in rituximab era

CD5+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), NOS represents a distinct subset of DLBCL associated with poorer outcomes and extranodal disease. We analyzed characteristics and outcomes for 102 CD5+ DLBCL patients diagnosed between 2001-2016. The majority had poor-risk disease based on R-IPI scores; 80% had extranodal disease at diagnosis. CNS relapse occurred 23% of the time. Median PFS and OS was 18.9 months and 112 months, respectively. Four-year PFS rates were 100%, 53%, and 41% for patients with R-IPI scores of very good, good, and poor, respectively. CD5+ DLBCL represents a subset of patients with poor outcomes despite rituximab and anthracycline-based regimens. There is a need for novel therapies and clinical trials for this high-risk group of patients. Given high rates of CNS relapse, better CNS prophylaxis with frontline therapy requires more study.

Evaluation of cerebrospinal clonal gene rearrangement in newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients

Overt central nervous system (CNS) involvement in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is rare at diagnosis. Much effort is put to identify risk factors for occult CNS involvement, and the risk assessment of CNS relapse. Prophylactic treatment carries risk of adverse events and its efficacy is not clear. Detection of cerebrospinal fluid molecular gene rearrangement (GRR) as a method to detect occult disease has been studied in acute leukemia and primary CNS lymphoma. To date, the capacity of a positive GRR in newly diagnosed NHL patients to predict CNS relapse has not been addressed. We retrospectively studied the prognostic value of GRR in cerebrospinal fluid samples of 148 newly diagnosed patients with high grade NHL. We demonstrate that positive GRR at diagnosis does not affect PFS or OS and did not predict CNS relapse. However, although numbers were small, repeated positive samples (≥ 2) correlated with a higher risk for CNS relapse (p = 0.048), possibly stressing the need for an aggressive preventive approach.

Efficacy of central nervous system prophylaxis with stand-alone intrathecal chemotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy in the rituximab era: a systematic review

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma remains uncommon but catastrophic. The benefit of standalone intrathecal prophylaxis in reducing CNS recurrence is unclear and remains controversial. No systematic review analysing the evidence for stand-alone intrathecal prophylaxis has been performed in the era of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy. A comprehensive search (01/2002-01/2019) was systematically performed using Ovid MEDLINE^®, Ovid EMBASE^® and Cochrane. Studies were selected from a total of 804, screened based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and were critically appraised. Three post hoc analyses (RICOVER-60, RCHOP-14/21, GOYA), one prospective database and 10 retrospective series were included. 7,357 rituximab/obinutuzumab-exposed patients were analysed. The median percentage receiving intrathecal prophylaxis was 11.9%. Cumulative CNS relapse incidence ranged from 1.9% at 6.5 years to 8.4% at 5 years. Median time (of medians) to CNS relapse was 10 months. 73% developed isolated CNS relapses, 24% concurrent CNS/systemic relapse, and 3% post-systemic relapse. Reported CNS relapse sites were: parenchymal (58%), leptomeningeal (27%), and both (12%). Event rates were low resulting in limited power within each study to provide robust univariable/multivariable analysis. Intrathecal prophylaxis was not a univariable or multivariable factor associated with a reduction in CNS relapse in any study. We found no strong evidence for the benefit, or indeed genuine lack of benefit, of stand-alone intrathecal prophylaxis in preventing CNS relapse in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-treated patients using anthracycline-based immunochemotherapy. Current published study designs limit the strength of such conclusions.

Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of patients with central nervous system involvement in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is a rare type of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which rarely metastasizes to the central nervous system (CNS). Ten of 60 patients (16.7%) with ENKTCL followed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) were diagnosed with CNS involvement between 1995 and 2016. Eight patients had systemic disease at the time of CNS diagnosis; one patient never developed systemic disease and another was in remission at the time of CNS relapse. Median overall survival was 3.8 months; at time of this report 9 patients have died and one who underwent autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is alive 27 months after CNS diagnosis. Five patients achieved a complete response in the CNS; one is still alive, one died of systemic disease, and three died of infection. CNS ENKTCL portends a grim prognosis, with no standard treatment. Prospective study on ASCT and immunotherapy in CNS ENKTCL is warranted.

