Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV-Related Primary Central Nervous System Lymphomas: A Prospective Study Analyzing the Efficacy and Safety.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been well established and considered a safe alternative for primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs). However, in HIV-related PCNSL, the use of SRS remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SRS in HIV-related PCNSL.

Methods: Forty-two adult patients with confirmed PCNSL and no previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy were selected, with 16 receiving Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) alone and 26 receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) before GKRS. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-treatment using clinical and imaging techniques. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v22, assessing for new lesions, changes in lesion size, progression-free survival, and overall survival.

Results: HAART/GKRS showed a significantly higher rate of complete response compared with the GKRS group, with 53.8% vs 18.8% (P = .048). The mean progression-free survival for the HAART/GKRS group and the GKRS group was 39.7 months and 31.2 months, respectively (P = .0051). Patients with a delayed HAART initiation (>6 months) exhibited an increased burden of T2 white matter lesions and a higher number of large lesions (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.44-2.42, P = .001). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding radionecrosis.

Conclusion: The study highlights the potential benefits of adding HAART to GKRS for patients with PCNSL, leading to improved survival outcomes. An early initiation of HAART was associated with less tumor progression, underscoring the importance of timely administration of HAART in patients with AIDS-related PCNSL.