Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in the CNS. This review will focus on the recent advances in the treatment of PCNSL. Combined methotrexate-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy is the standard treatment for PCNSL. A median overall survival of 40-60 months is obtained, however, neurotoxicity is a major problem. Preservation of cognitive function appears better after chemotherapy alone, therefore, there are increasing reports that radiotherapy is deferred after chemotherapy. At the moment, the findings of multicenter randomized trials should be awaited to clarify whether deferring radiotherapy in patients responding to chemotherapy allows them to maintain a better quality of life without increasing the risk of local recurrence. The well-designed, multicenter and randomized trials will elucidate the issues, such as best chemotherapy regimen, no brain irradiation in responder and second-line treatment.

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