Advances in risk assessment and prophylaxis for central nervous system relapse in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Central nervous sytem recurrence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is an uncommon but devastating event, making identification of patients at high risk for relapse within the central nervous system essential for clinicians. Modern risk stratification includes both clinical and biological features. A validated clinical risk model employing the five traditional International Prognostic Index risk factors plus renal or adrenal involvement can identify a high-risk patient population with a central nervous system recurrence risk of greater than 10%. Lymphoma involvement of certain discrete extranodal sites such as the testis also confers increased risk, even in stage I disease. Adverse biological risk factors for central nervous system relapse include presence of translocations of MYC, BCL2 and/or BCL6, in so-called double- or triple-hit lymphoma. Immunohistochemically detectable co-expression of MYC and BCL2 in the absence of translocations also portends an increased risk of relapse within the central nervous system, particularly in the setting of the activated B-cell-like subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The role, method, and timing of prophylactic therapy remain controversial based on the available data. We review both intrathecal and systemic strategies for prophylaxis in high-risk patients. Our preference is for systemic methotrexate in concert with standard chemoimmunotherapy in the majority of cases. Several novel agents have also demonstrated clinical activity in primary and secondary central nervous system lymphoma and warrant future investigation in the prophylactic setting.

Central Nervous System Prophylaxis Strategies in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

OPINION STATEMENT

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse is an undesirable event in the course of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with a median survival of approximately 6 months following CNS relapse. CNS prophylaxis for the prevention of CNS recurrence, in addition to the standard R-CHOP chemotherapy, is thus preferable. For an overall relapse risk of 2-5%, administration of CNS-directed therapies for all patients with DLBCL is unnecessary and prophylaxis should be targeted for the high-risk patients. CNS-International Prognostic Index (CNS-IPI) score has enabled risk stratification with risk ranging < 1% (low-risk group) compared to > 10% (high-risk group). The latter could be considered for CNS prophylaxis. CNS-IPI, however, is not perfect and may not capture patients with high-risk extra-nodal sites such as testicular DLBCL. Cell-of-origin and MYC/BCL2 expression can further build on CNS-IPI to narrow higher risk patients. CNS prophylaxis strategies are controversial. Common strategies include intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy and systemic CNS penetrants such as methotrexate. IT chemotherapy does not adequately penetrate the brain parenchyma and hence it is insufficient in preventing parenchymal CNS recurrences. Most experts promote systemic methotrexate for high-risk groups, which penetrates both the leptomeningeal and parenchymal CNS compartments. Even though systemic CNS prophylaxis is widely promoted over IT alone, its efficacy is unclear. Ongoing efforts in search for appropriate CNS prophylaxis strategies are warranted. My personal practice is to administer systemic high-dose methotrexate in conjunction with R-CHOP chemotherapy for eligible patients deemed at a high risk of CNS recurrence, especially those with high-risk CNS-IPI and extra-nodal involvement.

Central nervous system relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era: results of the UK NCRI R-CHOP-14 versus 21 trial

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is associated with a dismal prognosis. Here, we report an analysis of CNS relapse for patients treated within the UK NCRI phase III R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) 14 versus 21 randomised trial.

Patients and methods

The R-CHOP 14 versus 21 trial compared R-CHOP administered two- versus three weekly in previously untreated patients aged ≥18 years with bulky stage I–IV DLBCL (n = 1080). Details of CNS prophylaxis were retrospectively collected from participating sites. The incidence and risk factors for CNS relapse including application of the CNS-IPI were evaluated.

