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Central nervous system complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The potential role for prophylactic therapy

Journal Article · · Am. J. Med.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6700806
In 38 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) by malignant lymphoma developed during an eight year period. All patients had lymphomatous meningitis; clinical involvement of the spinal nerves or cranial nerves suggested the diagnosis. Spinal fluid was abnormal in 97% of the patients although a positive cytology could be documented in only 67% by lumbar puncture. The histology in 82% of the patients was diffuse. Involvement of the CNS in nodular lymphoma was uncommon (3%), and the histology in virtually all of these patients had converted to diffuse. At the time of diagnosis of CNS disease, 95% of the patients had other evidence of advanced disease; 66% had bone marrow involvement. In only 18% of the patients did CNS disease develop while they werin clinical remission. Eighty-five percent of the patients treated with whole brain irradiation and intrathecal chemotherapy had a good clinical response. Knowledge of these risk factors permits definition of a group of patients who may benefit from CNS prophylaxis.
Research Organization:
National Cancer Inst., Bethesda, MD
OSTI ID:
6700806
Journal Information:
Am. J. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Med.; (United States) Vol. 66:3; ISSN AJMEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English