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A Murine Ommaya Xenograft Model to Study Direct-Targeted Therapy of Leptomeningeal Disease
07:17

A Murine Ommaya Xenograft Model to Study Direct-Targeted Therapy of Leptomeningeal Disease

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[Neoplastic meningitis. Diagnosis and individualised therapy]

H Strik1, P Prömmel

  • 1Neurologische Klinik Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf Bultmann Strasse 8, Marburg. strik@med.uni-marburg.de

Der Nervenarzt
|February 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

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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