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Outcomes for HIV-positive patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma after high-dose chemotherapy and auto-SCT

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 50, pages 999–1000 (2015)Cite this article

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Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, confined to the central nervous system, and accounting for 2% of primary brain tumours.1 Immunosuppression, including HIV infection, is a substantial risk factor for the condition.2 In HIV-positive patients, there is a strong association with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection.3

Antimetabolites including methotrexate (MTX) and cytarabine (Ara-C) constitute the backbone of treatment for PCNSL, with or without whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). A recent randomised phase 2 trial based on this combination demonstrated a 3-year failure-free survival rate of 38%.4 Auto-SCT with intensive conditioning is also effective in selected patients. A recent large retrospective study demonstrated a 5-year PFS rate of 69%5 with this approach.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Haematology, Royal Free London NHS Trust, London, UK

    A O'Neill, L Banerjee, F Burns, G Zakout & K Cwynarski

  2. Clinic for Haematology and Oncology, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany

    K Mikesch, B Kasenda & G Illerhaus

  3. Klinik für Innere Medizin, Freiburg University Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany

    K Fritsch

  4. Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK

    F Burns

  5. Department of Haematology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK

    R Johnston

Authors
  1. A O'Neill
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  2. K Mikesch
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  3. K Fritsch
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  4. B Kasenda
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  5. L Banerjee
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Correspondence to A O'Neill.

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O'Neill, A., Mikesch, K., Fritsch, K. et al. Outcomes for HIV-positive patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma after high-dose chemotherapy and auto-SCT. Bone Marrow Transplant 50, 999–1000 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/bmt.2015.18

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