title: Primary central nervous system lymphoma.
abstract: Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a stage 1E non-Hodgkin's lymphoma confined to the nervous system. It is seen in immunocompetent and immunodeficient populations, the latter group associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. Primary central nervous system lymphoma can affect the brain, leptomeninges, spinal cord or eyes. The institution of high-dose methotrexate-based regimens and whole-brain radiation therapy has significantly increased survival, but neurotoxicity is high in patients over 60 years of age. Despite these advances, 50% of patients initially treated will relapse. Recent investigations include the use of rituximab (immunotherapy) and stem-cell transplantation, as well as regimens without whole-brain radiation therapy in the elderly. The optimal treatment regimen is yet to been determined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.forename: Jeffrey J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Raizer
mesh_terms: D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005104:Expert Testimony; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016483:Lymphoma, AIDS-Related; D011379:Prognosis; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods; D016879:Salvage Therapy / Q000379:methods; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids