Case Of Central Nervous System Lymphoma Research Articles

Preliminary Evaluation of Zanubrutinib-Containing Regimens in DLBCL and the Cerebrospinal Fluid Distribution of Zanubrutinib: A 13-Case Series

Zanubrutinib is a second-generation Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Its safety and effectiveness in central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma along with its distribution in the brain and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) remain unknown. This retrospective case series involved patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with zanubrutinib-containing regimens from August to December 2020 in PUMCH. The amounts of zanubrutinib in the plasma and brain were assessed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in paired plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. In total, 13 patients were included: eight primary CNS lymphoma cases and five systemic DLBCL cases with 61.5% (8/13) refractory/relapsed and 84.6% (11/13) showing CNS involvement. The overall response rates were 84.5% in the entire population and 81.8% in the CNS-involved cases. A total of 23 time-matched plasma-CSF sample pairs were collected. The mean peak concentration of zanubrutinib in CSF was 2941.1 pg/ml (range, 466–9032.0 pg/ml). The corrected mean CSF/plasma ratio determined based on 94% protein binding was 42.7% ± 27.7% (range, 8.6%–106.3%). This preliminary study revealed the effectiveness of zanubrutinib-containing regimens in DLBLC, especially CNS-involved cases, for the first time. The excellent BBB penetration of zanubrutinib supports its further investigation for the treatment of CNS lymphoma.

CNS lymphoma, the Irish experience: A retrospective review of neuropathologically confirmed cases over 10 years.

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is rare, representing 2% of all brain tumors. The commonest subtype is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with primary T-cell lymphomas (PCNSTL) accounting for ~2%. To determine the frequency and describe the key features of CNS lymphoma over a 10-year period in an Irish population. This retrospective review was carried out using the neuropathology database in Beaumont hospital, the largest of two national neurosurgical centers, to identify all cases of CNS lymphoma from 2007to2017. Clinical, radiological, morphological, immunophenotype, and molecular information was recorded where available. We identified 149 cases of CNS lymphoma from 2007to2017, which equated to a cumulative incidence rate of 0.4/100,000 persons. Median age at diagnosis was 66 years, and 46% were male. 86% were classified as DLBCL (n=128), 10% immunodeficiency-associated CNS lymphoma (n=15), 3% PCNSTL (n=4), and 1% (n=2) cases of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. Location in declining frequency was as follows: supratentorial (n=125), infratentorial (n=22), spinal (n=1), and orbital (n=1). This is the first study in an Irish population to determine a cumulative incidence rate of CNS lymphoma, which is in line with larger international population-based registries. No significant trends in incidence rate have been observed from 2007 to 2017. DLBCL is the commonest subtype encountered. Rare variants including PCNSTL can pose a significant diagnostic challenge, and in this setting, molecular studies can be useful to confirm diagnoses.

Quantitative imaging biomarkers of CNS lymphoma and its correlation with genotypic markers.

