title: Diagnosis and treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma.
abstract: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an uncommon form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that has been increasing in incidence over the past three decades. Unlike systemic extranodal NHL, the response to therapy for PCNSL patients has been somewhat unsatisfactory. However, methotrexate-based chemotherapy and whole-brain radiotherapy have improved the outcome of patients. Unfortunately, treatment-related neurotoxicity is common, especially in the elderly. Although progress has been made in treating PCNSL, there remains no optimal methotrexate dose or frequency. Treatment of recurrence also remains controversial. These important questions have prompted several clinical studies looking at novel ways to intensify chemotherapy and limit neurotoxicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
authors.forename: Igor T
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Gavrilovic
authors.forename: Lauren E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Abrey
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003582:Cytogenetics; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents