Search

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology , to patients seen in their own clinical practice.

Purpose: To elucidate the mechanistic basis for efficacy of intrathecal rituximab. We evaluated complement activation as well as the pharmacokinetics of intraventricular rituximab in patients who participated in two phase 1 multicenter studies.Experimental Design: We evaluated complement activation as a candidate mediator of rituximab within the central nervous system (CNS). Complement C3 and C5b-9 were quantified by ELISA in serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens after intraventricular rituximab administration. We determined rituximab concentration profiles in CSF and serum. A population three- compartment pharmacokinetic model was built to describe the disposition of rituximab following intraventricular administration. The model was derived from results of the first trial and validated with results of the second trial.Results: Complement C3 and C5b-9 were reproducibly activated in CSF after intraventricular rituximab. Ectopic expression of C3 mRNA and protein within CNS lymphoma lesions was localized to myeloid cells. Constitutive high C3 activation at baseline was associated with adverse prognosis. A pharmacokinetic model was built, which contains three distinct compartments, to describe the distribution of rituximab within the neuroaxis after intraventricular administration.Conclusions: We provide the first evidence of C3 activation within the neuroaxis with intraventricular immunotherapy and suggest that complement may contribute to immunotherapeutic responses of rituximab in CNS lymphoma. Penetration of rituximab into neural tissue is supported by this pharmacokinetic model and may contribute to efficacy. These findings have general implications for intraventricular immunotherapy. Our data highlight potential innovations to improve efficacy of intraventricular immunotherapy both via modulation of the innate immune response as well as innovations in drug delivery. Clin Cancer Res; 20(4); 1029–41. ©2013 AACR.

PDF file - 46K

Supplemental Figure 2. Effect of hypothetical brain tissue volume (V3) on rituximab disposition in CSF, serum and brain tissue after intraventricular administration. Figure 2A. V3 = 0 ml. Figure 2B. V3 = 320 ml. Figure 2C. V3 = 5000 ml.

Supplemental Figure 1. Elevated C3a des-arg concentration in CSF is associated with shorter progression-free survival in newly-diagnosed patients with CNS involvement of aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (N=35). The survival for the seven patients with elevated C3a in CSF at diagnosis was significantly shorter than for the 28 patients with low CSF C3a concentration at diagnosis. (P60 and ECOG >1 were also associated with shorter progression-free survival (P

Purpose: We evaluated a novel therapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) with induction immunochemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate, temozolomide, and rituximab (MT-R) followed by intensive consolidation with infusional etoposide and high-dose cytarabine (EA). In addition, we evaluated the prognostic value of the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) derived from diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in patients treated with this regimen.Experimental Design: Thirty-one patients (median age, 61 years; median Karnofsky performance score, 60) received induction with methotrexate every 14 days for 8 planned cycles. Rituximab was administered the first 6 cycles and temozolomide administered on odd-numbered cycles. Patients with responsive or stable central nervous system (CNS) disease received EA consolidation. Pretreatment DW-MRI was used to calculate the ADCmin of contrast-enhancing lesions.Results: The complete response rate for MT-R induction was 52%. At a median follow-up of 79 months, the 2-year progression-free and overall survival were 45% and 58%, respectively. For patients receiving EA consolidation, the 2-year progression-free and overall survival were 78% and 93%, respectively. EA consolidation was also effective in an additional 3 patients who presented with synchronous CNS and systemic lymphoma. Tumor ADCmin less than 384 × 10–6 mm2/s was significantly associated with shorter progression-free and overall survival.Conclusions: MT-R induction was effective and well tolerated. MT-R followed by EA consolidation yielded progression-free and overall survival outcomes comparable to regimens with chemotherapy followed by whole-brain radiotherapy consolidation but without evidence of neurotoxicity. Tumor ADCmin derived from DW-MRI provided better prognostic information for PCNSL patients treated with the MTR-EA regimen than established clinical risk scores. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 1146–55. ©2012 AACR.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive form of extra-nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that as a brain tumor poses a unique set of challenges in diagnosis and management. With the advent of next-generation sequencing, we review updates in the understanding of its molecular and genomic pathogenesis. We also highlight key issues in management, with a focus on emerging technologies and new biological therapies including monoclonal antibodies, IMiDs, BTK inhibitors, PD-1 inhibitors, and CAR-T therapy. Integration of these approaches will likely enhance induction and consolidation strategies to suppress NF-κB activation and the anti-tumor immune response, while minimizing the often noxious effects of genotoxic approaches.

Background The mechanistic basis for neurocognitive deficits in central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma and other brain tumors is incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that tumor metabolism impairs neurotransmitter pathways and neurocognitive function. Methods We performed serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolomic analyses using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to evaluate changes in the tumor microenvironment in 14 patients with recurrent CNS lymphoma, focusing on 18 metabolites involved in neurotransmission and bioenergetics. These were paired with serial mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and MRI studies for tumor volumetric analyses. Patients were analyzed in the setting of the phase I trial of lenalidomide/rituximab. Associations were assessed by Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were also established, adjusting for within-subject repeated measures. Results Of 18 metabolites, elevated CSF lactate correlated most strongly with lower MMSE score (P < 8E-8, ρ = −0.67). High lactate was associated with lower gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), higher glutamate/GABA ratio, and dopamine. Conversely, high succinate correlated with higher MMSE scores. Serial analysis demonstrated a reproducible, time-dependent, reciprocal correlation between changes in lactate and GABA concentrations. While high lactate and low GABA correlated with tumor contrast-enhancing volume, they correlated more significantly with lower MMSE scores than tumor volumes. Conclusions We provide evidence that lactate production and Warburg metabolism may impact neurotransmitter dysregulation and neurocognition in CNS lymphomas. We identify novel metabolomic biomarkers that may be applied in future studies of neurocognition in CNS lymphomas. Elucidation of mechanistic interactions between lymphoma metabolism, neurotransmitter imbalance, and neurocognition may promote interventions that preserve cognitive function.

Advanced molecular and pathophysiologic characterization of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has revealed insights into promising targeted therapeutic approaches. Medical imaging plays a fundamental role in PCNSL diagnosis, staging, and response assessment. Institutional imaging variation and inconsistent clinical trial reporting diminishes the reliability and reproducibility of clinical response assessment. In this context, we aimed to: (1) critically review the use of advanced positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the setting of PCNSL; (2) provide results from an international survey of clinical sites describing the current practices for routine and advanced imaging, and (3) provide biologically based recommendations from the International PCNSL Collaborative Group (IPCG) on adaptation of standardized imaging practices. The IPCG provides PET and MRI consensus recommendations built upon previous recommendations for standardized brain tumor imaging protocols (BTIP) in primary and metastatic disease. A biologically integrated approach is provided to addresses the unique challenges associated with the imaging assessment of PCNSL. Detailed imaging parameters facilitate the adoption of these recommendations by researchers and clinicians. To enhance clinical feasibility, we have developed both “ideal” and “minimum standard” protocols at 3T and 1.5T MR systems that will facilitate widespread adoption.

