Long survival in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related primary central nervous system lymphoma.

BACKGROUND

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is the most common brain tumor occurring in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). After diagnosis of PCNSL, the median survival time is 2-5 months with treatment with whole brain irradiation (WBI).

METHODS

Four (of approximately 40) patients with AIDS and PCNSL seen by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Neuro-Oncology service were treated with multimodal therapy, including WBI with hydroxyurea, followed by 3 cycles of procarbazine/lomustine/vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Survival after tumor diagnosis ranged from 11 to 16 months, with a median of 13.5 months.

CONCLUSION

Selected patients with AIDS and PCNSL may have long survival when treated with multimodal therapy.