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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Minimally Invasive Cisterna Magna Injection Model for Leptomeningeal Metastasis Studies in Mice

Minimally Invasive Cisterna Magna Injection Model for Leptomeningeal Metastasis Studies in Mice

Published on: May 23, 2025

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 98109-1023, USA. chambemc@u.washington.edu

Seminars in Neurology

|June 26, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Leptomeningeal metastasis, a rare but serious complication, is diagnosed using advanced imaging and treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Novel therapies like targeted antibodies offer new hope for patients with specific cancers.

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Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

Area of Science:

Neuro-oncology
Medical imaging
Pharmacology

Background:

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) affects approximately 5% of cancer patients, representing a significant challenge in central nervous system (CNS) oncology.
It is the third most common metastatic complication affecting the CNS, necessitating specialized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the current diagnostic modalities for leptomeningeal metastasis.
To review established and emerging treatment strategies for leptomeningeal metastasis, including chemotherapy and novel targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

Diagnosis involves contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine, alongside radionuclide cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow studies.
Treatment strategies encompass involved-field radiotherapy, intra-CSF chemotherapy, and systemic therapies.

Main Results:

High-dose systemic therapy shows promise for breast cancer and lymphoma-related LM, potentially reducing the need for intra-CSF chemotherapy.
Established intra-CSF agents include methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside, and thiotepa.
Emerging intra-CSF therapies include targeted monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab (anti-CD20) and trastuzumab (anti-Her2/neu).

Conclusions:

Leptomeningeal metastasis treatment is primarily palliative, aiming to stabilize neurological function and prevent further deterioration.
Median survival remains limited (2-3 months), highlighting the need for improved therapeutic interventions.
Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in managing specific subtypes of leptomeningeal metastasis.