Results

177/984 patients (18.0%) received prophylaxis (intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (MTX) n = 163, intravenous (IV) MTX n = 2, prophylaxis type unknown n = 11 and IT MTX and cytarabine n = 1). At a median follow-up of 6.5 years, 21 cases of CNS relapse (isolated n = 11, with systemic relapse n = 10) were observed, with a cumulative incidence of 1.9%. For patients selected to receive prophylaxis, the incidence was 2.8%. Relapses predominantly involved the brain parenchyma (81.0%) and isolated leptomeningeal involvement was rare (14.3%). Univariable analysis demonstrated the following risk factors for CNS relapse: performance status 2, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, IPI, >1 extranodal site of disease and presence of a ‘high-risk’ extranodal site. Due to the low number of events no factor remained significant in multivariate analysis. Application of the CNS-IPI revealed a high-risk group (4-6 risk factors) with a 2- and 5-year incidence of CNS relapse of 5.2% and 6.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Despite very limited use of IV MTX as prophylaxis, the incidence of CNS relapse following R-CHOP was very low (1.9%) confirming the reduced incidence in the rituximab era. The CNS-IPI identified patients at highest risk for CNS recurrence.

ClinicalTrials.gov

ISCRTN number 16017947 (R-CHOP14v21); EudraCT number 2004-002197-34.

Primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: treatment strategies and patterns of failure<sup/>

Treatment strategies and outcomes were assessed in 25 patients with primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PB-DLBCL) treated between 1995 and 2016. We specifically investigated the timing of recurrence, and the roles of radiotherapy (RT) and central nervous system prophylaxis (CNS PPX). Fifty-two percent of patients received RT, and 28% received CNS PPX. Fourteen patients (56%) experienced recurrence, with 76% of relapses occurring ≥24 months after diagnosis, in contrast to reports supporting the use of 24-month event-free survival as a surrogate endpoint in the general DLBCL population. Use of RT was associated with a trend toward improved progression-free survival (PFS). Twenty percent of patients experienced CNS relapse, with no clear benefit to CNS PPX. These data emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up for PB-DLBCL patients, suggest a PFS benefit with the addition of RT, and highlight high rates of CNS relapse.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Revisited: A Fatal Case of Locked-in Syndrome in a Man With Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a rare variant of DLBCL. The natural history of this subtype is poorly understood. Incomplete literature in the era of rituximab suggests that patients with EBV-positive DLBCL have similar outcomes to patients with EBV-negative DLBCL when treated with rituximab and anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens; however, there are few prospective studies on this subtype and little is known about the risk of central nervous system (CNS) relapse with EBV-positive DLBCL. Herein, we describe the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with stage IIA EBV-positive DLBCL. His international age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (IPI) was 2. He achieved a complete response to 6 cycles of rituximab combined with chemotherapy consisting of dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin. After 10 days of completion of chemotherapy, he had a fulminant neurologic decline manifested by diffuse weakness followed by a locked-in syndrome; he could only communicate by moving his eyes. He had been deemed at low risk for CNS relapse based on the application of the recently developed CNS-IPI score of 2 (1 point for age >60 years and 1 point for lactate dehydrogenase higher than normal) and consequently did not receive therapy for CNS prophylaxis. A limited postmortem autopsy revealed extensive lymphoma throughout the brain, particularly in the deep basal nuclei, midbrain, pons, centrum semiovale, and corpus callosum. This presentation of CNS relapse is rare and has not yet been described in EBV-positive DLBCL. We discuss some of the unique aspects of this case including the clinical manifestations of locked-in syndrome and its differential diagnosis and the uncertain benefits of CNS prophylaxis in this clinical context.

Prognostication of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the molecular era: moving beyond the IPI

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease with variable outcomes. Despite the majority of patients being cured with combination chemoimmunotherapy, up to 30% eventually succumb to the disease. Until recently, baseline prognostic assessment has centred on the International Prognostic Index (IPI), although this index is yet to impact strongly on treatment choice. Molecular features such as cell of origin, MYC and BCL-2 genetic alterations and protein overexpression were identified over a decade ago, yet their prognostic value is still not fully elucidated. Adding complexity are the plethora of new clinical, biological and molecular prognostic markers described in the recent literature, most of which lack independent validation, likely act as surrogate markers for those already in common use and have yet to substantially impact on therapeutic decision making. This review comprehensively assesses the value of individual prognostic markers in the clinical setting and their potential to predict response to novel agents, and ways to optimise their use in future research.

Central nervous system relapse in patients over 80 years with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: an analysis of two LYSA studies

CNS relapse is reported in 2–5% of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, dramatically decreasing overall survival (OS). Very few studies address incidence and risk factors of CNS relapse in very elderly patients, a challenging population to treat given their commonly associated comorbidities. A retrospective analysis was performed of 270 DLBCL patients >80 years treated between 2004 and 2013 in two multicentre phase II LYSA trials (LNH03‐7B, LNH09‐7B) evaluating the addition of rituximab or ofatumumab to mini‐CHOP as front‐line therapy. No patients received CNS prophylaxis. CNS relapse was evaluated according to cumulative incidence, patient characteristics, risk factors, and survival. Median age was 83 years (range: 79–95). After a median follow‐up of 28.7 months, eight patients had CNS relapse (3.0%). Median time between inclusion and CNS relapse was 19.2 months (range: 3.2–32.6). Patients survived a median of 1.5 months after CNS relapse (range: 0.4–4.1). Median OS from relapse was significantly lower in CNS relapse patients (1.5 months, 95% CI: 0.4–3.5) compared to patients with non‐CNS relapse (6.6 months; 95% CI: 4.6–11.9). No baseline characteristics were associated with CNS relapse. The proportion of patients with CNS disease did not differ significantly between patients with low‐intermediate risk according to CNS‐IPI and patients with high risk (3% vs. 2.8%, P = 1.00). CNS relapse cumulative incidence in very elderly treatment‐naive patients is 1.8% at 2 years and is associated with poor survival. This population had a long median time to CNS relapse. Absence of prophylaxis did not strongly impact CNS relapse incidence.

CNS relapse of diffuse large B cell Lymphoma A single centre experience

Background and Objective

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is relatively uncommon and nearly fatal. Two years CNS relapse risk is 0.8% in low, 3.9% in intermediate and 12% in high risk patients. Our aim was to study, the baseline characteristics and outcome in term of median survival of DLBCL patients with CNS relapse.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis. All patients of DLBCL with CNS relapse from 2006 to 2014 were included. Data were collected from computerized Hospital Information System and analyzed for characteristics and median survival.

Results

Out of twenty one patients included in the study, 14(66.3%) males and 7(33.7%) were females. On initial diagnosis of DLBCL, median age was 37.4 years (27-47). Ann Arbor stage of I-IV was in 3 (14.3%), 2(9.5%), 4(19%) and 12(57.1%) patients, respectively. Extra-nodal involvement was noted in 16(76.2%), high LDH in 18(85.7%), bone marrow involvement in 8(38.1%) and bulky disease in 5(23.8%) patients. International Prognostic Index (IPI) score was 1 in 4(19%), 2 in 9(42.9%), 3 in 8(38.1%) patients. Extra-nodal sites were gut in 2(9.1%) while 1(4.5%) patient of each of following organs involvement was seen: cervix, gluteal muscle, iliac bone, liver, ovaries, pancreas, parotid gland and testes. Chemotherapy CHOP was given to 16(76.2%) and RCHOP in 5(23.8%) patients. Prophylactic intrathecal methotrexate was given to 10(47.6%) patients. Complete response was in 10 (47.6%), partial response was in 3 (14.3%) and disease progression was in 8 (38.1%) patients. CNS relapse occurred in 17 (81%) patients within six months after completion of therapy. CNS relapse along with systemic disease was in 14(66.6%) patients. Isolated CNS relapse was noted in 7(33.3%) patients. Second line chemotherapy regimens were HDMTX 5(23.8%), HDMTX/TRIO IT 3(14.2%), HDMTX/HDAC 2(9.5%), HCVAD 3(14.2%), ICE 4(19.4%), DHAP 1(4.7%), ICE/HDMTX 1(4.7%), none 2(9.5%). Overall median survival of CNS relapsed patients was 54 days.

Conclusion

Patients with DLBCL who had advanced stage, high LDH and extra-nodal involvement at initial presentation are at high risk for CNS relapse. About half of the patients had CNS relapse despite primary CNS prophylaxis. Once relapsed in CNS, these patients have very poor prognosis.

