Ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus caused by central nervous system metastasis

Comparative analysis of the lumboperitoneal shunt versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt for leptomeningeal metastasis-associated hydrocephalus in non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM)-associated hydrocephalus is a rare but severe complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The spread of malignant cells to the leptomeninges obstructs cerebrospinal fluid flow and increases intracranial pressure (ICP). This study compared the outcomes of lumboperitoneal (LP) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgeries in managing LM-associated hydrocephalus, focusing on symptom-free periods (SFPs) and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 NSCLC patients with LM-associated hydrocephalus who underwent shunt surgery between 2017 and 2024. Patients were classified into LP (n = 23) and VP (n = 20) groups. Clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and survival rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. Karnofsky performance status (KPS), increased intracranial pressure (IICP) symptoms, and postoperative epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment were evaluated for prognostic significance.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between VP and LP shunt surgeries regarding SFP (VP: 5.02 ± 1.29 months, LP: 7.50 ± 2.86 months, p = 0.906) or OS (VP: 8.43 ± 1.89 months, LP: 9.62 ± 3.20 months, p = 0.820). High preoperative KPS, absence of ICP symptoms, and postoperative EGFR-TKI treatment were significantly associated with improved SFP and OS (p < 0.05). LP shunt surgery had shorter anesthesia and fewer complications compared to VP shunt surgery, representing a viable option for patients unsuitable for general anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

LP and VP shunt surgeries are equally effective for patients with LM-associated hydrocephalus in NSCLC. LP shunt surgery under local anesthesia could be recommended for its safety and patient acceptability. Favorable prognostic factors, including high KPS, absence of ICP, and postoperative EGFR-TKI treatment, should guide individualized treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Improved Survival and Symptom Relief Following Palliative Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion for Leptomeningeal Disease from Brain Cancers: A Case Series and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) from cancer indicates advanced cancer and can lead to obstructive hydrocephalus, for which palliative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion may be indicated to alleviate symptoms. We investigated surgical outcomes for hydrocephalus for adult patients with LMD and conducted a systematic review on pediatric and adult cases.

METHODS

We analyzed outcomes from a 10-year period of patients with neoplastic LMD, obstructive hydrocephalus, and documented date of death. We also searched databases from inception until 20 August 2022, using search terms including 'cancer', 'hydrocephalus', and 'shunt'. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

Among 50 patients, 30 (60%) underwent CSF diversion after LMD diagnosis with comparable median age in both the surgery (58.4 ± 14.4 years) and non-surgery (57.8 ± 14.5 years) groups. Twenty-three patients (76.7%) achieved symptom relief. The surgery group lived longer after LMD diagnosis than the non-surgery group (6.6 ± 6.0 vs. 1.3 ± 4.3 months, p < 0.001) and had a higher likelihood of survival (hazard ratio 2.49, 95% confidence interval 1.37-4.52, p = 0.002). Median survival after surgery was 2.8 ± 3.8 months. From 23 articles, 995 patients (34.3%) presented with LMD. Complication rates were 0-37.7% with no extraneural metastases. Symptom relief rates were 50-100%. Three studies reported median survival after surgery (2-3.3 months).

CONCLUSIONS

A rare entity with dismal prognosis, LMD can present as symptomatic hydrocephalus in patients with cancer. Symptom relief and improved survival can be achieved with palliative CSF diversion with low complication rates. Prospective studies are needed to assess the outcomes and needs of these patients.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Hydrocephalus in Adult Patients With Brain Metastases

BACKGROUND

Patients with brain metastases and concurrent hydrocephalus warrant expedited treatment. This study evaluated survival outcomes of patients with brain metastases and hydrocephalus treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement.  Materials and methods: Twenty patients with brain metastases and hydrocephalus were treated with ETV or VPS over 10 years (July 18, 2013-November 20, 2023). Our findings were juxtaposed against data from 77 published controls to assess whether ETV and VPS management correlated with enhanced survival.  Results: The most common primary cancer diagnoses were breast (9 [45%]) and non-small cell lung cancer (5 [25%]). Seven (35%) patients had leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. The initial procedure to treat hydrocephalus was a VPS in 13 (65%) patients; seven (35%) had an ETV first. Patients with a single brain metastatic lesion had a longer median overall survival (OS) than those with more than one metastatic site (154.5 versus 67.0 days). Our cohort had a similar median OS following the ETV/VPS procedure compared to published data (92.5 versus 91 days). In both ETV and VPS subsets, our cohort had a longer median OS than published data: 106 versus 56 days for ETV and 79 versus 56 days for VPS.  Conclusions: Patients with brain metastases and hydrocephalus who underwent an ETV or VPS placement had improved survival compared to historical controls and if they had only one metastatic lesion. Interdisciplinary evaluation of patients with brain metastases by neurosurgeons as well as medical and radiation oncologists is warranted to facilitate systemic therapy after hydrocephalus relief.

Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Caring for People with Leptomeningeal Disease

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD), spread of cancer to the lining of the brain and its protective coverings, is a feared complication of many different types of cancer. LMD negatively affects prognosis across tumor types. Palliative care (PC) clinicians caring for patients with advanced cancer may be faced with discussing limited prognosis, assisting with symptom management, and helping with medical decision making for patients with LMD. An understanding of pathophysiology, symptomatology, prognosis, and treatment options is essential in providing optimal care. This article, written by clinicians who work across the cancer spectrum, uses an accessible "ten tips" format to help increase PC providers' confidence and competence around caring for people with LMD.

Significance and Priority of Surgical Resection as Therapeutic Strategy Based on Clinical Characteristics of Brain Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To clarify a rational surgical priority, clinical characteristics were compared between brain metastases (BM) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and other cancers.

METHODS

We reviewed 425 consecutive patients with BM who underwent treatments including surgery between January 2014 and December 2022. Primary cancers included lung (n = 220), breast (n = 46), digestive (n = 65), RCC (n = 25), and others (n = 69). Tumor volume (T), edema volume (E), and edema volume/tumor volume ratio (E/T ratio) were compared between RCC and other primary cancers. Cutoff T values for identifying both symptomatic tumors and tumors suitable for surgery were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Factors including E/T ratio, age, Karnofsky Performance Scale score, and tumor characteristics were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Cutoff values of T and E to determine surgical suitability were 4.973 cm3 (sensitivity, 0.848; specificity, 0.74) and 23.088 cm3 (sensitivity, 0.894; specificity, 0.623), respectively. E/T ratio was significantly higher for RCC than for other cancers (P < 0.01). These results remained consistent after propensity score matching. RCC tended to show a significantly lower frequency of posterior fossa tumor (16%, P < 0.01) and higher rates of single lesions (72%, P = 0.03) and intratumoral hemorrhage (24%, P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis limited to surgical cases showed that E was consistent across tumors, T tended to be smaller, and E/T ratio was significantly higher in RCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Generally, symptomatic BM were indicated for surgery. BM from RCC were characteristically single, low-volume lesions with expanding edema and intratumoral hemorrhage, causing symptoms. These results suggest that surgery should be a high priority for BM from RCC.

Hydrocephalus following Brain Tumor Surgery: Factors Correlating with Occurrence of Postoperative Hydrocephalus and Predictive Scoring Model

Hydrocephalus following brain tumor surgery is found, although cause of hydrocephalus is optimally eradicated. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with development of postoperative hydrocephalus that requires shunt procedure and generate predictive scoring model of this condition. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, treatment, laboratory, complication, and postoperative data were collected. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate final model for generating predictive scoring system of postoperative hydrocephalus. A total of 179 patients undergoing brain tumor surgery were included. Forty-five (25.1%) patients had postoperative hydrocephalus that required shunt surgery. In univariate analysis, several factors were found to be associated with postoperative hydrocephalus. Strong predictors of postoperative hydrocephalus revealed in multivariate analysis included tumor recurrence before surgery (odds ratio [OR], 4.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-14.98; p  = 0.018), preoperative hydrocephalus (OR, 6.52; 95% CI, 2.44-17.46; p  < 0.001), glial tumor (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.14-12.43; p  = 0.030), metastasis (OR, 5.19; 95% CI, 1.72-15.69; p  = 0.004), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 7.08; 95% CI, 1.80-27.82; p  = 0.005), and residual tumor volume (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09; p  = 0.007). A cutoff predictive score with the best area under curve and optimum cutoff point was utilized for discriminating patients with high risk from individuals with low risk in occurrence of postoperative hydrocephalus. This study reported predictive factors strongly associated with development of postoperative hydrocephalus. Predictive scoring system is useful for identifying patients with an increased risk of postoperative hydrocephalus. Patients classified in the high-risk group require closed surveillance of the hydrocephalus.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting with an on-off valve for patients with leptomeningeal metastases and intracranial hypertension

Background

We report our experience with using a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) with an on-off valve and in-line Ommaya reservoir for the treatment of hydrocephalus or intracranial hypertension in patients with leptomeningeal disease (LMD). Our goal was to determine whether control of intracranial pressure elevation combined with intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy would extend patient survival.

Methods

In this IRB-approved retrospective study, we reviewed 58 cases of adult patients with LMD from solid cancers who received a VPS with a reservoir and an on-off valve at M D Anderson Cancer Center from November 1996 through December 2021. Primary tumors were most often melanoma (n = 19) or breast carcinoma (n = 20). Hydrocephalus was diagnosed by clinical symptoms and findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and LMD by MRI or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Differences in overall survival (OS) were assessed with standard statistical techniques.

Results

Patients who received a VPS and more than 3 IT chemotherapy sessions survived longer (n = 26; OS time from implantation 11.7 ± 3.6 months) than those who received an occludable shunt but no IT chemotherapy (n = 24; OS time from implantation 2.8 ± 0.7 months, P < .018). Peritoneal seeding appeared after shunt insertion in only two patients (3%).

Conclusions

This is the largest series reported to date of patients with LMD who had had shunts with on-off valves placed to relieve symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Use of IT chemotherapy and control of hydrocephalus via such shunts was associated with improved survival.

