Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lymphomas (primary and secondary) are rare tumors of the central nervous system. They can involve both the supratentorial areas and the posterior cranial fossa. Modern management of patients with suspected CNS lymphoma should include a stereotactic or navigation-guided biopsy and subsequently carrying out chemotherapy and, in rare cases, radiosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed our experience of the diagnosis and treatment of PCNSL. Our work included 32 patients with PCNSL. The study did not include patients with suspected CNS lymphoma, according to MRI data, in whom the diagnosis was not confirmed after biopsy. RESULTS: Thirty patients underwent biopsy (20 - navigation guided, 1 - open, 9 - “burr hole”) with preliminary intraoperative histological verification. Gross total resection was performed in 2 cases since, according to preoperative MRI data, it was assumed that the patient had glial tumors. Postoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of CNS lymphoma in all cases. Subsequently, after detailed histological and immunohistochemical studies, 30 patients underwent intra-arterial chemotherapy or high-dose chemotherapy according to NCCN protocols. Palliative treatment was recommended in 2 cases due to acute deterioration of patients. In our work, we would like to present a diagnostic algorithm and treatment regimens used in the management of our patients. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of CNS lymphomas, careful histological verification is required, which is possible if several key points are performed - discontinuation of dexamethasone at least 24 hours before the biopsy, MRI for intraoperative neuronavigation after discontinuation of dexamethasone, intraoperative preliminary histological verification. In our opinion, complete removal of the tumor is possible if there are no risks of developing a persistent neurological deficit. Various methods of opening the blood-brain barrier are currently used, which can significantly reduce the effective dosage of drugs and, accordingly, the side effects. Further research is needed to determine the dependence of the prognosis of the disease on the type of surgery (biopsy or resection).