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive brain tumor that represents a significant challenge both to elucidate its biological pathogenesis as well as to develop definitive precision medicines with minimal collateral toxicity. We highlight the key issues in diagnosis and treatment and focus on emerging technologies, current options among consolidation strategies, and biological agents. We anticipate that further development of molecular diagnostics and molecular imaging approaches that elucidate minimal residual disease in brain parenchyma, leptomeninges, intraocular compartments and even bone marrow will greatly impact the delivery and timing of cytotoxic and biological therapies. Implementation of these approaches is likely essential to clarify ongoing discrepancies in the interpretation of clinical trial results that currently are based on relatively unrefined definitions of response. While the results of early phase investigations involving ibrutinib and the IMiD agents, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, as well as avadomide, strongly support the hypothesis that the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway, involving MYD88 and CD79B and NF-kB activation, is critical to the pathogenesis of PCNSL, much work is needed to elucidate mechanisms of resistance. Similarly, development of strategies to overcome immunosuppressive mechanisms that are upregulated in the tumor microenvironment is a high priority. Finally, ongoing evidence supports the hypothesis that the blood-brain barrier represents a significant impediment to efficient brain tumor penetration of novel therapeutic agents and innovative strategies of drug delivery remain essential to further improve outcomes.

Introduction: Treatment of older patients (pts) with PCNSL is challenging due to the prevalence of comorbidities, frailty, and complexities with delivery of chemotherapy (CT). The optimal induction CT and consolidation regimens for older PCNSL pts is unknown. Moreover, there are few large scale prognostication studies available, including analysis of geriatric assessments (GA). We analyzed detailed characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes with prognostication across 17 academic centers. Methods: We conducted a large, RW retrospective study of newly diagnosed PCNSL pts (1/2008-1/2019) ages ≥ 60 years (yrs). Survival rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier with differences assessed by log rank test. We detailed Cumulative Index Rating Scale-Geriatric (CIRS-G) scores & other GAs. Univariate associations were derived via Cox model with variables p Results: Among 491 initial cases, n=450 cases were verified for diagnosis & follow-up. Clinical features included: median age 71 yrs (60-88); male 47%; elevated LDH 30%; creatinine clearance 1 site). Cerebral involvement predominated in 75% with deep structure involvement in 20% & cerebellum in 5%. CSF involvement was documented in 13% of pts (unchecked in 26%). For GA at diagnosis, the median CIRS-G score was 6 (range 0-27) and impaired self-care activities of daily living (ADLs) were noted in 36%. Furthermore, geriatric syndrome (ie, dementia, delirium, depression, and/or falls) was present in 45% of pts. Induction therapy included CT in 91% of pts (of whom 82% had rituximab (Rtx)) and radiation therapy (RT) in 8%. The most common chemotherapy regimens were: high-dose methotrexate (HD MTX) or HD MTX with Rtx (MR) in 38%; HD MTX/procarbazine/vincristine (MPV) +/- Rtx 30%; HD MTX/temozolomide/Rtx (MTR) 22%; Rtx alone 2%; and HD MTX/cytarabine/thiotepa/Rtx (MATRIX) in 2%. Median MTX dosing for all pts was 3.5 g/m2 (range 1-8 g/m2), and by 3 most common regimens (all g/m2): MTR 5.1; MR 5.4; MPV 3.1 (P With 42 month median follow-up (1-125), 3-yr PFS & OS for all pts were 38% & 52%, respectively (Fig 1A/1B). On MVA, factors associated with inferior PFS were: advancing age (continuous HR 1.05, P Conclusions: Older pts with PCNSL have suboptimal outcomes, with 2/3 progressing in the first several years. GA is an important prognostic tool, and could be used to stratify pts in future investigations. In addition, use of Rtx, increasing MTX dose, and the MTR regimen were associated with improved outcomes. Disclosures Reddy: Genentech: Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; KITE Pharma: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding. Bachanova:Gamida Cell: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Karyopharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kite: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; FATE: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Bond:Seattle Genetics: Honoraria. Goldlust:COTA: Other; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel; Tocagen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel; Novocure: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Boston Biomedical: Consultancy; Cortice Bio: Consultancy, Other: travel; WEX: Consultancy, Other: travel. Spurgeon:Beigene: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Genmab: Research Funding; VelosBio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cardinal Health: Honoraria; Verastem: Research Funding. Epperla:Verastem Oncology: Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria. Karmali:Takeda: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Honoraria; AstraZeneca: Speakers Bureau; BeiGene: Speakers Bureau; BMS/Celgene/Juno: Honoraria, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Gilead/Kite: Honoraria, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Naik:Celgene: Other: advisory board; Sanofi: Other: advisory board. Martin:Celgene: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy; I-MAB: Consultancy; Teneobio: Consultancy; Beigene: Consultancy; Cellectar: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Kite: Consultancy; Morphosys: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; Regeneron: Consultancy. Smith:Genentech/Roche: Consultancy, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; FortySeven: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding. Rubenstein:Kymera: Research Funding. Kahl:ADC Therapeutics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics LLC: Consultancy; Roche Laboratories Inc: Consultancy; BeiGene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Acerta: Consultancy, Research Funding. Evens:Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Research To Practice: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Epizyme: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; MorphoSys: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Mylteni: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Background Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is often associated with immunosuppressed states. The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) may play a role in tumor pathogenicity in some cases. The objective of this study was to examine the patient characteristics, tumor pathology, and survival outcomes associated with EBV tumor status in patients with PCNSL. Methods This was a retrospective subset analysis from 17 academic medical centers that included 439 patients of ages 60 years and above with PCNSL (David K et al. ASH 2020). The associations between EBV status and clinical or demographical variables were tested by Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, or CMH trend test. Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to estimate survival probability. Survival difference between groups was tested by log-rank test for statistical significance. Confidence interval of survival rate was calculated using Greenwood's formula. Results A total of 247 patients with available EBV status were included in this analysis. Median age was 71 (range 60-84) and 44.5% were male. Notably, none of the patients were HIV-positive. Twenty-five patients (10.1%) had EBV positive tumors as detected by EBER (EBV-encoded RNA) in-situ hybridization or LMP1 immunohistochemistry (IHC), 17 of which were solid organ transplant (SOT)-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) and 8 of which were not PTLD. All EBV-positive non-PTLDs were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Three (15%) SOT-related PTLDs were EBV-negative. Patient characteristics analyzed included age at diagnosis, sex, ECOG performance status, history of prior or concurrent malignancies, history of solid organ transplant or autoimmune disease, history of allogeneic stem cell transplant, and immunosuppressive treatment. Of these, only a history of solid organ transplant or autoimmune disease (P Tumor characteristics analyzed included expression of C-MYC, BCL2, CD5, cell of origin markers (BCL6, MUM1, CD10), and CD20 through IHC, C-MYC and BCL2 translocation through FISH, histology, and involvement of brain parenchyma, CSF, spinal cord, and eyes. EBV-positive tumors were associated with low C-MYC (p=0.047) and BCL6 (p=0.0006) expression on immunohistochemistry, but not other factors. There were no significant differences in tumor characteristics between those with EBV-positive PTLD and EBV-positive non-PTLD. Among patients with PTLD, 30% (n=6) did not receive primary chemotherapy, and the most common treatment regimens were high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) with or without rituximab (n=5) and rituximab alone (n=3). However, there was no significant difference in outcomes among PTLD patients who received chemotherapy or those who did not. Among EBV-positive non-PTLD patients, only 12.5% (n=1) did not receive primary chemotherapy and the most common treatment regimens were methotrexate/rituximab/temozolomide (n=3) and HD-MTX with or without rituximab (n=3). There was no difference in overall or progression free survival between patients with EBV-positive and EBV-negative tumors, or in outcomes among SOT-related PTLD patients regardless of EBV status. However, patients with EBV-positive non-PTLD PCNSL had better overall survival compared to patients with EBV-positive PTLD and EBV-negative tumors (p=0.033, Figure). Conclusions In this large observational study of older patients with PCNSL, the incidence of EBV positive tumors was overall low and was most commonly associated with SOT-related PTLD. Mycophenolate mofetil was the most common immunosuppressive medication. In those without PTLD, there were no patient or tumor factors that were associated with EBV status. Unexpectedly, non-PTLD EBV-positive PCNSL had superior outcomes to EBV-positive PTLD and EBV-negative PCNSL. Future studies of EBV-positive non-PTLDs are warranted to further evaluate the potential impact of EBV latency and the immune response on the tumor microenvironment. Disclosures Reddy: BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; KITE Pharma: Consultancy. Bachanova:Karyopharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kite: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Research Funding; FATE: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Gamida Cell: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Bond:Seattle Genetics: Honoraria. Goldlust:Tocagen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel; WEX: Consultancy, Other: travel; Cortice Bio: Consultancy, Other: travel; Boston Biomedical: Consultancy; COTA: Other; Novocure: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Spurgeon:Gilead: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Cardinal Health: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; VelosBio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Beigene: Research Funding; Verastem: Research Funding; Genmab: Research Funding. Epperla:Verastem Oncology: Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria. Karmali:AstraZeneca: Speakers Bureau; Karyopharm: Honoraria; Takeda: Research Funding; BeiGene: Speakers Bureau; Gilead/Kite: Honoraria, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS/Celgene/Juno: Honoraria, Other, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Naik:Celgene: Other: advisory board; Sanofi: Other: advisory board. Smith:Janssen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; FortySeven: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Consultancy, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Rubenstein:Kymera: Research Funding. Kahl:BeiGene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Acerta: Consultancy, Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche Laboratories Inc: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics LLC: Consultancy. Evens:Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Research To Practice: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; MorphoSys: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Epizyme: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Mylteni: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Martin:Kite: Consultancy; Morphosys: Consultancy; Regeneron: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Cellectar: Consultancy; Beigene: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; I-MAB: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teneobio: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy.

Purpose: To report the outcome of a previously vitrectomized eye having less lymphoma disease burden compared with the contralateral nonvitrectomized eye over the course of 3.5 years while on systemic chemotherapy. Methods: Case report. Results: A 51-year-old man with vitreoretinal lymphoma with central nervous system involvement underwent vitrectomy in his left eye. Over the following 3.5 years on systemic chemotherapy, the left eye had less lymphoma disease burden compared with the contralateral nonvitrectomized right eye. Conclusion: Therapeutic vitrectomy may be a useful adjunct to systemic chemotherapy in vitreoretinal lymphoma, particularly in cases of vitreous predominant disease manifestation.

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that remains confined to the CNS neuroaxis during its natural history of disease and is therefore considered stage IE disease. PCNSL is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) morphology in more than 95% of patients and is designated primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the CNS on the basis of the 2017 World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors. Rapidly evolving therapeutic paradigms have been linked to evidence of progress in PCNSL, a disease long considered to be incurable. Increasing evidence supports the need for efficient diagnosis, staging, and initiation of therapy, ideally at centers with experience with this type of brain cancer. High-dose methotrexate (MTX) remains a cornerstone of induction regimens, and most data support the use of rituximab. However, clinical research challenges must address key questions, including the development of ever more effective and less toxic induction regimens and the selection of the most appropriate and effective consolidation approaches, as well as the fact that, increasingly, PCNSL affects older patients who do not tolerate strong genotoxic irradiation or high-dose chemotherapy (HDC)-based strategies. Maintenance therapy, immunotherapy, and the implementation of targeted agents on the basis of the molecular and biologic properties of the disease create opportunities for precision medicine and the potential for long-term disease-free survival and cure, with minimal treatment-related neurotoxicity, for a greater fraction of patients.

Therapies that boost the antitumor immune response have shown a great deal of success. Although most of these therapies have focused on enhancing T cell functions, there is a growing interest in developing therapies that can target other immune cell subsets. Like T cells, natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic effector cells that play a key role in the antitumor response. To advance the development of NK-based therapies, we developed a functional screen to rapidly identify antibodies that can activate NK cells. We displayed antibodies on a mammalian target cell line and probed their ability to stimulate NK cell–mediated cytotoxicity. From this screen, we identified five antibodies that bound with high affinity to NK cells and stimulated NK cell–mediated cytotoxicity and interferon- [Formula: see text] (IFN- [Formula: see text]) secretion. We demonstrate that these antibodies can be further developed into bispecific antibodies to redirect NK cell–mediated cytotoxicity toward CD20+ B cell lymphoma cells and HER2+ breast cancer cells. While antibodies to two of the receptors, CD16 and NCR1, have previously been targeted as bispecific antibodies to redirect NK cell–mediated cytotoxicity, we demonstrate that bispecific antibodies targeting NCR3 can also potently activate NK cells. These results show that this screen can be used to directly identify antibodies that can enhance antitumor immune responses.

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is an extranodal non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma characterized by malignant lymph tissue arising in the brain or spinal cord, associated with inflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Although BBB disruption is known to occur in patients with CNS lymphoma, a direct link between these two has not been shown. Herein, abundant deposition of the blood coagulation protein fibrinogen around B-cell lymphoma was detected in CNS lymphoma patients and in the CNS parenchyma in an orthotopic mouse model. Functional enrichment analysis of unbiased cerebrospinal fluid proteomics of CNS B-cell lymphoma patients showed that coagulation protein networks were highly connected with tumor-associated biological signaling pathways. Invivo two-photon imaging demonstrated that lymphoma growth was associated with BBB disruption, and invitro experiments identified a role for fibrinogen in promoting lymphoma cell adhesion. Overall, these results identify perivascular lymphoma clustering at sites of fibrinogen deposition, and suggest that fibrinogen may be a target for pharmacologic intervention in metastatic B-cell lymphoma associated with BBB disruption.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that manifests initially in the skin and disseminates systemically as the disease progresses. Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are the most common subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Advanced mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are life threatening with few treatment options. We searched for new agents by high-throughput screening of selected targeted compounds and identified high-value targets, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and cyclin-dependent kinases. To validate these hits from the screen, we developed patient-derived xenograft mouse models that recapitulated the cardinal features of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome and maintained histologic and molecular characteristics of their clinical counterparts. Importantly, we established a blood-based biomarker assay using tumor cell-free DNA to measure systemic tumor burden longitudinally in living mice during drug therapy. A PI3K inhibitor, BKM120, was tested in our patient-derived xenograft model leading to disease attenuation and prolonged survival. Isoform-specific small interfering RNA knockdowns and isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors identified PI3K-δ as required for tumor proliferation. Additional studies showed a synergistic combination of PI3K-α/δ inhibitors with histone deacetylase inhibitors. The strong preclinical efficacy of this potent combination against multiple patient-derived xenograft models makes it an excellent candidate for further clinical development.