Choroid plexus mast cells drive tumor-associated hydrocephalus

Tumor-associated hydrocephalus (TAH) is a common and lethal complication of brain metastases. Although other factors beyond mechanical obstructions have been suggested, the exact mechanisms are unknown. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, we find that a distinct population of mast cells locate in the choroid plexus and dramatically increase during TAH. Genetic fate tracing and intracranial mast-cell-specific tryptase knockout showed that choroid plexus mast cells (CPMCs) disrupt cilia of choroid plexus epithelia via the tryptase-PAR2-FoxJ1 pathway and consequently increase cerebrospinal fluid production. Mast cells are also found in the human choroid plexus. Levels of tryptase in cerebrospinal fluid are closely associated with clinical severity of TAH. BMS-262084, an inhibitor of tryptase, can cross the blood-brain barrier, inhibit TAH in vivo, and alleviate mast-cell-induced damage of epithelial cilia in a human pluripotent stem-cell-derived choroid plexus organoid model. Collectively, we uncover the function of CPMCs and provide an attractive therapy for TAH.

New strategies for the treatment of breast cancer with leptomeningeal metastasis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Leptomeningeal metastasis is a complication of metastatic breast cancer that has a rising incidence likely due to the increased availability of novel systemic therapies, which have improved survival with better extracranial disease control but with limited intracranial efficacy. A poor prognosis of less than 6 months has historically been associated with leptomeningeal metastasis and it is often an exclusion factor for enrollment in clinical trials. There are limited evidence-based data supporting use of therapeutics in leptomeningeal metastasis patients and recommendations are largely derived from retrospective reports and small prospective studies. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in effective modern therapeutics with promising intracranial activity.

RECENT FINDINGS

The study aims to review the most recent updates in the management of leptomeningeal metastasis in breast cancer. We discuss the effectiveness and limitations of intrathecal administration, predictive biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid, proton radiation therapy and promising new systemic therapies such as antibody drug conjugates.

SUMMARY

Ongoing development of clinical trials that allow inclusion of leptomeningeal metastasis are essential for establishing efficacy potential and discovering new treatment options in this population of great unmet need.

An integrative survival analysis and a systematic review of the cerebellopontine angle glioblastomas

Glioblastomas presenting topographically at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are exceedingly rare. Given the specific anatomical considerations and their rarity, overall survival (OS) and management are not discussed in detail. The authors performed an integrative survival analysis of CPA glioblastomas. A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed per PRISMA guidelines. Patient data including demographics, clinical features, neuroimaging, management, follow-up, and OS were extracted. The mean age was 39 ± 26.2 years. The mean OS was 8.9 months. Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and univariate Cox proportional-hazards model identified hydrocephalus (log-rank, p = 0.034; HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.12-0.94; p = 0.038), chemotherapy (log-rank, p < 0.005; HR 5.66; 95% CI 1.53-20.88; p = 0.009), and radiotherapy (log-rank, p < 0.0001; HR 12.01; 95% CI 3.44-41.89; p < 0.001) as factors influencing OS. Hydrocephalus (HR 3.57; 95% CI 1.07-11.1; p = 0.038) and no adjuvant radiotherapy (HR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02-0.59; p < 0.01) remained prognostic on multivariable analysis with fourfold and twofold higher risk for the time-related onset of death, respectively. This should be considered when assessing the risk-to-benefit ratio for patients undergoing surgery for CPA glioblastoma.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intraventricular Metastases: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Intraventricular metastases (IVMs) are uncommon, and their optimal management remains debatable.

OBJECTIVE

To define the safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the treatment of IVMs.

METHODS

This retrospective, multicenter study included patients managed with SRS for IVMs. SRS-induced adverse events, local tumor or intracranial progression, and the frequency of new-onset hydrocephalus or leptomeningeal spread were documented. Analyses of variables related to patient neuroimaging or clinical outcomes were also performed.

RESULTS

The cohort included 160 patients from 11 centers who underwent SRS for treatment of 1045 intracranial metastases, of which 196 were IVMs. The median survival from SRS was 10 months. Of the 154 patients and 190 IVMs with imaging follow-up, 94 patients (61%) experienced distant intracranial disease progression and 16 IVMs (8.4%) progressed locally. The 12- and 24-month local IVM control rates were 91.4% and 86.1%, respectively. Sixteen (10%) and 27 (17.5%) patients developed hydrocephalus and leptomeningeal dissemination post-SRS, respectively. Adverse radiation effects were documented in 24 patients (15%). Eleven patients (6.9%) died because of intracranial disease progression.

CONCLUSION

SRS is an effective treatment option for IVMs, with a local IVM control rate comparable with SRS for parenchymal brain metastases. Leptomeningeal spread and hydrocephalus in patients with IVM occur in a minority of patients, but these patients warrant careful follow-up to detect these changes.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Neoplastic Meningitis

Central nervous system (CNS) metastasis from systemic cancers can involve the brain parenchyma, leptomeninges, or the dura. Neoplastic meningitis (NM), also known by different terms, including leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and carcinomatous meningitis, occurs due to solid tumors and hematologic malignancies and is associated with a poor prognosis. The current management paradigm entails a multimodal approach focused on palliation with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which may be administered systemically or directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This review focuses on novel therapeutic approaches, including targeted and immunotherapeutic agents under investigation, that have shown promise in NM arising from solid tumors.

