michmouse
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My dad is 74 and has CNS Lymphoma. He had one dose of
Methotrexate and because he liver enzymes were elevated the next
Time he was supposed to receive chemo his oncologist would not
Give it to him. According to the GI doc, the liver enzyme elevation was
Caused by fluconazole, not methotrexate. Regardless, during this time of
Waiting his tumor grew and he lost his ability to walk. The doctor only offered him WBRT which we felt
we had to do since he was getting worse. My question is , can you receive chemotherapy
After WBRT? His doctor has told us that when the tumor starts to come back the only thing we can
do is set up hospice.
Forums
Reply # - September 6, 2013, 12:06 PM
Reply To: Chemo after WBRT
Primary CNS lymphoma is a very difficult cancer to diagnose, and the treatment is challenging and intensive. Despite this intensive chemotherapy treatment, often the lymphoma will return again. The high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy is unwieldy to give for most oncologists, and has a lot of side effects. Aside from radiation and intense chemotherapy, the options are limited. Dexamethasone can be helpful to control symptoms.
An infusion called Rituxan has recently been published to suggest some modest additional activity in primary CNS lymphoma, so trying that after whole brain radiation may be an option. Ultimately though, this type of lymphoma is a tough one, his situation is not unusual. Hope this helps.