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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
07:17
A Murine Ommaya Xenograft Model to Study Direct-Targeted Therapy of Leptomeningeal Disease
Published on: January 29, 2021
[Neoplastic meningitis. Diagnosis and individualised therapy]
1Neurologische Klinik Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf Bultmann Strasse 8, Marburg. strik@med.uni-marburg.de
Der Nervenarzt
|February 9, 2010
Summary
Neoplastic meningitis, a cancer spread to the brain or spinal cord fluid, affects 5-10% of cancer patients. Treatment involves individualized chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy for specific symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Oncology
- Neurology
Context:
- Neoplastic meningitis involves tumor cell dissemination in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and leptomeninges.
- It complicates approximately 5-10% of malignant diseases, frequently associated with breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and B-cell lymphoma.
- Clinical presentation includes headache, back pain, cranial nerve palsies, and psychiatric disturbances.
Purpose:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of neoplastic meningitis, including its incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.
- To highlight the importance of individualized treatment plans for patients with neoplastic meningitis.
- To discuss the role of various treatment modalities such as intrathecal chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy.
Summary:
- Neoplastic meningitis is characterized by tumor cell spread within the CSF spaces, often visualized as nodular leptomeningeal enhancement on MRI.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on optimal CSF sampling and cytology.
- Treatment strategies are tailored to the individual patient and may include intrathecal chemotherapy (e.g., methotrexate, Ara-C), radiotherapy for focal lesions, and systemic chemotherapy.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of neoplastic meningitis diagnosis and management.
- Guidance for clinicians in developing individualized treatment strategies for patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
- Potential for enhanced patient outcomes through optimized therapeutic interventions.
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