High-dose methotrexate-based regimens and post-remission consolidation for treatment of newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma: meta-analysis of clinical trials

Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 22;11(1):2125. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-80724-0.

Abstract

With the exception of high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX), there is currently no defined standard treatment for newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). This review focused on first-line induction and consolidation treatment of PCNSL and aimed to determine the optimal combination of HD-MTX and the long-term beneficial consolidation methods. A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE identified 1407 studies, among which 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was performed by using Stata SE version 15. Forest plots were generated to report combined outcomes like the complete response rate (CRR), overall survival, and progression-free survival. We also conducted univariate regression analyses of the baseline characteristics to identify the source of heterogeneity. Pooled analysis showed a CRR of 41% across all HD-MTX-based regimens, and three- and four-drug regimens had better CRRs than HD-MTX monotherapy. In all combinations based on HD-MTX, the HD-MTX + procarbazine + vincristine (MPV) regimen showed pooled CRRs of 63% and 58% with and without rituximab, respectively, followed by the rituximab + HD-MTX + temozolomide regimen, which showed a pooled CRR of 60%. Pooled PFS and OS showed that post-remission consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was associated with the best survival outcome, with a pooled 2-year OS of 80%, a 2-year PFS of 74%, a 5-year OS of 77%, and a 5-year PFS of 63%. Next, whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) + chemotherapy showed a pooled 2-year OS of 72%, 2-year PFS of 56%, 5-year OS of 55%, and 5-year PFS of 41%, with no detectable CR heterogeneity throughout the entire treatment process. In HD-MTX-based therapy of newly diagnosed PCNSL, MPV with or without rituximab can be chosen as the inductive regimen, and the rituximab + HD-MTX + temozolomide regimen is also a practical choice. Based on our study, high-dose chemotherapy supported by ASCT is an efficacious approach for consolidation. Consolidation with WBRT + chemotherapy can be another feasible approach.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy*
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Remission Induction
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Methotrexate