5. Report on workshop: Primary CNS lymphoma

Abstract

The increase in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) has resulted in a growing interest in this disease. Despite efforts to optimize the management of PCNSL, several therapeutic questions remain unanswered. Due to methodological pitfalls in the clinical trials published thus far, particulary their uni- or oligocenter setting and the small number of patients, it has been difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Future efforts should concentrate on identifying optimal chemotherapy combinations, evaluating the efficacy of modern therapy options such as high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous blood stem cell transplantation, and clarifying the impact of radiotherapy delay in complete responders to chemotherapy. Standardized neuropsychological testing and quality-of-life assessment are indispensable in future PCNSL trials. Important questions regarding management of PCNSL should be preferably addressed in large multicenter prospective randomized trials.