Long survival in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related primary central nervous system lymphoma.
BACKGROUND
Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is the most common brain tumor occurring in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). After diagnosis of PCNSL, the median survival time is 2-5 months with treatment with whole brain irradiation (WBI).


METHODS
Four (of approximately 40) patients with AIDS and PCNSL seen by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Neuro-Oncology service were treated with multimodal therapy, including WBI with hydroxyurea, followed by 3 cycles of procarbazine/lomustine/vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy.


RESULTS
Survival after tumor diagnosis ranged from 11 to 16 months, with a median of 13.5 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Selected patients with AIDS and PCNSL may have long survival when treated with multimodal therapy.
Chamberlain
M C
MC
University of California, Department of Neurosciences, San Diego 92103.
D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008130:Lomustine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016483:Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016403:Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011344:Procarbazine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015996:Survival Rate; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D011344:Procarbazine; D014750:Vincristine; D008130:Lomustine; D006918:Hydroxyurea