Infiltrative Rash Secondary to Leukemic-Phase Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma With t(14;18), CDKN2A and MLL Deletion

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous and highly aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It commonly presents as rapidly-growing, painless lymphadenopathy (LAD). DLBCL presenting in leukemic-phase is rare, with fewer than 40 cases published. Chemotherapy remains the standard approach, although selecting the correct regimen has become more perplexing in patients with CDKN2A mutations. Patients with MLL- and CDKN2A-positive DLBCL may benefit from therapy with a dose-adjusted regimen of rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (DA-R-EPOCH) compared to traditional rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (R-CHOP). Herein, we report a case of leukemic-phase DLBCL presenting as a cutaneous eruption of the bilateral lower extremities, which has not been previously reported in the literature.

Analysis of the role of intratecal liposomal cytarabine in the prophylaxis and treatment of central nervous system lymphomatosis: The Balearic Lymphoma Group experience

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphomatosis is a fatal complication of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In lymphoblastic or Burkitt lymphoma, without specific CNS prophylaxis the risk of CNS relapse is 20–30%. DLBCL has a lower risk of relapse (around 5%) but several factors increase its incidence. There is no consensus or trials to conclude which is the best CNS prophylaxis. Best results seem to be associated with the use of intravenous (iv) high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) but with a significant toxicity. Other options are the administration of intrathecal (IT) MTX, cytarabine or liposomal cytarabine (ITLC). Our aim is to analyze the experience of the centers of the Balearic Lymphoma Group (BLG) about the toxicity and efficacy of ITLC in the prophylaxis and therapy of CNS lymphomatosis. We retrospectively reviewed cases from 2005 to 2015 (n = 58) treated with ITLC. Our toxicity results were: 33% headache, 20% neurological deficits, 11% nausea, 9% dizziness, 4% vomiting, 4% fever, 2% transient blindness and 2% photophobia. In the prophylactic cohort (n = 26) with a median follow-up of 55 months (17–81) only 3 CNS relapses (11%) were observed (testicular DLBCL, Burkitt and plasmablastic lymphoma, with a cumulative incidence of 8%, 14% and 20% respectively). In the treatment cohort (n = 32), CSF complete clearance was obtained in 77% cases. Median OS was 6 months (0–16). Death causes were lymphoma progression (19 patients, 79%), treatment toxicity (2 patients) and non-related (3 patients, 12%). Toxicity profile was good especially when concomitant dexamethasone was administered. In the prophylactic cohort the incidence of CNS relapse in DLBCL group was similar to previously reported for HDMTX and much better than IT MTX. A high number of ITLC injections was associated with better rates of CSF clearance, clinical responses, PFS and lower relapses. Survival is still poor in CNS lymphomatosis and new therapeutic approaches are still needed.

How I treat patients with aggressive lymphoma at high risk of CNS relapse

Central nervous system (CNS) relapses are an uncommon yet devastating complication of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The identification of patients at high risk of secondary CNS relapse is therefore paramount. Retrospective data indicate prophylactic CNS-directed therapies may reduce the risk of CNS involvement; however, no consensus exists about dose, timing, or route of therapy. In addition, prophylaxis is not without risk of treatment-related complications and morbidity. Here, we present a series of case vignettes highlighting our approach to common dilemmas encountered in routine clinical practice. We review the method of assessing CNS relapse risk, factors that increase the likelihood of relapse including histologic subtype, MYC rearrangement, protein expression, and extranodal involvement, and review our clinical practice based on available evidence in administering CNS-directed prophylaxis.