'Insights into the molecular and immunologic pathogenesis of primary CNS lymphomas are essential for meaningful progress in therapy. Tumor-associated macrophages represent the dominant infiltrating leukocyte and there are few established insights into their phenotypes and role in this disease. While upregulation of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in the microenvironment has been demonstrated, the relative roles of M1 and M2 macrophages in contributing to CNS lymphoma pathogenesis has not been elucidated. To date, there is also no information regarding the relative contributions of brain resident microglia and infiltrating macrophages and their interactions with lymphoma. Additional key questions include the identification of factors that mediate both immune cell chemotaxis in CNS lymphomas, as well as the relationship between myeloid cell infiltration and T-cell mediated immune surveillance and immunosuppression. We combined analyses of clinical specimens and mechanistic studies using preclinical in vivo models and show evidence that infiltrating tumor-associated macrophages, derived from monocyte precursors, have a critical role in attenuating CNS lymphoma progression. Immunohistochemical analysis of the density and morphologic features of CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages in 62 diagnostic specimens of immunocompetent PCNSL demonstrated that smaller macrophage size and lower macrophage density correlated with significantly shorter OS. Evaluation of CD68 immunoreactivity using image analysis software (ImageJ) confirmed the heterogeneity of macrophage size and infiltrative density in PCNSL. A multivariate Cox model including age, IELSG score, receipt of consolidation and/or maintenance therapy demonstrated that tumor-associated macrophage density (both count and area) was a significant, independent predictor of favorable PFS and OS and that larger macrophage size a significant, independent predictor of OS in PCNSL treated with standard MTX-based induction (predominantly MTX, temozolomide, rituximab). Using a variety of syngeneic and non-syngeneic preclinical models, including patient-derived CNS lymphoma cells, as well as diagnostic clinical specimens, we characterized the phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages in PCNSL. Using flow-cytometry, we demonstrated that while CD45 high tumor-associated macrophages exhibit strong expression of the canonical M2 marker CD206, a scavenger receptor, these also displayed high co-expression of iNOS and MHC II, markers of classically-activated M1 macrophages. Pharmacologic inhibition of the CSF-1 receptor led to accelerated CNS lymphoma progression, attenuated T-cell infiltration and blocked rituximab efficacy. A flow-cytometric assay of phagocytosis, using Raji lymphoma transduced to express mCherry, demonstrated that infiltrating CD206+ macrophages are the dominant mediator of lymphoma phagocytosis. We applied 2P intravital imaging of a CNS lymphoma model using Cx3cr1GFP/+:Ccr2RFP/+ myeloid cell dual reporter mice and transcriptional studies to define the time-dependent infiltration and phenotypic changes in tumor-associated macrophages and microglia that correlate with disease progression. Using IFN-γ -/- mice we identified a critical role for IFN-γ in the regulation of CNS lymphoma, in the presence and absence of T-cells. We identified IFN-γ-regulated genes in tumor-associated macrophages that may contribute to direct lymphoma cytotoxicity as well as stimulation of T-cell chemotaxis and antigen processing, including TAP1 and TAP2. By IHC, we confirmed TAP1 expression in a subset of diagnostic specimens of PCNSL and determined, using Cox multivariate model, that strong TAP1 correlated with improved PFS (p Our results support a direct, immune-editing role for monocyte-derived macrophages in the regulation of CNS lymphoma progression, via several mechanisms, including antigenic processing and cross-presentation. We suggest that tumor-associated CD68 and TAP1 (and TAP2) be evaluated further as candidate biomarkers for risk stratification in PCNSL, particularly in trials that involve targeted immunotherapy. Supported by NCI and LLS. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Rubenstein: Kymera: Research Funding.

Objective: To provide a summary and analysis of the evidence for various agents applied as maintenance therapy and highlight ongoing trials or trials in development that evaluate the efficacy of maintenance therapy strategies in older patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Background: PCNSL are rare neoplasms that can have an aggressive course with short-lived remissions when compared to systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). There is currently a paucity of evidence on treatment in older adults with PCNSL, who may be unfit to tolerate effective therapies for PCNSL. Those who can tolerate these therapies and survive PCNSL are at increased risk from developing treatment-related toxicity, functional decline, and debilitating neurotoxicity. While there is no clearly defined role for maintenance therapy after treatment of systemic DLBCL, it should be considered in PCNSL because central nervous system (CNS) recurrence often has a devastating and irreversible impact on neurologic function. Therefore, at least theoretically, use of effective maintenance therapy in older adults with PCNSL, either in lieu of consolidation or after consolidation therapy, may be better tolerated and help delay tumor progression, resulting in an improved overall global neurologic function and quality of life. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE (via PubMed) for all studies of drug treatments for maintenance therapy in PCNSL and also relied on expert opinion. We provide a summary and analysis of the evidence for various maintenance therapy agents, including methotrexate, rituximab, lenalidomide, temozolomide, ibrutinib, and procarbazine. We also highlight ongoing trials or trials in development that evaluate the efficacy of maintenance therapy in PCNSL. Conclusions: Prospective clinical studies focusing on PCNSL patients who are not candidates for intensive post-induction therapy are scarce. To date, there are no studies that clarify whether maintenance therapy can be used in lieu of consolidation therapy with autologous stem cell transplant or radiation. Prospective studies may provide critical data regarding the identification of optimal agents, whether consolidation therapy could be replaced by maintenance therapy, and the overall role of maintenance therapy as a means to potentially improve survival and preserve quality of life and function in a vulnerable, older patient population.

A 33-year-old woman with a 2-year history of documented human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection presented to the emergency room at San Francisco General Hospital with a new-onset seizure disor...

