Rituximab is associated with improved survival for aggressive B cell CNS lymphoma

Abstract

BackgroundThe optimal treatment strategy in patients with aggressive B cell central nervous system lymphoma suitable to receive intensive therapy is unknown. The benefit of incorporating rituximab in systemic therapy remains unclear. We performed a retrospective study examining the impact of rituximab in the context of concomitant therapies, including methotrexate, cytarabine, and radiotherapy, in patients treated with curative intent at 4 university teaching hospitals during 1996-2011.MethodsA retrospective study of CNS lymphoma cases treated at the participating institutions was performed in accordance with institutional ethical guidelines. Patients were included if they received a diagnos..