Immunodeficiency-associated primary CNS lymphoma (ID-PCNSL) represents a clinicopathologically distinct PCNSL subtype, for which large studies and prognostic models are lacking. To address this gap, the International PCNSL Collaborative Group conducted an international retrospective multi-center study, integrating clinical, radiological, and pathological data from 308 ID-PCNSL, diagnosed at 23 participating sites in 7 countries. Pre-existing immunodeficiency included administration of immunosuppressants for transplantation (41.2%) or autoimmunity (36.7%), and HIV infection (21.7%). All tumors were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) detected in 79.2%. Immune reconstitution together with rituximab-methotrexate-(RM)-based chemotherapy was associated with highest response rates and prolonged progression-free survival, irrespective of immunodeficiency subtype and EBV status. Survival outcomes were highly variable with a 54-month median overall survival. Multivariable Cox regression identified age (per year increment HR: 1.05 (95%-CI:1.02-1.07); p < 0.001), Karnofsky Performance status (KPS) < 70 (HR: 3.10 (95%-CI:1.67-5.87); p 60 years, KPS < 70, EBV positivity). Stratification by this score yielded median survival times of 135, 29, and 3 months in patients with up to one, two and three unfavorable markers (p < 0.0001). It allowed improved prognostic stratification of ID-PCNSL as compared to the well-established MSKCC and IELSG models developed for immunocompetent PCNSL. Collectively, this large international cohort defines clinicobiologic features of ID-PCNSL and introduces an easily applicable prognostic system with potential to guide future management.

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Overview publication

TitleImmunodeficiency-associated primary CNS lymphomas: An International Primary CNS Lymphoma Collaborative Group (IPCG) Study.
DateMarch 17th, 2026
Issue nameBlood
Issue numberpubmed:41843467
DOI10.1182/blood.2025031869
PubMed41843467
AuthorsKaulen LD, Nayak L, Karschnia P, Kraai I, Galluzzo DR, de Groot FA, Witterholt M, Donovan L, Bhella S, Kuschel LP, Fox CP, Seidel S, Paterson J, Richter B, Dixit KS, Zeyen T, Alderuccio JP, Montoto S, Kuittinen O, Traub BL, Doubrovinskaia S, Rohdjess H, Mueller K, Enting R, de Bresser J, Kuitunen H, Iwamoto FM, Alencar AJ, Herrlinger U, Platten M, Cwynarski K, Mendez JS, Roth P, von Baumgarten L, Prica A, Bhagat G, Lurain K, Schiff D, Vermaat JS, Baehring J, Nijland M, Dietrich J, Batchelor TT & Wick W
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