The standard international prognostic index for predicting the risk of CNS involvement in DLBCL without specific prophylaxis

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a serious complication in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and evaluating CNS risk is an important issue. Using the standard international prognostic index (IPI) and CNS-IPI, a recently proposed model including IPI risk factors and adrenal/kidney involvement, we assessed CNS risk in 1220 untreated DLBCL patients who received R-CHOP without prophylaxis. According to the standard IPI, the cumulative incidences of CNS involvement at 2 years were 1.3, 4.6, 8.8, and 12.7% in the low-, low-intermediate-, high-intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively (p <.001). This result is comparable with that of the CNS-IPI. Patients with breast involvement tended to have lower risk according to the standard IPI but showed frequent CNS involvement, similar to patients with testis involvement. The standard IPI is also a useful predictor of CNS involvement. Patients with breast/testis involvement would be candidates for prophylaxis regardless of the standard IPI risk.

Central Nervous System Prophylaxis for Aggressive B-cell Lymphoma: Who, What, and When?

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse of aggressive B-cell lymphoma is a rare but serious complication with poor survival. Different approaches have been used to define risks factors for CNS relapse and establish prophylactic measures. Although patients with low or intermediate risk of CNS relapse should not undergo special diagnostic or therapeutic measures, CNS MRI as well as cytology and flow cytometry of the cerebrospinal fluid are suggested for high-risk patients (and patients with testicular involvement) at diagnosis, and prophylactic high-dose methotrexate in patients without proven CNS involvement. Future risk and treatment models may include molecular features and new treatment options.

Radiation therapy improves survival in patients with testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma<sup/>

In 120 Stage I-IV testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated from 1964 to 2015, we assessed the benefits of prophylactic contralateral testicular radiation (RT) and prophylactic central nervous system (CNS) therapy on overall, progression free, testicular relapse free, and CNS relapse free survival (OS, PFS, TRFS, and CRFS, respectively). Seventy percent of patients received RT, 53% received anthracyclines and rituximab (modern therapy), and 61% received CNS prophylaxis. On univariate analysis RT was associated with improved TRFS, PFS, and trended toward improved OS. On multivariate analysis (MVA), RT was significantly associated with improved OS and PFS; the PFS benefit persisted among patients receiving modern therapy. CNS prophylaxis was associated with improved OS, PFS, and TRFS, but not CRFS on univariate analysis, and was not significant on MVA. RT is associated with improved survival, and should be considered for all testicular DLBCL patients, but additional strategies are needed to prevent CNS relapse.

The number of extranodal sites assessed by PET/CT scan is a powerful predictor of CNS relapse for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: An international multicenter study of 1532 patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy

PURPOSE

Development of secondary central nervous system involvement (SCNS) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is associated with poor outcomes. The CNS International Prognostic Index (CNS-IPI) has been proposed for identifying patients at greatest risk, but the optimal model is unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma diagnosed between 2001 and 2013, staged with PET/CT and treated with R-CHOP(-like) regimens. Baseline clinicopathologic characteristics, treatments, and outcome data were collected from clinical databases and medical files. We evaluated the association between candidate prognostic factors and modelled different risk models for predicting SCNS.

RESULTS

Of 1532 patients, 62 (4%) subsequently developed SCNS. By multivariate analysis, disease stage III/IV, elevated serum LDH, kidney/adrenal and uterine/testicular involvement were independently associated with SCNS. There was a strong correlation between absolute number of extranodal sites and risk of SCNS; the 144 patients (9%) with >2 extranodal sites had a 3-year cumulative incidence of SCNS of 15.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.2-21.2%) compared with 2.6% (95% CI 1.7-3.5) among those with ≤2 sites (P < 0.001). The 3-year cumulative risks of SCNS for CNS-IPI defined risk groups were 11.2%, 3.1% and 0.4% for high-, intermediate- and low-risk patients, respectively. All risk models analysed had high negative predictive values, but only modest positive predictive values.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with >2 extranodal sites or high-risk disease according to the CNS-IPI should be considered for baseline CNS staging. Clinical risk prediction models suffer from limited positive predictive ability, highlighting the need for more sensitive biomarkers to identify patients at highest risk of this devastating complication.

