Phase II Trial of Hihg-Dose Thiotepa, Busulfan, Cyclophosphamide, and Rituximab With Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients With CNS Involvement by Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma or Primary CNS Lymphoma

Detailed Summary

Current standard treatments for lymphoma involving the central nervous system include chemotherapy or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). However, many patients do not respond to this treatment, and some of the patients who do respond relapse after treatment. Previous research has shown that a stem cell transplant of a patient's own cells (autologous stem cell transplant) may be more effective for some patients with lymphoma involving the CNS. In previous research using autologous stem cell transplants for lymphoma involving the CNS, a conditioning regimen consisting of the drugs thiotepa, busulfan and cyclophosphamide (TCE) was used. These drugs have been shown to enter the nervous system. In this research study, the investigators are adding the drug rituximab (Rituxan) to the drug cytarabine for the stem cell mobilization process. Cytarabine is a standard drug for mobilization. In addition, rituximab will be added to the conditioning regimen of thiotepa, busulfan and cyclophosphamide. Rituximab is approved by the FDA for the treatment of some types of lymphomas, but is not approved for use in lymphomas that involve the CNS. Rituximab is known to be able to enter the CNS. Previous research has suggested that it may help treat lymphoma that involves the CNS. The goal of this research study is to see if adding rituximab to the stem cell mobilization and conditioning regimens helps treat lymphoma that involves the central nervous system.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions