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Myelomatous meningitis

Marc C Chamberlain1, Michael Glantz

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA. ChambeMC@u.washington.edu

Cancer
|February 9, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Myelomatous meningitis (MM) is a rare complication of multiple myeloma. This study found MM to be a morbid entity with poor response to treatment and a low survival rate.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Nervous system complications in multiple myeloma (MM) include peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord compression.
  • Myelomatous meningitis (MM) is considered a rare complication of MM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical presentation of MM.
  • To define the treatment strategies for MM.
  • To evaluate the outcomes of MM patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case series of 14 patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-positive MM.
  • Treatment involved involved-field radiotherapy and intra-CSF chemotherapy.
  • Patients were treated at a tertiary care university medical center.

Main Results:

  • Six partial responses and 8 patients with progressive disease were observed.
  • The median duration of response was 2.5 months.
  • Causes of death included progressive neurologic disease, combined systemic and neurologic disease, and systemic disease progression.

Conclusions:

  • MM is a rare and morbid entity with a 6-month progression-free survival rate of 7%.
  • MM appears to have a similar treatment response rate as solid tumor carcinomatous meningitis.

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