This study investigated the treatment of primary CNS lymphoma with methotrexate, temozolomide (TMZ), and rituximab, followed by hyperfractionated whole-brain radiotherapy (hWBRT) and subsequent TMZ. The primary phase I end point was the maximum tolerated dose of TMZ. The primary phase II end point was the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate. Secondary end points were preirradiation response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), neurologic toxicities, and quality of life.

The phase I study increased TMZ doses from 100 to 150 to 200 mg/m(2). Patients were treated with rituximab 375 mg/m(2) 3 days before cycle 1; methotrexate 3.5 g/m(2) with leucovorin on weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9; TMZ daily for 5 days on weeks 4 and 8; hWBRT 1.2 Gy twice-daily on weeks 11 to 13 (36 Gy); and TMZ 200 mg/m(2) daily for 5 days every 28 days on weeks 14 to 50.

Thirteen patients (one ineligible) were enrolled in phase I of the study. The maximum tolerated dose of TMZ was 100 mg/m(2). Dose-limiting toxicities were hepatic and renal. In phase II, 53 patients were treated. Median follow-up for living eligible patients was 3.6 years, and 2-year OS and PFS were 80.8% and 63.6%, respectively. Compared with historical controls from RTOG-9310, 2-year OS and PFS were significantly improved (P = .006 and .030, respectively). In phase II, the objective response rate was 85.7%. Among patients, 66% (35 of 53) had grade 3 and 4 toxicities before hWBRT, and 45% (24 of 53) of patients experienced grade 3 and 4 toxicities attributable to post-hWBRT chemotherapy. Cognitive function and quality of life improved or stabilized after hWBRT.

This regimen is safe, with the best 2-year OS and PFS achieved in any Radiation Therapy Oncology Group primary CNS lymphoma trial. Randomized trials that incorporate this regimen are needed to determine its efficacy compared with other strategies.