CNS-directed chemotherapy including high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HD-ASCT) for CNS relapse of aggressive lymphomas: Final analysis of a phase II study.

8031 Background: The outcome of patients with CNS relapse of aggressive lymphoma (secondary CNS lymphoma, SCNSL) is poor with no standard therapy established thus far. Here we present the final analysis of a prospective multicenter phase II study using an intensive induction regimen followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation. Methods: Adult immunocompetent patients ≤65 years with SCNSL were eligible. Induction chemotherapy consisted of two cycles MTX/IFO (methotrexate 4g/m2 iv. d1, ifosfamide 2g/m2 iv. d3-5 and i.th. liposomal cytarabine 50mg d6) and one cycle AraC/TT (cytarabine 3g/m2 d1-2, thiotepa 40mg/m2 iv. d2 and i.th. liposomal cytarabine 50mg d3). Then, patients without progression received high-dose chemotherapy with carmustine 400mg/m2 iv. d -5, thiotepa 2x5mg/kg iv. d -4 to -3 and etoposide 150mg/m2 iv. d -5 to -3 followed by ASCT d0. Results: Thirty eligible patients (median age 58 years) were enrolled. Three patients had T-cell and 27 aggressive B-cell lymphom...