Introduction: Management of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) in patients age >70 represents a significant challenge. In most clinical series, median OS for PCNSL patients age >70 is partial response (PR) to induction chemotherapy or salvage chemotherapy for relapsed disease. A preliminary report by our group supported the feasibility and efficacy of low-dose lenalidomide maintenance for 13 older patients with PCNSL, in lieu of consolidation with radiation or high-intensity chemotherapy (Vu et. al., BJH 2019).Here, we present the outcomes of 22 consecutive older patients with PCNSL (inclusive of updated outcomes on the original 13 patients) treated with low-dose lenalidomide after achieving >PR following induction chemotherapy. In addition, we provide a first report on the impact of maintenance low-dose lenalidomide on quality of life (QOL), overall functioning, and symptom burden. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients age >65 years with PCNSL, who achieved >PR to induction methotrexate/rituximab+temozolomide (MTR) chemotherapy and were subsequently treated with low-dose lenalidomide maintenance (5-10 mg/dose) in PR1/CR1. We determined their clinical characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by Kaplan-Meier. In addition, we obtained correlative data on QOL and symptom burden on a representative sample of older PCNSL patients who were treated with low-dose IMiDs over the course of > 2 months, via the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaire (QLQ)-C30. Our study was approved by the University of California San Francisco Institutional Review Board with patient informed consent. Results: The median age at diagnosis of the 22 consecutive older newly-diagnosed PCNSL patients was 77 (range 64 - 86). Median Karnofsky Performance Status was 70. Twenty patients received induction MTR (2 received M-R) without consolidative dose-intensive chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplant, or whole brain irradiation. The median methotrexate dose was 2.5 gm/m2 (range 0.5 - 8). With median follow-up of 47 months, median time on low-dose lenalidomide maintenance was 14 months. Median PFS was 84 months, and median OS has not been reached. (Figure 1). At progression, patients received methotrexate followed by lenalidomide or pomalidomide. Thus far, there have been 3 deaths: one due to PCNSL, one by myocardial infarction, 4 years after discontinuation of lenalidomide, and one without definitive cause. To assess the tolerability of low-dose lenalidomide (and/or pomalidomide) in this population, we determined patient-reported outcomes with respect to quality of life, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30. We summarize our findings in Figure 2 on 8 consecutive PCNSL patients age >70 that received maintenance IMiD therapy for at least 2 months. Seven of the 8 patients were treated with maintenance low-dose lenalidomide for a median of 11 months, and one patient was on maintenance pomalidomide (1-2 mg/day) for a total of 76 months. Overall low-dose IMiDs were well-tolerated: mild-to-moderate fatigue and insomnia were the two most commonly reported symptoms. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that low-dose lenalidomide as maintenance therapy after induction chemotherapy in older patients with PCNSL may result in improved PFS and OS. Importantly, our data suggest that QOL and overall functioning as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30 was comparable, if not better, than QOL as assessed for patients receiving high dose methotrexate-based therapy, autologous stem cell transplant, whole brain radiation therapy, and/or blood brain barrier disruption (Doolittle et. al., Neurology 2013). In conclusion, based on this preliminary assessment, maintenance low-dose lenalidomide (and pomalidomide) appear to be well-tolerated in older PCNSL, with patients reporting good quality of life, low symptom burden, and overall good level of functioning. Survival outcomes remain encouraging. A phase I trial in newly-diagnosed, non-transplant eligible PCNSL that evaluates combination nivolumab with lenalidomide, both as a component of induction therapy and as low-dose lenalidomide maintenance, is in development via Alliance (A051901). Disclosures Rubenstein: Kymera: Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: Low-Dose Lenalidomide as Maintenance in Older Patients with Primary CNS Lymphoma

Background/objectives To evaluate retinal lymphoma treatment at the University of California San Francisco. Subjects/methods Prospective observational audit. Patients were treated systemically, usually with: methotrexate, temozolomide, and rituximab induction; etoposide consolidation; and maintenance with lenalidomide or another immunomodulatory agent. Persistent disease was treated initially by ocular radiotherapy or intravitreal melphalan and latterly by vitrectomy. Results The cohort comprised eight females and two males. The median age was 58 years (range, 38–73). Ocular manifestations were initially unilateral in four patients. Vitreous and subretinal infiltrates were initially present in 16 and 12 eyes, respectively, with three eyes having vision of 20/200 or worse. Four patients had a history of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. The median ophthalmic follow-up was 37 months (range, 8–56). Diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy were performed in 10 and 2 eyes, respectively. All patients had systemic chemotherapy and eight received maintenance immunotherapy. Four patients underwent ocular radiotherapy, bilaterally in two. One patient received bilateral intravitreal melphalan injections. Two eyes of four patients developed lymphoma during the study and two patients developed CNS disease. At study close, subretinal deposits were subtle in nine eyes and more prominent in two, whereas vitreous infiltrates were minimal in nine eyes, mild in one and moderate in one. The latest visual acuity was significantly worse than at presentation in two eyes and better in two. All patients were alive with no active CNS disease. Conclusions Subretinal lymphomatous infiltrates respond to systemic chemotherapy with immunomodulatory maintenance, but dense vitreous infiltrates require therapeutic vitrectomy.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the brain parenchyma, spinal cord, eyes, and cerebrospinal fluid without evidence of systemic, non-CNS involvement. PCNSL is uncommon and only a few randomized trials have been completed in the first-line setting. Over the past decades, the prognosis of PCNSL has improved, mainly due to the introduction and widespread use of high-dose methotrexate, which is now the backbone of all first-line treatment polychemotherapy regimens. Despite this progress, durable remission is recorded in only 50% of patients, and therapy can be associated with significant late neurotoxicity. Here, we overview the epidemiology, clinical presentation, staging evaluation, prognosis, and current up-to-date treatment of immunocompetent PCNSL patients.

7506 Background: Optimal consolidative therapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is not defined. Avoidance of whole brain radiation may reduce risk of neurotoxicity. Non-radiation consolidative options include myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) or non-myeloablative chemotherapy. Methods: This is a randomized phase 2, National Clinical Trials Network study of induction methotrexate (MTX) (8 g/m2 days 1, 15), temozolomide (TMZ) (150-200 mg/m2 D7-11), and rituximab (RTX) (C1 D3, 10, 17, 24 and C2 D3, 10 ) in four 28-day cycles followed by one cycle of cytarabine (ARA-C) (2 g/m2 BID, D1, 2) (MTRA). After induction, patients (pts) received consolidation with thiotepa (5 mg/kg BID, D -5, -4) plus carmustine (400 mg/m2, day -6) and ASCT (Arm A) or one cycle of ARA-C (2 g/m2 BID, D1-4) plus infusional etoposide (40 mg/kg over 96h) (Arm B). Pts were stratified on age and performance status and randomized 1:1 before induction. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) from randomization. With 110 pts, there was 84% power to detect an improvement in PFS using a log-rank test (1-sided α= 10%), assuming a median PFS of 3 months for pts who progress during induction, and a median PFS of 2 years (yrs) for Arm B and 4.5 yrs for Arm A consolidation. This report includes the results for the primary endpoint analysis. Results: 113 pts (median age 61 yrs, range 33-75) were randomized (Arm A: 57, Arm B: 56) across 27 centers. 108 eligible pts who received induction therapy were included in the primary endpoint analysis (Arm A: 54, Arm B: 54). 72/108 pts started consolidation and 70/72 completed consolidation per protocol (Arm A: 36, Arm B: 34). With a median follow-up of 3.8 years, median PFS from randomization was 6 yrs (95% CI 3.9-not reached) in Arm A vs 2.4 yrs (95% CI 0.6-not reached) in Arm B (p = 0.02). However, more pts randomized to Arm B went off treatment before consolidation due to progression or death (28% vs 11%, p = 0.05). PFS landmarked at start of consolidation demonstrated a trend for improved PFS favoring Arm A (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.25-1.36; p = 0.21). Median OS was not reached in either arm, and 3-yr estimates were 83% (95% CI 69-91; Arm A) vs 72% (95% CI 57-82; Arm B). Toxicities were similar between arms with no treatment-related mortality during consolidation. Conclusions: MTRA induction followed by myeloablative consolidation (Arm A) had improved PFS vs MTRA induction followed by non-myeloablative consolidation (Arm B), though more progressions or deaths leading to treatment discontinuation prior to consolidation in Arm B were noted. Both consolidation regimens were well-tolerated with encouraging PFS and OS in newly-diagnosed PCNSL. Support: U10CA180821, U10CA180882; https://acknowledgments.alliancefound.org . Clinical trial information: NCT01511562.

8042 Background: Optimal consolidative therapy for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is not defined. Avoidance of whole brain radiation may reduce risk of neurotoxicity. Non-radiation consolidative options include myeloablative chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) or non-myeloablative chemotherapy. Methods: This is a randomized phase 2, National Clinical Trials Network study of induction methotrexate (MTX) (8 g/m2days 1, 15), temozolomide (TMZ) (150-200 mg/m2 D7-11), and rituximab (RTX) (C1 D3, 10, 17, 24 and C2 D3, 10) in four 28-day cycles followed by one cycle of cytarabine (ARA-C) (2 g/m2 BID, D1, 2) (MTRA). Following induction, patients (pts) received consolidation with thiotepa (5 mg/kg BID, D -5, -4) plus carmustine (400 mg/m2, day -6) and ASCT (Arm A) or one cycle of ARA-C (2 g/m2 BID, D1-4) plus infusional etoposide (40 mg/kg over 96h) (Arm B). The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (PFS), designed to compare consolidation regimens. This report describes the results of the 5 cycles of induction therapy. Results: 113 pts (median age 61 years, range 33-75) were randomized (Arm A: 57, Arm B: 56) across 27 centers. 108 eligible pts who received induction therapy were evaluated. 36 pts (33.3%) did not proceed to consolidation, mainly due to disease progression (17), pt withdrawal (8), or adverse events including death (6). Grade 3 or 4 febrile neutropenia occurred in 12 pts (11.1%) during induction. Dose modifications of MTX were required in 75% of pts and 63.3% of cycles, mainly due to renal adjustments. Dose delays of MTX were required in 52.8% of pts and 22.2% of cycles. Overall response rate (CR, CRu, PR) at the end of induction was 65.7% (95% CI, 56%, 74.6%). Conclusions: While MTRA is feasible and active a significant proportion of pts did not receive consolidation, supporting the need to develop more effective induction strategies. Clinical trial information: NCT01511562 .

Purpose/Background: The aim of this study was to report a patient with vitreoretinal lymphoma with clinical features providing hypothesis-generating insights into the pathophysiology of this disease. Methods: Clinical history and imaging studies (i.e., fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and fluorescein angiography) were documented. Results: A 71-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of blurred vision in the right eye and bilateral vitreous infiltrates unresponsive to topical and systemic steroids. Vitreous biopsy of the left eye was diagnostic for lymphoma. Bulky subretinal deposits in the right eye responded to systemic therapy. The left fundus showed diffuse hypoautofluorescence and punctate, hyperfluorescent sub-retinal pigment epithelial tumor deposits, which resolved leaving hypoautofluorescent atrophic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) scars, except inferotemporally, where retinal vasculopathy had occurred. Conclusions: The clinical features suggest that occlusion of the inferotemporal retinal arteriole prevented sub-RPE lymphomatous deposits and subsequent RPE atrophy in this area of vascular nonperfusion. This suggests that “primary” vitreoretinal lymphoma is secondary to hematogenous spread from systemic loci. This finding, together with the ocular tumor control achieved entirely by systemic therapy, indicates scope for studies investigating systemic treatment protocols, especially those including immune-modulatory agents.

INTRODUCTION: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is rare, with a treatment backbone that typically includes high-dose methotrexate. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is often reserved for patients who cannot receive chemotherapy, or with residual/recurrent disease, and demonstrates favorable local control however with significant toxicity. We report outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with PCNSL. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single-institution review to identify 21 patients with PCNSL treated with SRS between 1998 and 2017. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to describe overall survival (OS) and freedom-from distant brain progression (FFDBP). RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 66 years (IQR 55–73), and the median age at SRS was 67 years (IQR 56–75). The median KPS at SRS was 80 (IQR 50–80). Nineteen patients (90%) received methotrexate-based chemotherapy prior to SRS (median of 8 cycles). Eleven patients (52%) received SRS for recurrent disease, while 8 patients (38%) underwent SRS for persistent disease after chemotherapy. The median dose was 15 Gy in 1 fraction or 23 Gy (IQR 22.5–25 Gy) in 3–5 fractions. The median PTV was 3.3 cc (IQR 1.5–19.8cc). Local control at 3 and 6 months was 93% and 92% respectively, however 3 month FFDBP was 30%. OS at 3 and 6 months was 67% and 38%, respectively. Local control was higher in patients who received pomalidomide or lenalidomide after SRS (p = 0.035). Consolidative etoposide and cytarabine was associated with longer time to progression after SRS (p = 0.032) and improved OS at 6 months (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: SRS offers effective local tumor control, however prognosis remains poor due to a high rate of distant progression after treatment. SRS may have a role in the salvage setting for patients with recurrence after WBRT, or allow deferral of WBRT, however systemic therapy may most strongly influence survival outcomes.

Under normal conditions, the brain maintains a relatively quiescent immunologic state, however in the setting of CNS lymphoma, a robust inflammatory response is often detectable in diagnostic speci...

ObjectiveTumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs) remain one of the most common brain lesions to mimic a brain tumor, particularly primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) and high-grade gliomas. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the ability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and conventional MRI features to differentiate TDLs from PCNSLs and high-grade gliomas.Materials and methodsSeventy-five patients (24 patients with TDLs, 28 with PCNSLs, and 23 with high-grade gliomas) with 168 brain lesions (70 TDLs, 68 PCNSLs, and 30 high-grade gliomas) who underwent DWI before surgery or therapy were included in the study. Minimum ADC (ADC(min)) and average ADC (ADC(avg)) values were calculated for each lesion. ANOVA and ROC analyses were performed. ROC analyses were also performed for the presence of incomplete rim enhancement and for the number of lesions. Multiple-variable logistic regression with ROC analysis was then performed to evaluate performance in multiple-variable models.ResultsADC(min) was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.01) in TDLs (mean, 0.886; 95% CI, 0.802-0.931) than in PCNSLs (0.547; 95% CI, 0.496-0.598) and high-grade gliomas (0.470; 95% CI, 0.385-0.555). (All ADC values in this article are reported in units of × 10(-3) mm(2)/s.) ADC(avg) was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.01) in TDLs (mean, 1.362; 95% CI, 1.268-1.456) than in PCNSLs (0.990; 95% CI, 0.919-1.061) but not in high-grade gliomas (1.216; 95% CI, 1.074-1.356). Multiple-variable models showed statistically significant individual effects and superior diagnostic performance on ROC analysis.ConclusionTDLs can be diagnosed on preoperative MRI with a high degree of specificity; MRI features of incomplete rim enhancement, high ADC values, and a large number of lesions individually increase the probability and diagnostic confidence that a lesion is a TDL.

