Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the spinal cord

Study Design: Case report. Objective: To report a rare case of primary lymphoma of the spinal cord and to discuss therapeutic options. Summary of Background Data: Only few cases of primary spinal cord lymphomas are reported. Prognosis is often poor, and therapy is not yet established. Methods: A primary lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma of the thoracic cord in a 75-year-old woman was treated with focal radiotherapy (30 Gy) and three cycles of chemotherapy consisting of procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine. Results: Complete tumor response and partial recovery of neurologic symptoms were achieved. The patient was in complete remission at last follow-up (11 months after diagnosis). Conclusions: Primary spinal cord lymphomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord tumors, especially in older patients. Combination therapy with radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be superior to radiotherapy alone in these tumors. Rapid initiation of treatment is essential to achieve recovery of neurologic function.