Preliminary results of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy for non-AIDS primary central nervous system lymphoma. Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG).
OBJECTIVE
To assess the results and toxicity of a regimen of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy for patients with non-AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma.


METHODS
Prospective assessment of patients treated with intravenous methotrexate followed by cranial irradiation between 1 January 1991 and 31 July 1995.


METHODS
Patients attending nine Australian and New Zealand centres who were eligible and gave informed consent.


METHODS
Probability of survival at two years, and acute toxicity.


RESULTS
Twenty-four patients were treated. Their probability of survival at two years was 70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 45%-95%). The acute toxicity of the regimen was minimal in most cases, but one patient died of treatment-related neutropenia and subsequent sepsis. Two patients showed progression of pre-existing short term memory disturbance, without evidence of recurrent lymphoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined-modality therapy improves survival in patients with non-AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma, at least in the short term, relative to radiotherapy alone. The combined regimen resulted in only moderate treatment-related morbidity. Longer follow-up is required for a more accurate estimate of late effects and long-term survival prospects.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Newcastle Mater Hospital, NSW.
P C
PC
O'Brien
D E
DE
Roos
K H
KH
Liew
G E
GE
Trotter
M B
MB
Barton
Q J
QJ
Walker
M G
MG
Poulsen
I N
IN
Olver
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia; D001921:Brain / Q000528:radiation effects; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009520:New Zealand; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D003907:Dexamethasone; D008727:Methotrexate