ALLG NHL24: This phase III trial is evaluating the addition of Rituximab to MBVP chemotherapy in patients with primary central nervous system lymphomaRituximab in Primary Central Nervous system Lymphoma. A randomized Dutch/Belgian Hemato-Oncology Cooperative Group (HOVON) / Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG) intergroup study

Exclusion

1. Evidence of systemic lymphoma;
2. History of intolerance of exogenous protein administration;
3. Severe cardiac dysfunction (NYHA classification III-IV, , or Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction < 45%) Congestive heart failure or symptomatic coronary artery disease or cardiac arythmias not well controlled with medication ;
4. Severe pulmonary dysfunction (vital capacity or diffusion capacity < 50% of predicted value);
5. Significant hepatic dysfunction (bilirubin or transaminase greater or equal to 2.5 x upper normal limit) at Screening;
6. Significant renal dysfunction (serum creatinine greater than or equal to 150 micromol/l or clearance < 60 ml/min) at Screening;
7. Presence of third space fluid, such as pleural effusion or ascites;
8. Prior cranial radiotherapy;
9. Active uncontrolled infection;
10. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positivity;
11. Epstein barr virus (EBV) positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder;
12. Untreated hepatitis B infection (inclusion is possible if adequate antiviral medication e.g. lamivudine or alternative is started and continued for the duration of the trial);
13. Positive pregnancy test in women of reproductive potential;
14. Lactating women;
15. Unable or unwilling to use adequate contraceptive methods (all men, pre-menopausal women) until 12 months after last chemotherapy treatment;
16. Any psychological, familial, sociological or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule.