methotrexate + ifosfamide + cytarabine + thiotepa + liposomal cytarabine + carmustine + etoposide

This intensive multi-agent chemotherapy regimen, followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HD-ASCT), is specifically designed for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) relapse in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Developed and investigated by Charite University, Berlin, the protocol incorporates systemic agents known for their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier—including methotrexate, ifosfamide, cytarabine, thiotepa, carmustine, and etoposide—alongside intrathecal administration of liposomal cytarabine. The regimen aims to eradicate malignant cells within the CNS and systemic compartments, providing a potentially curative approach for a condition that is typically associated with a very poor prognosis and managed with palliative intent.

Other names

Combined systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy followed by HD-ASCTIntensive chemotherapy for CNS relapse of aggressive lymphoma