Relapsed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Current Advances

Standardized guidelines for the baseline evaluation and response assessment of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) are critical to ensure comparability among clinical trials for newly diagnosed patients. The relative rarity of this tumor precludes rapid completion of large-scale phase III trials and, therefore, our reliance on the results of well-designed phase II trials is critical. To formulate this recommendation, an international group of experts representing hematologic oncology, medical oncology, neuro-oncology, neurology, radiation oncology, neurosurgery, and ophthalmology met to review current standards of reporting and to formulate a consensus opinion regarding minimum baseline evaluation and common standards for assessing response to therapy. The response guidelines were based on the results of neuroimaging, corticosteroid use, ophthalmologic examination, and CSF cytology. A critical issue that requires additional study is the optimal method to assess the neurocognitive impact of therapy and address the quality of life of PCNSL survivors. We hope that these guidelines will improve communication among investigators and comparability among clinical trials in a way that will allow us to develop better therapies for patients.