What happens when PCNSL spreads to the spinal fluid?
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation. Finding lymphoma cells in your spinal fluid means the cancer has spread to your central nervous system beyond the eyes. This is unfortunately common with primary CNS lymphoma - about 90 percent of people with Show Full Answer
What happens when PCNSL spreads to the spinal fluid?
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation. Finding lymphoma cells in your spinal fluid means the cancer has spread to your central nervous system beyond the eyes. This is unfortunately common with primary CNS lymphoma - about 90 percent of people with intraocular lymphoma develop CNS lymphoma within approximately two years.
The good news is that there are effective treatment options available. Since you've already had radiation to your eyes, your treatment team at Moffitt will likely focus on addressing the lymphoma in your spinal fluid.
Common treatment approaches include:
- High-dose chemotherapy, often starting with methotrexate
- Chemotherapy delivered directly into the spinal fluid to target the tumor cells where they are
- Possibly stem cell transplantation depending on your specific situation
The combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy has shown effectiveness for CNS lymphoma. Your medical team can deliver chemotherapy through your spinal fluid, which allows them to treat the tumor directly and may help reduce side effects.
It's important that your oncologist and other specialists work together on your treatment plan. Make sure to discuss all your options and any concerns at your upcoming appointment on the 29th.
April 19
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