e14520 Background: Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma can be divided into primary CNS lymphoma (PCNS) versus secondary involvement of the CNS in systemic lymphoma. Traditionally radiology-pathology correlation is needed to accurately stage these entities, but the invasive nature of intracranial biopsies can add to patient morbidity. As such, there is an unmet need for noninvasive imaging biomarkers of CNS lymphoma. We aim to assess whether quantitative imaging analysis can characterize improve diagnostic specific and identify underlying genomic alterations in CNS lymphoma. Methods: 42 cases of CNS lymphoma (26 males, 16 females) were reviewed. Inclusion criteria required MRI (1.5Tesla or 3.0Tesla) of the brain and time-concordant histopathologic evaluation (i.e. MRI obtained within 72 hours of histologic evaluation) confirming diagnosis of CNS lymphoma. 19 patients met the inclusion criteria: 16 patients with large B-cell and 3 patients with T-cell lymphoma. All diagnoses were confirmed by evaluating biopsies through morphological and immunohistochemical analysis. MRI studies included T1-weighted pre- and post-contrast images, T2-weighted images and diffusion weighted images. Quantitative analysis included 3D-volumetric and textural analysis. Results: In B-cell lymphoma, mean patient age was 57 (22-91) while in T-cell lymphoma mean age of diagnosis was 43 (20-59). On MRI, all cases of CNS lymphoma (B- and T-cell) demonstrated enhancement. All T-cell lymphoma lesions were intra-axial and demonstrated homogeneous enhancement. Meanwhile, B-cell lymphomas demonstrated variable pattern of enhancement (homogenous; reticulonodular; subcortical U-fiber; peripheral). 80% (4/5) patients tested for MYC alterations demonstrated peripheral enhancement. 70% (7/10) tested for BCL2 expression demonstrated homogenous enhancement; while BCL2 & MYC dual-expression was noted in the remaining 30% (3/10) with MRI showing peripheral enhancement. All CNS lymphomas demonstrated restricted diffusion with variable ADC range: 292-980. 84.2% (16/19) of the cases were intra-axial while 15.2 (3/19) were extra-axial (all of which were B-cell lymphoma). Conclusions: Our study shows all lymphomas enhance and demonstrate variable degree of restricted diffusion. Patients with Myc-alterations or dual-expression of BCL2-MYC showed peripheral enhancement, while isolated BCL2 expressed tumors showed homogeneous enhancement.

A Phase II Trial of Nivolumab and Ibrutinib for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Background: Central Nervous System (CNS) lymphoma is a rare and distinct subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). CNS lymphoma has a unique genomic profile which has similarities to the activated B-cell (ABC) subtype of DLBCL, which may speak to potential targets for therapy. These aberrancies include near uniform reliance on Toll-Like Receptor signaling, mutations of MYD88, and frequent translocation or copy number alterations of 9p24 which codes for programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1). Mutations of MYD88 may predict for response to Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors in patients with systemic DLBCL. Expression of PD1 or PD-L1, which corresponds to response with PD-targeted therapy in solid tumors, has been found on up to 90% of CNS lymphoma cases, and 60% of specimens had tumor infiltrating lymphocytes which were PD1+ (Berghoff, Clin Neuropath 2014). In addition, the majority of CNS lymphoma cases have a copy gain of 9p24.1, associated with increased expression of PD-L1 (Chapuy, Blood 2016). This suggests a potential ongoing immune reaction against CNS lymphoma, but the microenvironment and tumor conspire to render the immune response ineffective. Ibrutinib is a BTK inhibitor which is FDA approved for multiple B-cell malignancies and is known to achieve therapeutic concentration in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), with activity in CNS lymphoma as a single agent and in combination with other agents. Nivolumab is a PD1 inhibitor which is FDA approved for multiple malignancies, with impressive anecdotal evidence of single agent activity in CNS lymphoma. Ibrutinib and nivolumab have been combined in other studies with modest toxicities. Study Design and Methods: We are conducting a phase II, open label, single center clinical trial combining ibrutinib with nivolumab to treat patients with relapsed CNS lymphoma (NCT03770416). Patients are eligible if they have CNS lymphoma relapsed after or were refractory to at least 1 prior line of therapy with adequate organ and bone marrow function, are aged 18y or greater, have not received prior ibrutinib or PD1 inhibitor, and do not require persistent high dose steroids. The trial has two cohorts which will be sequentially enrolled. Cohort A begins with ibrutinib 560mg oral daily for a single 28-day cycle, followed by ibrutinib combined with nivolumab 240mg IV every 14 days. Cohort B begins with the ibrutinib and nivolumab combination during the first cycle. Patients who have at least a partial response at the conclusion of the planned 6 cycles of combined ibrutinib and nivolumab may continue therapy for up to 2 years total or until progression of disease or unacceptable toxicity occurs. Neurocognitive assays and patient reported outcome instruments are being utilized. The primary objective is to determine the best overall response rate during the first 24 weeks of therapy. Secondary objectives will include the response rate of ibrutinib as a lead in prior to the combination, the complete response rate, landmark survival outcomes, and the safety of the combination. Exploratory analyses include assays of the blood and CSF for ctDNA and immune profiling. The first patient was treated in February 2019, with a planned total of 40 patients to be enrolled. Disclosures Westin: MorphoSys: Other: Advisory Board; Juno: Other: Advisory Board; Novartis: Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding; Kite: Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding; Janssen: Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding; 47 Inc: Research Funding; Genentech: Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding; Curis: Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding; Celgene: Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding; Unum: Research Funding. Fowler:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Nastoupil:TG Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Spectrum: Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria. Neelapu:Allogene: Consultancy; Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Karus: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Precision Biosciences: Consultancy; Cell Medica: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Acerta: Research Funding; Unum Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; BMS: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding. Parmar:Cellenkos Inc.: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: ibrutinib and nivolumab are not yet indicated for CNS lymphoma

