Penpulimab combined with rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, and cytarabine (Pen-RMA) in newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL): a phase 2 trial - Summary - MDSpire

Penpulimab combined with rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, and cytarabine (Pen-RMA) in newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL): a phase 2 trial

  • By

  • Hao-Rui Shen

  • Jia-Zhu Wu

  • Hua Yin

  • Kai-Xin Du

  • Luthuli Sibusiso

  • Yi-Fan Wu

  • Wei Hua

  • Yue Li

  • Yi-Lin Kong

  • Xin-Yu Zhang

  • Rui Gao

  • Jian-Yong Li

  • Li Wang

  • Jin-Hua Liang

  • Wei Xu

  • February 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of penpulimab in combination with rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, and cytarabine in patients with newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

Key Findings:
  • The study demonstrated a high overall response rate (ORR) of 96.3%.
  • The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 57.2%, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 91.5%.
Interpretation:

The results suggest that the Pen-RMA regimen may provide a promising therapeutic option for patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL, potentially improving outcomes compared to traditional therapies.

Limitations:
  • The study is single-center and single-arm, which may limit generalizability.
  • Long-term follow-up data are still ongoing and not yet available.
Conclusion:

Penpulimab combined with rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, and cytarabine shows significant efficacy in treating newly diagnosed PCNSL, warranting further investigation in larger trials.

Original Source(s)

Penpulimab combined with rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, and cytarabine (Pen-RMA) in newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL): a phase 2 trial

  • by Hao-Rui Shen, Jia-Zhu Wu, Hua Yin, Kai-Xin Du, Luthuli Sibusiso, Yi-Fan Wu, Wei Hua, Yue Li, Yi-Lin Kong, Xin-Yu Zhang, Rui Gao, Jian-Yong Li, Li Wang, Jin-Hua Liang, Wei Xu

  • February 11, 2026

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