Background
toxicities, PCNSL, comorbidity, DLBCL
LYMPHOMA, COMPLICATIONS, DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA
Median age at diagnosis is above 60 years in primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the central nervous system (PCNSL), a rare lymphoma confined to the cerebral parenchyma, leptomeninges, eyes or spinal cord [However, toxicities - mainly infectious complications which commonly occur in the 1st treatment cycle - remain major challenges in the treatment of PCNSL patients. In an international retrospective analysis investigating the MATRix regimen in routine clinical practice the 1st cycle of MATRix was associated with the most severe toxicities, with 6% of patients requiring admission to the intensive care unit in comparison to only 1 admission during cycle 2–4 of MATRix [Defining fitness for transplant in elderly PCNSL patients is very challenging because established assessment tools are missing. Geriatric assessments (GA) covering functional status, comorbidity, cognitive function, psychological state, social support and nutritional status have been recently incorporated into clinical trials for elderly systemic DLBCL patients [Randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to improve therapy options in this subgroup of elderly patients and define eligibility for age-adapted intensive treatment approaches [