Characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL)

2070 Background: The incidence of PCNSL is increasing and is highest in those ≥ 65 years of age. Systemic chemotherapy (CT) ± radiotherapy (RT) improves survival, but treatment related toxicity is greatest in this population. The optimal treatment has yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to characterize older patients with PCNSL at our institution and identify outcomes related to treatment. Methods: We identified patients ≥ 65 years of age treated for PCNSL from 1986 to 2008. Charts were reviewed for demographics, treatment details, tumor progression, and survival. Approval for this study was obtained from the IRB at MSKCC. Results: 174 patients were identified with a median age of 72 years (range: 65–89). 60% of patients had a stereotactic biopsy for diagnosis; 93% had a histologic or cytologic diagnosis. 14 patients had evidence of systemic involvement with detailed staging evaluation. 82% of patients received a high-dose methotrexate (3.5g/m2) regimen, only 13% did not receive CT. Among the ...