Total hip arthroplasty for an intracapsular femoral neck fracture of high-femoral amputee

Femoral neck fractures in transfemoral amputees are not common and management is associated with surgical technique and post-operative rehabilitation challenges. A 61-year-old Caucasian, male, above-knee amputee (following mangled extremity trauma 8 months before) who mobilized with a prosthesis presented to the emergency department with a right femoral neck fracture (Garden III). The patient underwent cementless total hip replacement (THR), using the lateral (Hardinge’s) approach. No additional instrument was used to manipulate the residual femoral stump. The absence of the distal limb required careful preparation of the femoral canal, taking into consideration the position of the lesser trochanter, in order to appropriately align the femoral prosthesis regarding anteversion. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Six months later, the patient was ambulating using his prothesis and had almost returned to his pre-injury activity status. Satisfactory results can be obtained after THR in trans-femoral amputees.

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer: a case report of a rare yet aggressive entity

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) is exceedingly rare in gastric cancer. It is most commonly seen in breast, lung cancer and melanoma, and is associated with an extremely poor prognosis. If untreated, median overall survival is four to six weeks. No standard treatment for LMC exists and published data are scarce. We present two cases of gastric carcinoma diagnosed with LMC that exemplify how aggressive this condition is and how short the time lapse is to perform any targeted therapy. This report aims to raise awareness of this rare metastatic possibility in gastric cancer and its diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Malignant Meningitis Associated with Hydrocephalus

Malignant meningitis (MM) is the diffuse involvement of the leptomeninges by infiltrating cancer cells, most frequently from lung and breast cancers. This review is aimed to discuss the current advances in the diagnosis and management of MM, along with management of MM-associated hydrocephalus. We reviewed the literature using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines, focusing on various recent randomized controlled trials and clinical trials on MM. Given the hallmark multifocal involvement, the clinical symptoms and signs are also random and asymmetric. There are three important pillars for establishing a diagnosis of MM: clinical examination, neuroimaging, and CSF cytological findings. Several factors should be considered in decision-making, including performance status, neurological findings (clinical, MRI, and CSF flow dynamic), and evaluation of the primary tumor (nature and systemic dissemination). Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) working group recommended the objective assessment of disease for evaluating the progression and response to therapy. Pillars of current management are mainly focal irradiation and intrathecal or systemic chemotherapy. Symptomatic hydrocephalus is managed with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, lumboperitoneal shunt, or endoscopic third ventriculostomy as palliative procedures, providing significant improvement in performance scores in the limited survival time of patients with MM. Studies using novel therapeutic approaches, such as new biological or cytotoxic compounds, are ongoing. Despite the use of all the combinations, the overall prognosis remains grim; therefore, decision-making for treatment should predominantly be based on attaining an optimal quality of life.

The evolving role of neurosurgery for central nervous system metastases in the era of personalized cancer therapy

Recent therapeutic advances involving the use of systemic targeted treatments and immunotherapeutic agents in patients with advanced cancers have translated into improved survival rates. Despite the emergence of such promising pharmacological therapies and extended survival, the frequency of metastases in the central nervous system has steadily increased. Effective medical and surgical therapies are available for many patients with brain metastases and need to be incorporated into multi-disciplinary care protocols. The role of neurosurgeons is evolving within these multi-disciplinary care teams. Surgical resection of brain metastases can provide immediate relief from neurological symptoms due to large lesions and provides the histopathological diagnosis in cases of no known primary malignancy. In situations where immunotherapy is part of the oncological treatment plan, surgery may be proposed for expeditious relief of edema to remove the need for steroids. In patients with multiple brain metastases and mixed response to therapeutics or radiosurgery, tumour resampling allows tissue analysis for druggable targets or to distinguish radiation effects from progression. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting may improve quality of life in patients with hydrocephalus associated with leptomeningeal tumour dissemination and may allow for time to administer more therapy thus prolonging overall survival. Addressing the limited efficacy of many oncological drugs for brain metastases due to insufficient blood-brain barrier penetrance, clinical trial protocols in which surgical specimens are analysed after pre-surgical administration of therapeutics offer pharmacodynamic insights. Comprehensive neurosurgical assessment remains an integral element of multi-disciplinary oncological care of patients with brain metastases and is integral to tumour biology research and therapeutic advancement.

Cerebrospinal fluid diversion for leptomeningeal metastasis: palliative, procedural and oncologic outcomes

BACKGROUND

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) occurs in 3-5% of patients with solid metastatic tumors and often portends a severe prognosis including symptomatic hydrocephalus and intracranial hypertension. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting can provide symptomatic relief in this patient subset; however, few studies have examined the role of shunting in the palliation, prognosis and overall oncologic care of these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and evaluate risk factors associated with prognosis after CSF diversion and assess surgical, symptomatic and oncologic outcomes in this population.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with solid-malignancy LM treated with a shunt at a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center between 2010 and 2019.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety patients with metastatic LM underwent CSF diversion. Overall survival was 4.14 months from LM diagnosis (95% CI: 3.29-4.70) and 2.43 months (95% CI: 2.01-3.09) from shunting. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) at time of shunting and brain metastases (BrM) number at LM diagnosis demonstrated significant associations with survival (HR = 0.66; 95% CI [0.51-0.86], p = 0.002; HR = 1.40; 95% CI [1.01-1.93] per 10 BrM, p = 0.04, respectively). Eighty-three percent of patients experienced symptomatic relief, and 79% were discharged home or to rehabilitation facilities post-shunting. Post-shunt, 56% of patients received additional systemic therapy or started or completed WBRT. Complications included infection (5%), symptomatic subdural hygroma/hematoma (6.3%), and shunt externalization/removal/repair (8%). Abdominal seeding was not identified.

