Mature T-cell and NK-cell lymphoma involvement of the central nervous system: a single center experience

Abstract

Mature T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas (MTNKL) are rare and heterogeneous lymphoproliferative disorders with poor clinical outcomes despite novel therapeutic advances. Although infrequent, central nervous system (CNS) involvement by MTNKL is associated with poor outcomes with a median overall survival (OS) of <12 months based on retrospective studies. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who developed CNS involvement of MTNKL diagnosed at a single center from 1999 through 2020. Twenty-five patients were identified. Characteristics such as a diagnosis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, extranodal involvement, and poor performance status were associated with a higher risk of CNS involvement (p < 0.01). The median OS after diagnosis with CNS involvement was approximately 1 month (0.03–103.97 months). Patients exposed to novel therapeutics and/or clinical trial enrollment tolerated treatment without safety concerns and appeared to derive reasonable therapeutic benefit. Despite advances in the field, new therapeutic approaches are needed for patients with MTNKL with CNS involvement.

Keywords:

• Mature T-cell and NK-cell lymphoma
• central nervous system neoplasms
• retrospective studies
• outcomes research

Acknowledgments

A previous version of this study was presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Conference in December 2021. John Spivack performed the statistical analysis.

Authors’ contributions

JKL, HM, and OAO conceptualized, analyzed, and provided resources for the work. JKL and HM performed data curation and wrote the initial manuscript. All authors critically reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

HM: None. EM: Research Funding from Merck, Celgene/BMS, Astex Pharmaceuticals, Dren Bio, Myeloid Therapeutics; Consulting fees from Kyowa Kirin; Data Safety Monitoring Committee with Everest Clinical Research. OAO: Scientific Advisory Board of Kymera, Myeloid Therapeutics, Dren Bio; Research Support Astex, Merck, BMS. JKL: Honoria from Epizyme, TG Therapeutics.

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on request.

Additional information

Funding

HM received a Lymphoma Research Foundation Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentorship Program award (2022). OAO is an American Cancer Society Research Professor Award. JKL received an American Cancer Society Clinician Scientist Award (2020).