Closed early due to slow accrual.

This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-dose rituximab combined with temozolomide in the treatment of patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphomas (PCNSL). This novel combination will be evaluated in PCNSL patients who are 60 years of age or older, or in patients 18 years or older who refuse methotrexate-based treatment.

This is a Phase II, multi-centered, single-arm study. A brief patient lead-in portion will be included to assess safety and feasibility. The first six patients enrolled will be monitored weekly for safety during two treatment cycles (4 weeks) for adverse events to assure there are no unexpected or prohibitive toxicities. If safety signals emerge from this group of patients, the protocol may be discontinued or modified.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologically confirmed CD20 positive primary B-cell CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) confirmed by one of the following:

   • Brain biopsy or resection;
   • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology for lymphoma or monoclonal lymphocyte population as defined by cell surface markers.

2. No evidence of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

3. Male or female, and:

   • 60 years of age or older, or
   • 18 years of age or older and decline methotrexate-based treatment.

4. Measurable contrast-enhancing disease by MRI of brain and or spine (with gadolinium contrast).

5. ECOG PS equals 2 or less.

6. No more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens.

7. Adequate hematologic, renal, and hepatic function.

8. Ability to swallow oral medications.

9. Female patients who are not of childbearing potential, and female patients of childbearing potential who agree to use adequate contraceptive measures, who are not breastfeeding, and who have a negative serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to start of treatment.

10. Male patients willing to use adequate contraceptive measures.

11. Life expectancy 8 weeks or greater.

12. HIV negative.

13. Archival tumor block (or 20 unstained slides) for biomarker testing. Patients without archived tumor block material will be allowed to participate in the study.

14. Willingness and ability to comply with study and followup procedures.

15. Ability to understand the nature of this study and give written informed consent.

16. Bone marrow biopsy must be negative for lymphoma.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous treatment with rituximab or other monoclonal antibodies, or temozolomide.
2. Prior bone marrow or organ transplantation.
3. Chemotherapy or investigational drug therapy for cancer up to 21 days prior to day-1 of study.
4. T-cell primary CNS lymphoma.
5. Known hypersensitivity to dacarbazine (DTIC).
6. Active, clinically serious infection greater than CTCAE grade 2. Patients may be eligible upon resolution of the infection.
7. Positive test results for chronic hepatitis BsAg infection.
8. Chronic treatment with steroids or other immunosuppressive agents for medical conditions other than cancer. Patients who require steroids for treatment of tumor-associated cerebral edema are eligible.
9. History of other malignancy up to 5 years prior to study entry which could affect compliance with the protocol or interpretation of results. History of curatively treated basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or in situ carcinoma of the cervix, low grade, early stage, localized prostate cancer treated surgically with curative intent, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast treated with lumpectomy alone with curative intent, are generally eligible.
10. History of unstable or newly diagnosed angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction (within 6 months of enrollment), New York Heart Association Classification III or IV.
11. Vaccination with a live-virus vaccine up to 4 weeks prior to onset of study treatment.
12. Impairment of gastrointestinal (GI) function or GI disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, may significantly alter the absorption of study drug (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative disease, uncontrolled vomiting, diarrhea, or malabsorption syndrome).
13. Significant, concurrent, uncontrolled medical condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with patient participation in the study.
14. Pregnant or lactating female.

The sponsor can review/embargo results communications prior to public release for a period that is >60 days but ≤180 days from date submitted to sponsor, who may require changes to the communication in order to remove specifically identified confidential information (other than study data) and/or delay the proposed publication to enable the sponsor to seek patent protection for inventions. The PI may not publish its results until 18 mos. after the trial has been completed at all sites.