CONCLUSIONS

CSF diversion for LM with hydrocephalus and intracranial hypertension secondary to metastasis can achieve symptomatic relief, hospital discharge, and return to further oncologic therapy, with a complication profile unique to this pathophysiology. However, decision-making in this population must incorporate end-of-life goals of care given limited prognosis.

Characteristics and management of hydrocephalus in adult patients with cerebellar glioblastoma: lessons from a French nationwide series of 118 cases

The characteristics of hydrocephalus associated with cerebellar glioblastoma (cGB) remain poorly known. The objectives were to describe the occurence of hydrocephalus in a French nationwide series of adult patients with cGB, to identify the characteristics associated with hydrocephalus and to analyze the outcomes associated with the different surgical strategies, in order to propose practical guidelines. Consecutive cases of adult cGB patients prospectively recorded into the French Brain Tumor Database between 2003 and 2017 were screened. Diagnosis was confirmed by a centralized neuropathological review. Among 118 patients with cGB (mean age 55.9 years), 49 patients (41.5%) presented with pre-operative hydrocephalus. Thirteen patients (11.0%) developed acute (n=7) or delayed (n=6) hydrocephalus postoperatively. Compared to patients without hydrocephalus at admission, patients with hydrocephalus were younger (52.0 years vs 58.6 years, p=0.03) and underwent more frequently tumor resection (93.9% vs 73.9%, p=0.006). A total of 40 cerebrospinal-fluid diversion procedures were performed, including 18 endoscopic third ventriculostomies, 12 ventriculoperitoneal shunts and 10 external ventricular drains. The different cerebrospinal-fluid diversion options had comparable functional results and complication rates. Among the 89 patients surgically managed for cGB without prior cerebrospinal-fluid diversion, 7 (7.9%) were long-term shunt-dependant. Hydrocephalus is frequent in patients with cGB and has to be carefully managed in order not to interfere with adjuvant oncological treatments. In case of symptomatic hydrocephalus, a cerebrospinal-fluid diversion is mandatory, especially if surgical resection is not feasible. In case of asymptomatic hydrocephalus, a cerebrospinal-fluid diversion has to be discussed only if surgical resection is not feasible.

Effective Treatment With Afatinib of Lung Adenocarcinoma With Leptomeningeal Metastasis Harboring the Exon 18 p.G719A Mutation in the EGFR Gene Was Detected in Cerebrospinal Fluid: A Case Report

Background: In patients with lung adenocarcinoma and leptomeningeal metastases, it remains unknown whether non-classical mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and how it may be used to design directed therapy.

Methods: On April 18, 2018, the Interventional Department of Tianjin Huanhu Hospital admitted a 34-years-old male patient with lung adenocarcinoma and leptomeningeal metastasis. An emergency lateral ventriculoperitoneal shunt was performed to relieve the clinical symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the CFS specimens revealed a mutation in EGFR exon 18 p.G719A, and afatinib was administered. Follow-up showed significantly relieved headache, with significantly reduced soft leptomeningeal abnormal enhancement as revealed by enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and significantly smaller tumors in the left lung by chest computed tomography. Carcinoembryonic antigens (CEAs) in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood were significantly reduced. The patient responded well to afatinib, with mild adverse complications. The patient died on October 27, 2019 from respiratory failure as a result of lung infection unrelated to cancer progression. The overall survival (OS) using afatinib was 530 days.

Conclusion: CSF can be used as a liquid biopsy for NGS gene detection in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and leptomeningeal metastases. Afatinib exhibits a beneficial effect in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and leptomeningeal metastases harboring the EGFR exon 18 p.G719A mutation.

Multiple myeloma with intracranial and spinal intradural metastasis: A case report

Multiple myeloma is a hematopoietic cancer that is multicentric and most commonly involves the spine. Multiple myeloma with extraosseous and intradural involvement is an extremely rare condition. Here we present a rare case of spinal multiple myeloma with intracranial and spinal intradural metastasis causing lumbar spinal nerve compression. We present a 60-year-old woman with progressive weakness of the lower limbs for several weeks. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a leptomeningeal tumor with nodularity spreading within the cauda equina. Examination of the brain using MRI showed a lytic skull bone lesion and leptomeningeal enhancement. The patient underwent L3-5 laminectomy. Immunohistological staining confirmed a diagnosis of multiple myeloma of the IgA kappa subtype. After surgery, the patient underwent chemotherapy and rehabilitation exercises. Multiple myeloma has a median survival of 2.5 years, while 75% of patients with spinal involvement die within 1 year of diagnosis. Unfortunately, our patient died 3 months after the diagnosis of multiple myeloma with spinal and intracranial involvement. Intracranial and spinal intradural multiple myeloma invasions are quitely rare. Spine biopsies and cerebrospinal fluid cytology can aid in the diagnosis. Early surgical decompression is necessary, especially when neurological deficits occur.