Utility of FDG-PETCT and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in differentiating between cerebral lymphoma and non-malignant CNS lesions in HIV-infected patients

Background and purposeIn HIV infected patients, MRI cannot reliably differentiate between central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma and non-malignant CNS lesions, particularly cerebral toxoplasmosis (CTOX). This study prospectively investigates the utility of FDG PET-CT and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in discriminating CNS lymphoma from non-malignant CNS lesions in HIV infected patients, and assesses the ability of FDG PET-CT to guide the use of early brain biopsy. Methods10 HIV patients with neurological symptoms and contrast enhancing lesions on MRI were commenced on anti-toxoplasmosis therapy before undergoing FDG PET-CT and MRS. Brain biopsies were sought in those with FDG PET-CT suggestive of CNS lymphoma, and in those with a negative FDG PET-CT scan who failed to respond to therapy. Final diagnosis was based on histology or treatment response. ResultsTwo patients were confirmed to have CNS lymphoma and FDG PET-CT was consistent with this diagnosis in both. Six patients had cerebral toxoplasmosis in all of whom FDG PET-CT was consistent with non-malignant disease. One patient had progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), FDG PET-CT was equivocal. One patient had a haemorrhagic brain metastasis and FDG PET-CT wrongly suggested non-malignant disease. MRS was performed successfully in eight subjects: three results were suggestive of CNS lymphoma (one true positive, two false positive), four suggested CTOX (two false negative, two true negative), one scan was equivocal. ConclusionFDG PET-CT correctly identified all cases of CNS lymphoma and CTOX, supporting its use in this situation. MRS was unhelpful in our cohort.

Epstein‐Barr virus frequency in primary central nervous system lymphomas in Turkey

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas are rare neoplasms which are usually not associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in immunocompetent patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of EBV in primary CNS lymphomas in the Turkish population. Thirty-two primary CNS lymphomas diagnosed according to the WHO 2008 criteria were included in this study. The presence of EBV small ribonucleic acids was investigated by in situ hybridization using EBV encoded small RNA oligonucleotides. The expression of CD10, Bcl-6, MUM-1/IRF-4, Bcl-2, and Ki-67 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The patient cohort included 20 male patients and 12 female patients with a median age of 53.5 years (range 13-75). Seven (22%) of cases were classified as germinal center (GC) and 25 (78%) cases as non-GC phenotype according to the Hans criteria. Twenty-six (81%) of the cases showed strong Bcl-2 expression and the median Ki-67 index was 78%. EBV expression was observed in four primary CNS lymphoma cases (12.5%). Most primary CNS lymphomas show non-GC phenotype with high Bcl-2 expression and high proliferative rate. The incidence of EBV in primary CNS lymphomas from Turkey appears to be higher than that observed in the Western countries.

