Rituximab, Methotrexate, Procarbazine and Vincristine Followed by High-dose Chemotherapy With Autologous Stem-cell Rescue in Newly-diagnosed Primary CNS Lymphoma

Inclusion Criteria:

- All patients must have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the brain, as demonstrated by
CT or MRI and histologic confirmation by one of the following: A positive CSF cytology
for lymphoma or a monoclonal lymphocyte population as defined by cell surface markers.

A biopsy of the vitreous or uvea demonstrating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Brain biopsy.

- Patients must be HIV-1 negative.

- Patient must have left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50%.

- Patients must have no evidence of systemic lymphoma. This must be demonstrated by a CT
scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis prior to registration.

- Patients must have adequate bone marrow function (defined as peripheral leucocyte
count >3000 cells/mm3 and platelet count > 100,000 cells/mm3), liver function
(bilirubin < 2.0 mg%), and adequate renal function (serum creatinine < 1.5 mg/dl or
creatinine clearance > 50cc/min/1.73M2).

- Men and women of reproductive potential must agree to use an acceptable method of
birth control during treatment and for six months after completion of treatment.

- Patients must be between 18 and 72 years-old.

- Patients must sign an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Prior cranial irradiation

- Other active primary malignancy with the exception of basal cell carcinoma of the skin
and cervical carcinoma in situ.

- Pre-existing immunodeficiency such as renal transplant recipient.

- Prior treatment with chemotherapy for CNS lymphoma.