We describe a child with a 2-week history of progressive headaches, blurry vision, and intermittent vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed a deep left hemispheric lesion with extension into the corpus callosum. Histology and immunophenotyping of the lesion was consistent with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. Chemotherapy was initiated and a complete remission was achieved. This case illustrates that a chemotherapeutic regimen used in adults with central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma can achieve durable remissions in pediatric patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified of the CNS.

There is an unmet need for effective biological therapies for relapsed central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. Lenalidomide is active in activated B-cell type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and rituximab is effective in CNS lymphoma. These observations are the basis for this first trial of an immunomodulatory drug as monotherapy in CNS lymphoma, and, in patients with inadequate responses to lenalidomide, with rituximab. In an independent cohort, we evaluated lenalidomide maintenance after salvage with high-dose methotrexate or focal irradiation in relapsed primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). We determined safety, efficacy, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) penetration of lenalidomide at 10-, 15-, and 20-mg dose levels in 14 patients with refractory CD20+ CNS lymphoma. Nine subjects with relapsed, refractory CNS lymphoma achieved better than partial response with lenalidomide monotherapy, 6 maintained response ≥9 months, and 4 maintained response ≥18 months. Median progression-free survival for lenalidomide/rituximab was 6 months. In the independent cohort, response duration with lenalidomide maintenance after complete responses 2 through 5 were significantly longer than response durations after standard therapy. The CSF/plasma partition coefficient of lenalidomide was ≥20% at 15- and 20-mg dose levels. Change in CSF interleukin-10 at 1 month correlated with clinical response and response duration to lenalidomide. Metabolomic profiling of CSF identified novel biomarkers, including lactate, and implicated indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase activity with CNS lymphoma progression on lenalidomide. We conclude that lenalidomide penetrates ventricular CSF and is active as monotherapy in relapsed CNS lymphomas. We provide evidence that maintenance lenalidomide potentiates response duration after salvage in relapsed PCNSL and delays whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01542918.

Primary and secondary CNS lymphomas are aggressive brain tumors that pose an immense challenge to define in terms of molecular pathogenesis, as well as to effectively treat. During the past 10 years improvements in survival have been achieved with the implementation of anti-CD20 immunotherapy and optimization of dose-intensive consolidation strategies. The applications of whole-exome sequencing, comparative genomic hybridization, transcriptional profiling, and examination of the tumor microenvironment, particularly in the context of clinical investigation, provide insights that create a roadmap for the development and implementation of novel targeted agents for this disease. A body of genetic evidence strongly suggested that primary CNS lymphomas (PCNSLs) are likely largely dependent on NF-κB prosurvival signals, with enrichment of mutations involving the B-cell receptor pathway, in particular myeloid differentiation primary response 88 and cluster of differentiation 79B. The first set of early-phase investigations that target NF-κB in PCNSL have now been completed and support the NF-κB hypothesis but at the same time reveal that much work needs to be done to translate these results into meaningful advances in survival for a large fraction of patients. Insights into secondary prosurvival pathways that mediate drug resistance is a priority for investigation. Similarly, further evaluation of the immune-suppressive mechanisms in the CNS lymphoma tumor microenvironment is requisite for progress. Combinatorial interventions that promote the antitumor immune response have significant potential. With increasing availability of targeted agents, there is also a need to develop more sensitive imaging tools, not only to detect this highly invasive brain neoplasm but also potentially to define an evolving molecular phenotype to facilitate precision medicine.

Purpose: To elucidate the mechanistic basis for efficacy of intrathecal rituximab. We evaluated complement activation as well as the pharmacokinetics of intraventricular rituximab in patients who participated in two phase 1 multicenter studies. Experimental Design: We evaluated complement activation as a candidate mediator of rituximab within the central nervous system (CNS). Complement C3 and C5b-9 were quantified by ELISA in serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens after intraventricular rituximab administration. We determined rituximab concentration profiles in CSF and serum. A population three- compartment pharmacokinetic model was built to describe the disposition of rituximab following intraventricular administration. The model was derived from results of the first trial and validated with results of the second trial. Results: Complement C3 and C5b-9 were reproducibly activated in CSF after intraventricular rituximab. Ectopic expression of C3 mRNA and protein within CNS lymphoma lesions was localized to myeloid cells. Constitutive high C3 activation at baseline was associated with adverse prognosis. A pharmacokinetic model was built, which contains three distinct compartments, to describe the distribution of rituximab within the neuroaxis after intraventricular administration. Conclusions: We provide the first evidence of C3 activation within the neuroaxis with intraventricular immunotherapy and suggest that complement may contribute to immunotherapeutic responses of rituximab in CNS lymphoma. Penetration of rituximab into neural tissue is supported by this pharmacokinetic model and may contribute to efficacy. These findings have general implications for intraventricular immunotherapy. Our data highlight potential innovations to improve efficacy of intraventricular immunotherapy both via modulation of the innate immune response as well as innovations in drug delivery. Clin Cancer Res; 20(4); 1029–41. ©2013 AACR.

While the genomic landscape of CNS lymphomas at diagnosis has largely been defined, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of the molecular pathways that mediate therapeutic resistance and disease progression. CNS lymphomas generally exhibit multifocal dissemination as an end-stage manifestation. To elucidate key genetic and pathophysiologic pathways of CNS lymphoma that mediate resistance, we have conducted what may be the first study to apply next generation sequencing to compare the genetic features of PCNSL and SCNSL at the time of diagnosis with multifocal lesions isolated from relapsed, treatment-refractory disease from matched patient specimens at final lymphoma progression, isolated from whole brain autopsy specimens. Whole-exome sequencing from diagnostic specimens (4 brain and 1 retinal biopsy) were compared with matched whole brain autopsy specimens in 5 patients: 4 with PCNSL and 1 with SCNSL. A median of 6 distinct anatomical CNS lymphoma-containing brain regions were analyzed/whole brain autopsy specimen. Median age was 57 (range 51-81 yrs). Two patients died after primary refractory disease to methotrexate-based induction and three died after median of four progressions; each of these later patients progressed after lenalidomide, and one also received pomalidomide followed by ibrutinib before final disease progression. Four cases were from UCSF and 1 from Stanford. Tumor tissue and uninvolved normal brain was microdissected from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of initial biopsy prior to therapy and multiple distinct tumor regions at time of autopsy. Multiplex library preparation was performed from extracted genomic DNA and hybridization-capture of pooled libraries performed using NimbleGen SeqCap EZ Human Exome Probes Bait Library. Captured libraries were sequenced as paired-end 100 base pair reads and sequence reads mapped to the reference human genome build GRCh37 (hg19) using Sentieon DNAseq. Somatic variant detection including single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions was performed. Single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions were verified using Integrated Genome Viewer. Copy number analysis was performed using CNVkit and visualized using Nexus. High-confidence somatic nonsynonymous mutations were identified and pathway analysis applied using gene sets for canonical pathways and Gene Ontology (GO) terms downloaded from Molecular Signatures Database) at http://www.broad.mit.edu/gsea/msigdb. Lymphoid-specific signatures were curated by Staudt lab (http://lymphochip.nih.gov/signaturedb/) or previous publications. Fisher's Exact test was used to calculate enrichment p values for each of those gene sets and the BH method used for False Discovery Rate (FDR) control. A mean of 214 lymphoma-specific mutations per specimen was identified (range 56-1,764). Notably, of the 283 distinct molecular pathways analyzed, only 1 pathway was significantly enriched for mutations in tumors from each of the 5 CNS lymphoma whole brain autopsy specimens compared to pre-treatment diagnostic biopsies: the Ikaros 1(IKZF1) in centroblast pathway (p While multiple genetic aberrations are associated with disease progression in CNS lymphoma, our study suggests that mutational activation of the IKZF1 pathway may be a unique canonical mechanism in the evolution of resistance to multiple interventions, including first-line methotrexate. This observation may have significant therapeutic implications. Supported by NCI and Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Disclosures Rubenstein: Genentech: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding.

