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Semin Neurol 2010; 30(3): 236-244
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255220
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Leptomeningeal Metastasis

Marc C. Chamberlain1
  • 1Department of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, Division of Neuro-Oncology, University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 June 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Leptomeningeal metastasis occurs in ~5% of all patients with cancer and is the third most common metastatic complication of the central nervous system. Staging of leptomeningeal metastasis includes contrast-enhanced brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow study. Treatment, when clinically indicated, often requires administration of involved-field radiotherapy to bulky or symptomatic disease sites as well as intra-CSF and systemic chemotherapy. The use of high-dose systemic therapy may benefit selected patients with breast- or lymphoma-related leptomeningeal metastasis and obviate the need for intra-CSF chemotherapy. Intra-CSF drug therapy primarily utilizes one of three chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside, and thiotepa) administered by a variety of schedules either by intralumbar or intraventricular drug delivery. Beginning to be utilized are novel intra-CSF agents, such as the targeted monoclonal antibodies rituximab (anti-CD20 for B-cell lymphoma-related leptomeningeal metastasis) and trastuzumab (anti-Her2/neu for breast cancer-related leptomeningeal metastasis). Although treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis is palliative with median patient survival of 2 to 3 months, treatment may afford stabilization and protection from further neurologic deterioration in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis.

KEYWORDS

Leptomeningeal metastases - intra-CSF chemotherapy

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Marc C ChamberlainM.D. 

Department of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, Division of Neuro-Oncology, University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

825 Eastlake Avenue E, POB 19023, MS G4940, Seattle, WA 98109-1023

Email: chambemc@u.washington.edu