Age, gender, and racial differences in incidence and survival in primary CNS lymphoma

Background:Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that accounts for ∼4% of newly diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) tumours. The objective of this study was to analyse the epidemiology, incidence, and outcome of these rare tumours.Methods:Primary brain and CNS lymphoma cases were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) research data sets for the years 1980–2008 for analysis of trends in incidence and survival. SEER*Stat v. 7.0.4 software was used to analyse the data.Results:The overall incidence rate of PCNSL was 0.47 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence was significantly higher in males compared with females, blacks aged 0–49 years at diagnosis compared with whites, and whites aged 50 years and older at diagnosis compared with blacks. After a significant decline in incidence between 1995 and 1999, incidence rates rose slightly; those aged 75+ years at diagnosis had the most dramatic increase in incidence rates over time. Five-year survival rates were significantly higher in whites compared with blacks aged 0–49 years at diagnosis, but was primarily driven by white women aged 0–49 years.Conclusion:There is an increase in incidence of PCNSL in the elderly, and elderly blacks have lower incidence compared with white population. Survival remains poor and is negatively dominated by factors associated with HIV infection and advanced age.

Central nervous system lymphoma and its significance

To explore the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL). Retrospective analysis was conducted for 31 CNSL cases from January 2007 to December 2009 in our hospital. Their clinical data were analyzed by statistical software package SPSS 16.0. Accounting for around 4.7% of all lymphomas at our institution, the present cohort had 21 males and 10 females with a median age of 38 years old. The major clinical manifestations were focal neurological deficits associated with the site of disease or increased intracranial pressure. Most patients were treated with chemotherapy-based regimens. The overall response rate was 67.7% (21/31) with 32.3% (10/31) complete remission rate (CR) and 35.5% (11/31) partial remission rate (PR). Involvement outside CNS or bone marrow, high international prognostic index (IPI) and B symptoms had significant effects on the therapeutic efficacy (P < 0.05). The overall survival rates were 80.7%, 74.2%, 64.5% and 58.1% at 3, 6, 12, 24 months respectively. The median survival time was 22.5 months. Univariate analysis showed that the clinical efficacy had significant effects on the overall survival of patients (OR = 0.030, 95%CI: 0.003 - 0.270, P = 0.000). The prognosis of CNSL remains poor. New diagnostic tools and treatment modality need to be explored.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma in the Japanese Population

The incidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in Japan was assessed using in situ hybridization of EBV-encoded small ribonucleic acid-1 (EBER-1) to identify the presence of EBV in 22 cases of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded primary CNS lymphoma. All cases were B-cell lymphoma. EBER-1 expression was observed in the nuclei of 3 of 22 primary CNS lymphoma cases (13.6%). The incidence of EBV-positive lymphoma in Japanese cases is higher than previously reported from Western countries. Patients with EBV-positive primary CNS lymphoma showed shorter survival than those with negative tumors (median 4 months vs. 26 months). EBER-1 in situ hybridization for the detection of EBV infection is rapid and reliable. Infrequent association suggests a different pathogenetic mechanism in the evolution of these tumors. Geographical differences in the incidence of EBV-associated primary CNS lymphoma may reflect epidemiological factors.

Treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma in the elderly

Although the incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma has recently declined among people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma remains high among the immunocompetent population ≥60 years of age. Elderly patients represent an important subgroup that accounts for approximately half of primary central nervous system lymphoma cases. Radiotherapy (RT) alone has produced disappointing results in the elderly. Improved clinical outcomes have been achieved with high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy regimens in combination with whole-brain RT. Unfortunately, combination therapy exposes elderly patients to a high risk of severe delayed neurotoxicity in up to 80%. Chemotherapy alone may be the best approach for treating elderly patients and appears to be more effective than RT, while considerably reducing the risk of neurotoxicity. Clinical studies are needed to define the optimal chemotherapy regimen for the elderly in an effort to delay or completely avoid the need for RT.