Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that are capable of priming anti-tumor immune responses, thus serving as attractive tools to generate tumor vaccines. In this multicentric randomized open-label phase II study, we investigated the efficacy of vaccination with tumor lysate-charged autologous DCs (Audencel) in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Patients aged 18 to 70 years with histologically proven primary GBM and resection of at least 70% were randomized 1:1 to standard of care (SOC) or SOC plus vaccination (weekly intranodal application in weeks seven to 10, followed by monthly intervals). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 12 months. Secondary endpoints were overall survival, safety, and toxicity. Seventy-six adult patients were analyzed in this study. Vaccinations were given for seven (3–20) months on average. No severe toxicity was attributable to vaccination. Seven patients showed flu-like symptoms, and six patients developed local skin reactions. Progression-free survival at 12 months did not differ significantly between the control and vaccine groups (28.4% versus 24.5%, p = 0.9975). Median overall survival was similar with 18.3 months (vaccine: 564 days, 95% CI: 436–671 versus control: 568 days, 95% CI: 349–680; p = 0.89, harzard ratio (HR) 0.99). Hence, in this trial, the clinical outcomes of patients with primary GBM could not be improved by the addition of Audencel to SOC.

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Background: Primary CNS lymphoma is a highly aggressive and rare type of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although, new therapeutic approaches have led to improved survival, the management of the disease poses a challenge, practice patterns vary across institutions and countries, and remain illdefined for vulnerable patient subgroups. Material and Methods: Using information from the Austrian Brain Tumor Registry we followed a population-based cohort of 189 patients newly diagnosed from 2005 to 2010 through various lines of treatment until death or last follow-up (12-31-2016). Prognostic factors and treatment-related data were integrated in a comprehensive survival analysis including conditional survival estimates. Results: We find variable patterns of first-line treatment with increasing use of rituximab and highdose methotrexate (HDMTX)-based poly-chemotherapy after 2007, paralleled by an increase in median overall survival restricted to patients aged below 70 years. In the entire cohort, 5-year overall survival was 24.4% while 5-year conditional survival increased with every year postdiagnosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, we show that the use of poly-chemotherapy and immunotherapy has disseminated to community practice to a fair extent and survival has increased over time at least in younger patients. Annually increasing conditional survival rates provide clinicians with an adequate and encouraging prognostic measure.