OBJECTIVETo explore the curative efficacy of methotrexate(MTX) combined with rituxan for treating patients with primary central nervous system(CNS) lymphoma.

METHODSOne hundred patients with primary CNS lymphoma in our hospital were randomly divided into targeted treatment group(50 cases) and traditional treatment group (50 cases). Targeted treatment group adopted the therapy of high-dose methotrexate combined with rituxan, the traditional treatment group adopted the high-dose methotrexate combined with whole brain radiotherapy. The results of relevant imaging examination, clinical data, imaging, follow-up and the survival time were analysed and compared between these 2 groups.

RESULTSIn the targeted therapy group, there were 33 cases in CR, 9 cases were in stable condition, and 5 cases were in partial response, and 3 cases in the progressive stage. In the group of traditional treatment group, 29 cases reached complete remission, 5 cases were in stable condition, 11 cases were in partial response, and 5 cases were in the progressive stage. In the targeted treatment group and traditional treatment group, the median progression-free survival time was 28 and 11 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe first choice for treatment scheme of PCNSL is high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy combined with whole brain radiotherapy, that showed a certain curative effect, but the adverse reactions are larger, and a big late neuro toxic reaction may occur, while high-dose methotrexate combined PCNSL rituxan treatment shows high curative effect, less adverse reaction and low side effects. This treatment also has a more positive value for the elderly patients with PCNSL.