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CNS Drugs

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01-06-2011 | Current Opinion

Pharmacotherapy for Primary CNS Lymphoma

Progress Beyond Methotrexate?

Authors: Jerome J. Graber, Dr Antonio Omuro

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 6/2011

Abstract

Studies conducted in the 1990s have established that high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy added to whole-brain radiotherapy improves survival in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). However, radiotherapy-related delayed neurotoxicity has emerged as a serious complication of chemo-radiotherapy, particularly in the elderly. Unfortunately, omitting radiotherapy results in decreased progression-free survival, and therefore establishing more effective chemotherapy regimens is necessary in order to improve the number of long-term remissions. Recent studies have suggested that a combination of drugs is superior to single-agent methotrexate, but the optimal chemotherapy combination and the role of alternative consolidation treatments such as reduced-dose radiotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue remain to be defined. In this article, we review the multiple chemotherapy options reported in newly diagnosed and in progressive/ refractory PCNSL, including recently reported and ongoing clinical trials, as well as future perspectives.

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Title: Pharmacotherapy for Primary CNS Lymphoma
Progress Beyond Methotrexate?
Authors: Jerome J. Graber
Dr Antonio Omuro
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: CNS Drugs / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11589030-000000000-00000

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pharmacotherapy for Primary CNS Lymphoma

Progress Beyond Methotrexate?

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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