Surgical removal of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) presenting as space occupying lesions: a series of 33 cases

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2005 Feb;31(1):100-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2004.10.002.

Abstract

Aims: In this study we present a series of 33 patients with primary CNS lymphomas (PCNSL), many presenting with acute signs of increased intracranial pressure due to large space occupying lesions.

Methods: A series of 32 PCNSL patients for a total of 33 tumours treated from 1986 to 2000 in the Neurosurgical Department were reviewed.

Results: Radiotherapy and chemotherapy improved survival. No benefit could be demonstrated for the role of surgery.

Conclusions: Our data confirm previous reports about the role of radiation and chemotherapy in the treatment of PCNSL's. Surgery might have a role in a selected subset of patients presenting with large single space occupying lesions and deteriorating neurological status.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / surgery
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Nick-End Labeling
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / radiotherapy
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / surgery*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / radiotherapy
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Treatment Outcome