title: Temozolomide and methotrexate for primary central nervous system lymphoma in the elderly.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Treatment for primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) in the elderly is associated with lower response rates and higher risks of acute and late delayed toxicity as compared to younger patients. Temozolomide has emerged as a new alternative treatment for PCNSL and constitutes an attractive option for the elderly because of its favorable toxicity profile. In this study we report outcomes of a consecutive series of PCNSL elderly patients initially treated with an innovative regimen combining methotrexate and temozolomide without radiotherapy or intra-thecal chemotherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Histologically confirmed newly-diagnosed PCNSL patients older than 60 years were included. An induction chemotherapy was initially given (methotrexate 3 g /m(2) on days 1, 10, and 20, and temozolomide 100 mg/m(2) on days 1-5). Patients achieving a partial or complete response proceeded to a maintenance phase (up to 5 monthly cycles of methotrexate 3 g/m(2) on day 1, and temozolomide 100 mg/m(2 )days 1-5). Non-responders were treated on an individual basis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 23 included patients, a complete response was observed in 55%, and disease progressed in the other 45%. Median event-free survival was 8 months, and median overall survival was 35 months. Grades 3 or 4 toxicities included nephrotoxicity in three patients, and hematotoxicity in five; no neurotoxicity has been observed to date. One patient died while on treatment from complications of intestinal obstruction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our efficacy results are comparable to other reported regimens, with the advantages of a favorable toxicity profile, and absence of intra-thecal chemotherapy. Prospective, controlled studies are warranted to confirm such results.
authors: AP-HP Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere, Service de Neurologie Mazarin, Universite Paris VI Pierre et Marie Curie, IFR 70, Inserm, Unité U711, Paris, France. antonio.omuro@psl.aphp.fr
authors: Antonio M P
authors: AM
authors: Omuro
authors: Luc
authors: L
authors: Taillandier
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Chinot
authors: Charlotte
authors: C
authors: Carnin
authors: Maryline
authors: M
authors: Barrie
authors: Khe
authors: K
authors: Hoang-Xuan
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077204:Temozolomide; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D003606:Dacarbazine; D000077204:Temozolomide; D008727:Methotrexate