FDG-Avid Intrathecal Inflammation Following Administration of Intrathecal Methotrexate

Intrathecal methotrexate is a standard option for central nervous system-directed therapy in patients with stage III and IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. We present a case of a 50-year-old man with stage IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with widespread lymphomatous involvement including the central nervous system, who received 7 doses of intrathecal methotrexate via Ommaya catheter. Posttherapy F-FDG-PET/CT imaging demonstrated diffuse, intense intrathecal FDG avidity, without correlative findings on MR spinal imaging. FDG avidity resolved on follow-up. These PET/CT findings are most consistent with methotrexate-induced thecal inflammation, which needs to be distinguished from intrathecal malignancy.

New risk factors and new tendency for central nervous system relapse in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a retrospective study

Background

In patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), central nervous system (CNS) relapse is uncommon but is nearly always fatal. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for CNS relapse in DLBCL patients and to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab and intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis for CNS relapse reduction.

Methods

A total of 511 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL treated at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2003 and December 2012 were included in the study. Among these patients, 376 received R-CHOP regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) as primary treatment, and 135 received CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) as primary treatment. Intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis (methotrexate plus cytarabine) was administered to those who were deemed at high risk for CNS relapse. In the entire cohort and in the R-CHOP set in particular, the Kaplan–Meier method coupled with the log-rank test was used for univariate analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. Differences were evaluated using a two-tailed test, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

At a median follow-up of 46 months, 25 (4.9%) patients experienced CNS relapse. There was a trend of reduced occurrence of CNS relapse in patients treated with rituximab; the 3-year cumulative CNS relapse rates were 7.1% in CHOP group and 2.7% in R-CHOP group (P = 0.045). Intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis did not confer much benefit in terms of preventing CNS relapse. Bone involvement [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–12.77], renal involvement (HR = 3.85, 95% CI 1.05–14.19), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) >110 U/L (HR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.25–10.34), serum albumin (ALB) <35 g/L (HR = 3.63, 95% CI 1.25–10.51), treatment with rituximab (HR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.96), and a time to complete remission ≤ 108 days (HR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.06–0.78) were independent predictive factors for CNS relapse in the entire cohort. Bone involvement (HR = 4.44, 95% CI 1.08–18.35), bone marrow involvement (HR = 11.70, 95% CI 2.24–60.99), and renal involvement (HR = 10.83, 95% CI 2.27–51.65) were independent risk factors for CNS relapse in the R-CHOP set.

Conclusions

In the present study, rituximab decreased the CNS relapse rate of DLBCL, whereas intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis alone was not sufficient for preventing CNS relapse. Serum levels of ALB and ALP, and the time to complete remission were new independent predictive factors for CNS relapse in the patients with DLBCL. In the patients received R-CHOP regimen, a trend of increased CNS relapse was found to be associated with extranodal lesions.

CNS International Prognostic Index: A Risk Model for CNS Relapse in Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated With R-CHOP

PURPOSE

To develop and validate a risk score for relapse in the CNS in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 2,164 patients (18 to 80 years old) with aggressive B-cell lymphomas (80% DLBCL) treated with rituximab and CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone)-like chemotherapy, who were enrolled in studies from the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group and the MabThera International Trial, were analyzed for occurrence of relapse/progression in the CNS. The resulting risk model was validated in an independent data set of 1,597 patients with DLBCL identified in the British Columbia Cancer Agency Lymphoid Cancer database.

RESULTS

The risk model consists of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) factors in addition to involvement of kidneys and/or adrenal glands (CNS-IPI). In a three-risk group model, the low-risk group (46% of all patients analyzed), the intermediate-risk group (41%), and the high-risk group (12%) showed 2-year rates of CNS disease of 0.6% (CI, 0% to 1.2%), 3.4% (CI, 2.2% to 4.4%), and 10.2% (CI, 6.3% to 14.1%), respectively. Patients from the validation British Columbia Cancer Agency data set showed similar rates of CNS disease for low-risk (0.8%; CI, 0.0% to 1.6%), intermediate-risk (3.9%; CI, 2.3% to 5.5%), and high-risk (12.0%; CI, 7.9% to 16.1%) groups.