Clinical outcome of cerebrospinal fluid shunts in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis

Background

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) is frequently associated with hydrocephalus, which quickly devastates the performance of the patient. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt is a widely accepted treatment of choice, but the clinical outcomes in patients with LMC are not well studied. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a CSF shunt in patients with LMC.

Methods

Seventy patients with LMC confirmed by cytology or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) underwent ventriculoperitoneal (VP) or lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt surgery. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients, symptom improvement after the shunt, rate of complications associated with the surgery, and overall survival.

Results

Fifty-five patients had systemic cancer as a preceding disease, including lung cancer (45), breast cancer (6), and others (4). Primary brain tumors were mainly glioma (7) and medulloblastoma (5). Fifty-one patients had VP shunt, and 19 had LP shunt. After surgery, preoperative symptoms “improved” in 35 patients (50%) and were “normalized” in 24 of those patients (34%). Shunt malfunction occurred in eight patients, and infection occurred in eight patients. Seventeen patients underwent revision due to infection, shunt malfunction, or over-drainage. There were no complications associated with peritoneal seeding during a median follow-up of 3.3 months after surgery. The median overall survival was 8.7 months (95% confidence interval, 6.0–11.4) from LMC diagnosis and 4.1 months from shunt surgery.

Conclusion

VP or LP shunt is effective for patients with hydrocephalus from LMC in terms of symptom improvement and prolonging of overall survival with an acceptable rate of procedure-related complications.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the National Cancer Center (retrospectively registered, NCC2018-0051).

Management of hydrocephalus in patients with leptomeningeal metastases: an ethical approach to decision-making

PURPOSE

Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are a rare, but often debilitating complication of advanced cancer that can severely impact a patient's quality-of-life. LM can result in hydrocephalus (HC) and lead to a range of neurologic sequelae, including weakness, headaches, and altered mental status. Given that patients with LM generally have quite poor prognoses, the decision of how to manage this HC remains unclear and is not only a medical, but also an ethical one.

METHODS

We first provide a brief overview of management options for hydrocephalus secondary to LM. We then apply general ethical principles to decision making in LM-associated hydrocephalus that can help guide physicians and patients.

RESULTS

Management options for LM-associated hydrocephalus include shunt placement, repeated lumbar punctures, intraventricular reservoir placement, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or pain management alone without intervention. While these options may offer symptomatic relief in the short-term, each is also associated with risks to the patient. Moreover, data on survival and quality-of-life following intervention is sparse. We propose that the pros and cons of each option should be evaluated not only from a clinical standpoint, but also within a larger framework that incorporates ethical principles and individual patient values.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision of how to manage LM-associated hydrocephalus is complex and requires close collaboration amongst the physician, patient, and/or patient's family/friends/community leaders. Ultimately, the decision should be rooted in the patients' values and should aim to optimize a patient's quality-of-life.

Posterior Fossa Metastasis-Associated Obstructive Hydrocephalus in Adult Patients: Literature Review and Practical Considerations from the Neuro-Oncology Club of the French Society of Neurosurgery

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus concerning the management of adult patients with posterior fossa metastasis-associated obstructive hydrocephalus, especially regarding surgical procedures. A literature review was performed to assess the surgical strategy in the management of patients with metastatic brain tumor.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted of PubMed in November 2017 to identify all studies concerning brain metastases and obstructive hydrocephalus in English. All studies (except case reports and pediatric studies) between December 1953 and November 2017 that were about posterior fossa metastasis-associated obstructive hydrocephalus in adult patients were eligible. Eligible studies were classified by level of evidence. We assessed epidemiology, clinical and imaging findings, neurosurgical management, and prognosis of adult patients with posterior fossa metastasis-associated obstructive hydrocephalus. We suggest some practical considerations and a management decision tree on behalf of the Neuro-oncology Club of the French Society of Neurosurgery, with evidence-based analysis.

RESULTS

Direct surgical resection could be considered for patients with asymptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus, and endoscopic third ventriculostomy seems to be a reasonable procedure for patients with symptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus. A ventriculoperitoneal or atrial shunt seems to be a valid alternative when patients have a history of central nervous system infection or ventricular hemorrhage, leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, or unfavorable anatomy for an endoscopic third ventriculostomy to be performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The Neuro-oncology Club of the French Society of Neurosurgery suggests a prospective assessment of these neurosurgical procedures to compare their safety and efficacy.

Palliative shunt surgery for patients with leptomeningeal metastasis

OBJECTIVES

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is associated with poor prognosis and affects the quality of life (QOL) of end-stage cancer patients. Severe headache associated with hydrocephalus causes reduced QOL. We investigated the clinical value of surgical treatment for hydrocephalus in LM patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The medical records of 11 consecutive patients who underwent lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS) or ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) at our institution between 2007 and 2016 were investigated. Primary brain tumor patients were excluded. We assessed the neurological status and therapeutic effects at 1 month after the shunt surgery.

