Central nervous system relapse in a child with anaplastic large cell lymphoma: potential for new therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) relapse is rare in childhood anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and is associated with a poor prognosis. Case:We describe an 8-year-old boy with ALCL who developed an early CNS relapse without initial CNS disease. Despite aggressive medical management, the patient's neurological status deteriorated rapidly and he died shortly after. Conclusion:Optimal treatment for children with relapsed ALCL involving the CNS remains unclear. Novel agents, including ALK inhibitors, that have CNS-penetration might be helpful and pediatric studies are warranted.

Recurrence of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in the Frontal Lobe After Eleven Years of the Initial Diagnosis: Histopathological Findings and Prognosis

“…Involvement of the brain parenchyma in cases of ALK + ALCL is a rare event, with few reports of primary involvement 3 4 5 6 7 and even fewer of secondary involvement. 8 9 10 One study 11 analyzed the ALCL99 database, which comprises data on 618 patients with confirmed CNS biopsy between 1999 and 2017, involving 175 centers across 11 European countries and Japan. Central nervous system relapse was observed in 26 patients, 5 of whom had CNS disease at diagnosis.…”

Malignancy in disguise: ALK‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma with refractory hyperinflammation and CNS involvement

“…Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is rare and found in 5% of cases. 3,4 A 6-year-old female presented with 10 days of high fever that was unresponsive to pneumonia treatment and had difficulty breathing. She had had mild SARS-CoV-2 infection 7 months earlier.…”