Introduction: Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are relatively uncommon, aggressive tumors of B-cells localized within the central nervous system and eye, without systemic involvement. In this study, we present the clinical characteristics, treatments, pathological and immunohistochemical features of PCNSL patients treated in a single center over a period of 6 years.
Materials and Methods: This study included patients diagnosed with PCNSL between January 2013 and December 2019. Clinical-pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics were recorded. 1-year overall survival and 1-year progression-free survival rates were analyzed. The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG) score was used to predict prognosis.
Results: A total of 18 patients were included in the study: 11 women (61.1%) and 7 men (38.9%). The median age was 54 years (range 22–81). Multifocal involvement was detected in 8 patients (44.4%), deep involvement in 6 patients (33.3%), and deep plus multifocal involvement in 4 patients (22.2%). Age (<60 years) (p=0.017), low IELSG score (p=0.011), and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) (p=0.049) were associated with 1-year overall survival. Surgical resection (p=0.038) and radiotherapy (p=0.045) were factors associated with 1-year progression-free survival.
Discussion and Conclusion: PCNSL is characterized by its aggressive nature and extranodal involvement. The effectiveness of current treatment options for this disease is limited, and clinical outcomes are generally poor. While age (<60 years), low IELSG scores, and the use of aHSCT therapy have been shown to be associated with improved 1-year overall survival outcomes, conversely, surgical treatment was negatively associated with progression-free survival.