RESULTS

The patients were three males and eight females with a median age of 58 years (interquartile range [IR] 52-68 years). The median preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was 6.4 (IR 4.8-9.2). Symptom improvement was observed in nine patients, and severe headache was relieved in seven (88%) out of eight patients. The median Karnofsky performance status scale increased from 40 to 60, and the median overall survival after primary malignancy diagnosis was 27.4 months (IR 19.6-63.1 months). The median survival after the diagnosis of brain parenchymal metastasis, LM, and shunt surgery were 7.2 months (IR 5.1-14.1 months), 3.9 months (IR 3.5-6.3 months), and 3.3 months (IR 2.9-5.7 months), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Shunt surgery for hydrocephalus could offer an effective palliative surgical option for symptom relief especially relief of severe headache, contributing improvement of QOL in LM patients.

Efficacy of multimodal treatment for leptomeningeal metastases in a lung cancer harboring an EGFR mutation

For lung cancer patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, the advent of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has prolonged survival rates. Even though disease sites have been well controlled by EGFR-TKIs, some patients develop carcinomatous meningitis, which reduces their quality of life drastically. Although multidisciplinary approaches have improved patient survival and quality of life, the outcomes are not yet satisfactory. We report the case of a 54-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from a lung adenocarcinoma harboring an EGFR exon 21 L858R point mutation. She was treated with gefitinib for 2 months, and symptoms of LM emerged during the treatment period. Although the treatment was switched to erlotinib, disturbance of consciousness worsened because of progressive hydrocephalus. Because all extracranial lesions remained responsive to treatment, and the exon 20 T790M point mutation was not detected in cerebrospinal fluid, we placed a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient's disturbed consciousness improved dramatically after the shunt was placed; however, the optic and auditory nerve impairments due to direct invasion of LM lesions into nerve canals persisted. Administration of bevacizumab subsequent to whole-brain radiotherapy reduced the cranial nerve impairment, and the patient survived for 10 months. In conclusion, a combination of erlotinib and ventriculoperitoneal shunt was effective for hydrocephalus, and the immediate administration of additional therapies, including bevacizumab and radiation therapy, was useful in a patient suffering from LM.

[Diagnosis and Treatment of Leptomeningeal Metastasis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is one of the disastrous events in managing advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to severe clinical symptoms and a grave prognosis. Although intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy show some effects for LM in advanced NSCLC, the prognosis is still poor (12 wk-14 wk). A large majority (84%-97%) of the patients were found to have adenocarcinoma histology. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) senstive mutations were detected in 43.0%-70.5% adenocarcinoma patients with LM. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) showed to be effective for LM in selected NSCLC patients in some reseaches, and confer a survival benefit. Furthermore, future trials need be done to determine the effect of EGFR-TKIs treatment in NSCLC-LM patients.

Role of ventriculoperitoneal shunting in patients with neoplasms of the central nervous system: An analysis of 59 cases

Approximately 1-5% of patients with cerebral metastasis and ~40% of patients with primary brain tumors suffer from hydrocephalus. These patients often exhibit a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to reassess the validity of ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) with the assistance of the general surgeon in oncological patients. A total of 59 patients underwent first-time VPS at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, USA) between 2004 and 2012; 40 patients had hydrocephalus from brain metastasis and 19 from primary tumors. The analyzed independent variables included demographics, body mass index, past medical history, clinical presentation, indication for surgery, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score and surgical technique; the dependent variables were postoperative symptoms and occurrence, cause and time of shunt failure. The outcomes were analyzed with the t-test and Kaplan-Meier estimates for shunt survival. The mean age of the patients was 57.2 years and the mean operative time was 50.4 min. Symptomatic palliation was achieved in 93% of the cases; patients with severe symptoms, such as debilitating headaches, nausea and vomiting, benefited significantly from VPS. The mean follow-up time was 6.3 months; complications occurred in only 7 patients (11.8%) during follow-up: 2 in the proximal shunt (1 infection and 1 obstruction), both requiring revision, 1 infection in the distal catheter requiring shunt removal, 2 cases of intracerebral bleeding that were monitored with computed tomography scans, 1 wound infection treated with antibiotics and 1 valve complication that required temporary revision. The initial and 3-month KPS scores were 65±16.4 and 75±16.0, respectively. The mean overall shunt survival was 6.4 months (range, 1.0 day-76.0 months) from the placement of the VP shunt. At 3 months after VPS, 93.5% of the patients remained alive with functioning shunts and at 1 year 87% of the shunts were still functioning. In conclusion, VPS remains a valid option for cancer patients with low KPS, as it improves the quality of life in such patients, even in the setting of previous infection, hemorrhage, or leptomeningeal disease, since shunt patency outlasts the overall survival of nearly all patients.

Brain metastases as a cause of malignant cerebrospinal fluid ascites: case report and review of the literature

The development of cerebrospinal fluid ascites after a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation is an extremely rare complication. There have been only sporadic case reports and small series reviews published in regards to this condition. They are usually found in the context of primary brain tumors, usually affecting the pediatric population. We present an unusual case of a patient with known metastatic breast carcinoma to the brain who develops malignant cerebrospinal fluid ascites after a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion. This is the first known adult case of a metastatic breast primary to the brain causing tumor dissemination via a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.