The pathogenesis of primary and secondary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma poses a unique set of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic challenges. During the past 10 years, there has been significant progress in the elucidation of the molecular properties of CNS lymphomas and their microenvironment, as well as evolution in the development of novel treatment strategies. Although a CNS lymphoma diagnosis was once assumed to be uniformly associated with a dismal prognosis, it is now reasonable to anticipate long-term survival, and possibly a cure, for a significant fraction of CNS lymphoma patients. The pathogenesis of CNS lymphomas affects multiple compartments within the neuroaxis, and proper treatment of the CNS lymphoma patient requires a multidisciplinary team with expertise not only in hematology/oncology but also in neurology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, clinical neuropsychology, ophthalmology, pathology, and radiation oncology. Given the evolving principles of management and the evidence for improvements in survival, our goal is to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of CNS lymphomas and to highlight promising strategies that we believe to be most effective in establishing diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic management.

Purpose Concerns regarding neurocognitive toxicity of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) have motivated development of alternative, dose-intensive chemotherapeutic strategies as consolidation in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). We performed a multicenter study of high-dose consolidation, without WBRT, in PCNSL. Objectives were to determine: one, rate of complete response (CR) after remission induction therapy with methotrexate, temozolomide, and rituximab (MT-R); two, feasibility of a two-step approach using high-dose consolidation with etoposide plus cytarabine (EA); three, progression-free survival (PFS); and four, correlation between clinical and molecular prognostic factors and outcome. Patients and Methods Forty-four patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL were treated with induction MT-R, and patients who achieved CR received EA consolidation. We performed a prospective analysis of molecular prognostic biomarkers in PCNSL in the setting of a clinical trial. Results The rate of CR to MT-R was 66%. The overall 2-year PFS was 0.57, with median follow-up of 4.9 years. The 2-year time to progression was 0.59, and for patients who completed consolidation, it was 0.77. Patients age > 60 years did as well as younger patients, and the most significant clinical prognostic variable was treatment delay. High BCL6 expression correlated with shorter survival. Conclusion CALGB 50202 demonstrates for the first time to our knowledge that dose-intensive consolidation for PCNSL is feasible in the multicenter setting and yields rates of PFS and OS at least comparable to those of regimens involving WBRT. On the basis of these encouraging results, an intergroup study has been activated comparing EA consolidation with myeloablative chemotherapy in this randomized trial in PCNSL, in which neither arm involves WBRT.

Establishing the diagnosis of focal brain lesions in patients with unexplained neurologic symptoms represents a challenge. The goal of this study is to provide evidence supporting functional roles for CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)13 and interleukin (IL)-10 in central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas and to evaluate the utility of each as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. We demonstrate for the first time that elevated CXCL13 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is prognostic and that CXCL13 and CXCL12 mediate chemotaxis of lymphoma cells isolated from CNS lymphoma lesions. Expression of the activated form of Janus kinase 1 supported a role for IL-10 in prosurvival signaling. We determined the concentration of CXCL13 and IL-10 in CSF of CNS lymphoma patients and control cohorts including inflammatory and degenerative neurologic disease in a multicenter study involving 220 patients. Bivariate elevated CXCL13 plus IL-10 was 99.3% specific for primary and secondary CNS lymphoma, with sensitivity significantly greater than reference standard CSF tests. These results identify CXCL13 and IL-10 as potentially important biomarkers of CNS lymphoma that merit further evaluation and support incorporation of CXCL13 and IL-10 into diagnostic algorithms for the workup of focal brain lesions in which lymphoma is a consideration.

Background. The optimal therapeutic approach for patients with AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma (AR-PCNSL) remains undefined. While its incidence declined substantially with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), AR-PCNSL remains a highly aggressive neoplasm for which whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is considered a standard first-line intervention. Methods. To identify therapy-related factors associated with favorable survival, we first retrospectively analyzed outcomes of AR-PCNSL patients treated at San Francisco General Hospital, a public hospital with a long history of dedicated care for patients with HIV and AIDS-related malignancies. Results were validated in a retrospective, multicenter analysis that evaluated all newly diagnosed patients with AR-PCNSL treated with cART plus high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX). Results. We provide evidence that CD4+ reconstitution with cART administered during HD-MTX correlates with long-term survival among patients with CD4 Conclusion. Long-term disease-free survival can be achieved in AR-PCNSL, even among those with histories of opportunistic infections, limited access to health care, and medical non-adherence. Given this, as well as the long-term toxicities of WBRT, we recommend that integration of cART plus first-line HD-MTX be considered for all patients with AR-PCNSL.

Recurrent CNS lymphoma continues to be associated with poor outcomes in the rituximab era. Although IV rituximab mediates superior disease control of systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), it fails to completely eliminate the risk of meningeal recurrence, likely due to minimal CNS penetration. Given that rituximab acts synergistically with chemotherapy, we conducted the first phase 1 study of intraventricular immunochemotherapy in patients with recurrent CNS NHL. Fourteen patients received 10 mg or 25 mg intraventricular rituximab twice weekly for 4 weeks, with rituximab administered as monotherapy during the first treatment each week and rituximab administered in combination with methotrexate (MTX) during the second treatment each week. More than 150 doses were administered without serious toxicity. In a population with high-refractory CNS NHL, 75% of patients achieved complete cytologic responses and 43% achieved an overall complete response in CSF and/or brain parenchyma. Two patients achieved a first complete response of CNS NHL with intraventricular rituximab/MTX, including 1 with CNS lymphoma refractory to high-dose systemic and intrathecal MTX plus IV rituximab. We conclude that intraventricular rituximab in combination with MTX is feasible and highly active in the treatment of drug-resistant CNS NHL that is refractory or unresponsive to IV rituximab.Phase I study showed that intraventricular rituximab plus methotrexate is feasible and active in the treatment of refractory CNS lymphoma.