CONCLUSION

The CNS-IPI is a robust, highly reproducible tool that can be used to estimate the risk of CNS relapse/progression in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy. Close to 90% of patients with DLBCL belong to the low- and intermediate-risk groups and have a CNS relapse risk < 5%; they may be spared any diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. In contrast, those in the high-risk group have a > 10% risk of CNS relapse and should be considered for CNS-directed investigations and prophylactic interventions.

Central nervous system relapse in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma: analysis of the risk factors and proposal of a new prognostic model

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an uncommon event, and the outcome of patients with CNS relapse is poor. However, no reliable prediction models for CNS relapse have been developed. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive de novo DLBCL patients referred to our department between September 2004 and August 2015 and treated with R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like regimens. Of 413 patients analyzed in this study, a total of 27 patients (6.5 %) eventually developed CNS relapse. The 5-year probability of CNS relapse was 8.4 %. The median time from diagnosis of DLBCL to CNS relapse was 15 months, and the median survival after CNS relapse was 7 months. In univariate analysis, the risk factors significantly associated with CNS relapse were Ann Arbor stage 3 or 4, albumin level <3.2 mg/L, number of extranodal sites >1, and involvement of retroperitoneal lymph node. We developed a new prognostic model consisting of these four factors. The 5-year probability of CNS relapse was significantly higher in patients with at least three of these four factors than in those with two or fewer factors (26.4 vs. 3.0 %, P < 0.001). Using this model, we evaluated the incidence and the risk factors of CNS relapse in DLBCL patients. The new risk model consisting of the four factors demonstrated good risk stratification for CNS relapse, and could help to identify high-risk patients for whom CNS prophylaxis is warranted.

Central nervous system prophylaxis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a relatively uncommon manifestation; with most cases of CNS involvement occuring during relapse after primary therapy. CNS dissemination typically occurs early in the disease course and is most likely present subclinically at the time of diagnosis in many patients who later relapse in the CNS. CNS relapse in these patients is associated with poor outcomes. Based on a CNS relapse rate of 5% in DLBCL and weighing the benefits against the toxicities, universal application of CNS prophylaxis is not justified. The introduction of rituximab has significantly reduced the incidence of CNS relapse in DLBCL. Different studies have employed other agents for CNS prophylaxis, such as intrathecal chemotherapy and high-dose systemic agents with sufficient CNS penetration. If CNS prophylaxis is to be given, it should be preferably administered during primary chemotherapy. However, there is no strong evidence that supports any single approach for CNS prophylaxis. In this review, we outline different strategies of administering CNS prophylaxis in DLBCL patients reported in literature and discuss their advantages and drawbacks.

Central nervous system prophylaxis with intrathecal liposomal cytarabine in a subset of high-risk patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma receiving first line systemic therapy in a prospective trial

The dissemination in the central nervous system (CNS) is an uncommon but fatal complication occurring in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Standard prophylaxis has been demonstrated to reduce CNS relapse and improve survival rates. Intrathecal (IT) liposomal cytarabine allows maintaining elevated drug levels in the cerebrospinal fluid for an extended period of time. Data on the efficacy and safety of liposomal cytarabine as CNS prophylaxis in patients with DLBCL are still insufficient. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the prophylaxis with IT liposomal cytarabine in prevention of CNS relapse in high-risk patients with DLBCL who were included in a trial of first line systemic therapy with 6 cycles of dose-dense R-CHOP every 14 days. Twenty-four (18.6 %) out of 129 patients were identified to have risk factors for CNS involvement, defined as follows: >30 % bone marrow infiltration, testes infiltration, retroperitoneal mass ≥10 cm, Waldeyer ring, or bulky cervical nodes involvement. Liposomal cytarabine (50 mg) was administered by lumbar puncture the first day of the 1st, 2nd, and 6th cycle of R-CHOP14 scheme. Among 70 IT infusions, grade 3-4 adverse events reported were headache (one patient) and nausea/vomiting (one patient). With a median follow-up of 40.1 months, no CNS involvement by DLBCL was observed in any patient. In conclusion, IT liposomal cytarabine is safe, feasible, and effective for CNS prophylaxis, causing few associated risks and little discomfort to patients with DLBCL.