The prognostic significance of surgically treated hydrocephalus in leptomeningeal metastases

OBJECTIVE

The median survival of leptomeningeal metastases is short despite therapy and is sometime associated with hydrocephalus. We investigated the prognostic significance of surgically treated hydrocephalus in leptomeningeal metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 2005 and November 2012, 1343 patients had brain metastases from systemic solid tumors. Of these, 71 patients (5.3%) experienced leptomeningeal metastases from 45 lung cancers, 14 breast cancers, 4 gastric cancers and 8 other cancers. The mean age was 60 years (range 37-89). The clinical symptoms presented in the cerebral hemisphere and cerebellum in 58 patients, cranial nerve in 7 patients and spinal cord and nerves in 6 patients. Twenty-nine (40.8%) patients were Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RTOG-RPA) class II and 42 (59.2%) were class III. Hydrocephalus was associated in 18 (25.4%) patients and 7 patients underwent ventriculoperioneal shunt. The primary cancer, clinical symptoms, RTOG-RPA class, surgically treated hydrocephalus and systemic chemotherapy were analyzed as the prognostic factors for overall survival.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of leptomeningeal seeding was 5.0% of the brain metastases. The median duration of leptomeningeal metastases from first brain metastasis was 4.0 months and 24 (33.8%) patients showed leptomeningeal metastases as the first form of brain metastasis. The median overall survival (OS) was 2.1 months. Based on the univariate and multivariate analyses, RTOG-RPA class II patients, treatment of leptomeningeal metastases (such as radiotherapy or intrathecal chemotherapy) and systemic chemotherapy improved OS with statistical significance. Surgically untreated hydrocephalus (median OS, 1.7 months) showed poor OS compared with surgically treated hydrocephalus (median OS, 5.7 months) and no hydrocephalus (median OS, 2.3 months) without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The leptomeningeal metastases were often associated with hydrocephalus and the surgical treatment was helpful in limited patients. The prognosis was related with RTOG-RPA class and treatment of local and systemic treatment.

Breast cancer brain metastases: new directions in systemic therapy

The management of patients with brain metastases from breast cancer continues to be a major clinical challenge. The standard initial therapeutic approach depends upon the size, location, and number of metastatic lesions and includes consideration of surgical resection, whole-brain radiotherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery. As systemic therapies for control of extracranial disease improve, patients are surviving long enough to experience subsequent progression events in the brain. Therefore, there is an increasing need to identify both more effective initial treatments as well as to develop multiple lines of salvage treatments for patients with breast cancer brain metastases. This review summarises the clinical experience to date with respect to cytotoxic and targeted systemic therapies for the treatment of brain metastases, highlights ongoing and planned trials of novel approaches and identifies potential targets for future investigation.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the treatment of patients with hydrocephalus related to metastasis

Background:

Between 2005 and 2010, we treated patients with hydrocephalus related to cerebral metastases, who were not good candidates for surgical resection by either endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS). Patients were excluded from ETV if they had a clinical history suggestive of non-obstructive hydrocephalus, including: (1) history of infection or ventricular hemorrhage and (2) leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. The rest of the patients were treated with VPS.

Methods:

We analyzed the clinical outcome of these patient cohorts, to determine whether the efficacy of VPS was compromised due to a history of infection, ventricular hemorrhage, or leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, and compared these results to those patients who underwent ETV.

Results:

Sixteen patients were treated with ETV and 36 patients were treated with VPS. The overall efficacy of symptomatic palliation was comparable in the ETV and VPS patients (ETV = 69%, VPS = 75%). In both groups, patients with more severe hydrocephalic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and lethargy were more likely to benefit from the procedure. The overall complication rate for the two groups was comparable (ETV = 12.6%, VPS = 19.4%), although the spectrum of complications differed. The overall survival, initial Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and three-month KPS, were similarly comparable (median survival: ETV 3 months, VPS 5.5 months; initial KPS: ETV = 66 ± 7, VPS = 69 ± 12; 3 months KPS: ETV = 86 ± 7, KPS = 84 ± 12).

Conclusion:

VPS remains a reasonable option for poor RPA grade metastasis patients with hydrocephalus, even in the setting of a previous infection, hemorrhage, or in those with leptomeningeal disease. Optimal treatment of this population will involve the judicious consideration of the relative merits of VPS and ETV.

Neurosurgical management of metastases in the central nervous system

Metastases in the central nervous system (CNS) are identified in up to 30% of patients at autopsy. Rates of CNS involvement in metastatic cancer are believed to be increasing, possibly owing to better control of systemic disease with novel chemotherapies or improved metastasis detection. The neurosurgical treatment of patients with metastatic cancer is an integral component of multimodality therapy for brain and spinal metastases. Survival benefit has been demonstrated for the addition of open surgery as well as the use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to whole-brain radiation therapy for treatment of patients with isolated cranial and spinal metastases compared with whole-brain radiation therapy alone. New clinical trials that directly compare open surgical procedures with SRS are underway, as are trials examining the role of neurosurgical procedures, such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, in association with radiotherapy as methods for pain control in cancer patients with metastatic lesions in the spinal column. In this article, I review data from current randomized clinical trials that examine the role of neurosurgical intervention in the treatment of patients with CNS metastases.