Review of rituximab in primary CNS lymphoma

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare intracranial tumor. Several treatment regimens exist, but there is no one established standard of care regimen. This article reviews the effects of the addition of rituximab to induction chemotherapy for PCNSL patients. The addition of rituximab in phase II trials seems to increase the overall response rates (ORR) of PCNSL patients, especially when they receive consolidation therapy after rituximab-based induction chemotherapy regimens. Upfront rituximab added to MBVP chemotherapy did not improve overall survival in PCNSL patients, but it may benefit specific subpopulations of PCNSL patients. This review highlights the potential benefit of rituximab as part of induction chemotherapy with consolidation treatment. •The addition of rituximab seems to increase the overall response rates of primary CNSL lymphoma (PCNSL) patients in phase II trials.•The primary benefit of rituximab in the treatment of PCNSL patients thus far is most evident in those treated with consolidation chemotherapy after rituximab-based induction chemotherapy regimens.•Younger PCNSL patients who are able to receive consolidation WBR along with systemic chemotherapy may additional benefit from the addition of rituximab.