Which CNS tumor has a potential treatment with stem cell transplant?

• A. Primary CNS Lymphoma
• B. Meningioma
• C. Schwannoma
• D. Astrocytoma

Answer: (A)

The concept here is using high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue as a consolidative treatment for a CNS lymphoma. Primary CNS lymphoma is a lymphoma that occurs in the brain, not a typical solid brain tumor, and it behaves more like systemic lymphoma in its sensitivity to chemotherapy. After induction chemotherapy with drugs like high-dose methotrexate, some patients—especially younger, fitter individuals who respond well—can benefit from autologous stem cell transplantation. The stem cells are collected before the very high-dose chemo, then reinfused to restore bone marrow function after the intense treatment. This approach aims to deepen the response and extend progression-free survival by allowing doses of chemotherapy that would otherwise be too toxic to the marrow.

The other tumors listed are solid CNS tumors (meningioma, schwannoma, astrocytoma) whose standard treatments are surgery and/or radiotherapy, with conventional chemotherapy; stem cell transplantation is not a typical or proven option for them.