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Temozolomide and methotrexate for primary central nervous system lymphoma in the elderly

  • Clinical-Patient Studies
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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 /m2 on days 1, 10, and 20, and temozolomide 100 mg/m2 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/m2 on day 1, and temozolomide 100 mg/mdays 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.

Conclusion

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.

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Acknowledgements

Authors thank Julie Lejeune, Celine Bequet-Boucard, Florence Laigle, Veronique Leblond, Carole Soussain, Antony Behin, Marc Sanson, Antoine Carpentier and Jean-Yves Delattre for their precious help at various stages of this study. Dr Omuro, Dr Chinot and Dr Hoang-Xuan have received honoraria from Schering-Plough for speaking and serving as scientific advisors. The study was partially funded by the Association pour la Recherche sur les Tumeurs Cerebrales (ARTC). This study was partially presented at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, 2006.

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Correspondence to Antonio M. P. Omuro.

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Omuro, A.M.P., Taillandier, L., Chinot, O. et al. Temozolomide and methotrexate for primary central nervous system lymphoma in the elderly. J Neurooncol 85, 207–211 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-007-9397-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-007-9397-0

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