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Mollica L, Leli C, Puglisi S, Sardi S, Sottotetti F. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and breast cancer: a systematic review of current evidence on diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Drugs Context 2021; 10:dic-2021-6-6. [PMID: 34745272 PMCID: PMC8552906 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2021-6-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) is a rare but challenging manifestation of advanced breast cancer with a severe impact on morbidity and mortality. We performed a systematic review of the evidence published over the last two decades, focusing on recent advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic options of LC. Lobular histology and a triple-negative intrinsic subtype are well-known risk factors for LC. Clinical manifestations are diverse and often aspecific. There is no gold standard for LC diagnosis: MRI and cerebrospinal fluid cytology are the most frequently used modalities despite the low accuracy. Current standard of care involves a multimodal strategy including systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy in combination with brain radiotherapy. Intrathecal chemotherapy has been widely used through the years despite the lack of data from randomized controlled trials and conflicting evidence on patient outcomes. No specific chemotherapeutic agent has shown superiority over others for both intrathecal and systemic treatment. Although endocrine therapy was heuristically considered unable to exert significant control on central nervous system metastatic disease, retrospective data suggest a favourable toxicity profile and even a possible positive impact on survival. In recent years, encouraging data on the use of targeted agents has emerged but further research in this field is required. Palliative treatment in the form of whole brain or stereotactic radiotherapy is associated with improvement in clinical manifestations and quality of life, with no proven impact on survival. The most investigated prognostic factors include performance status, non-triple-negative disease and multimodal treatment. Validation of prognostic scores is necessary to aid clinicians in the identification of patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from an intensive therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Leli
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS-ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Puglisi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Sardi
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federico Sottotetti
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS-ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Le Rhun E, Taillibert S, Chamberlain MC. Neoplastic Meningitis Due to Lung, Breast, and Melanoma Metastases. Cancer Control 2018; 24:22-32. [DOI: 10.1177/107327481702400104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Le Rhun
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Departments of Neurology and
Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle,
Washington
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, the Breast
Unit, Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of
Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sophie Taillibert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oscar Lambret Center, Lille
Cedex, France, the Division of Neuro-Oncology, Departments of Neurology and Neurological
Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Marc C. Chamberlain
- Departments of Neurology, and Radiation Oncology,
Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Pierre et
Marie Curie, Paris, France, and the Department of Neurology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and Division of Neuro-Oncology, Departments of
Neurology and Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle,
Washington
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Diagnosis and treatment patterns for patients with leptomeningeal metastasis from solid tumors across Europe. J Neurooncol 2017; 133:419-427. [PMID: 28455788 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-017-2452-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastases are a late manifestation of systemic cancer which affects up to 10% of patients with solid tumors. Prognosis is poor, and overall survival at 1 year is only approximately 10%. Management depends mainly on general and neurological condition, primary tumor, and patterns of metastasis, notably absence or presence of concurrent systemic or solid brain metastases. Here we set out to characterize current practice patterns of diagnosis and treatment of patients with leptomeningeal metastasis in Europe. We prepared a web-based survey including 25 simple or multiple choices questions on best practice supplemented by eight case vignettes with various diagnosis and management options. The survey was sent to the membership of the European Association of Neuro-Oncology and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Brain Tumor Group. Between April 7, 2016 and August 8, 2016, 224 colleagues from 26 countries initiated the survey, 115 colleagues completed the whole survey. There were major differences both in the general diagnostic and therapeutic approach, e.g., regarding the use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow studies, intra-CSF chemotherapy, various types of radiotherapy, and even more so when selecting decisions on diagnostic and therapeutic measures for single case vignettes. Diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients with leptomeningeal metastasis from solid tumors vary widely across Europe. Standardization of diagnosis and evaluation tools as well as controlled studies to improve the level of evidence for all therapeutic approaches to LM are required.
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Dudani S, Mazzarello S, Hilton J, Hutton B, Vandermeer L, Fernandes R, Ibrahim MFK, Smith S, Majeed H, Al-Baimani K, Caudrelier JM, Shorr R, Clemons M. Optimal Management of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis in Breast Cancer Patients-A Systematic Review. Clin Breast Cancer 2016; 16:456-470. [PMID: 27553811 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in breast cancer patients (LC-BC) is increasing. Despite significantly affecting patient quality of life (QoL) and overall survival (OS), little is known about its optimal management. A systematic review of treatment strategies for LC-BC was performed. EMBASE, Ovid Medline, Pubmed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 1946 to 2015 for trials reporting on treatments for LC-BC. All treatment modalities and study types were considered. The outcome measures of interest included OS, time to neurologic progression (TTNP), QoL, and treatment toxicity. Of 718 unique citations, 173 studies met the prespecified eligibility criteria. Most were not specific to LC-BC patients. Of 4 identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 was specific to LC-BC patients and compared systemic therapy and involved-field radiotherapy with or without intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (35 patients), and the remaining 3 had compared different IT chemotherapy regimens (58 of 157 with LC-BC). Of the remaining studies, 19 were nonrandomized interventional studies (225 LC-BC patients), 148 were observational studies (3230 LC-BC patients), and 2 systematic reviews. Minimal prospective data were available on OS, TTNP, QoL, and toxicity. Owing to study heterogeneity, meta-analyses of the endpoint data could not be performed. Limited high-quality evidence exists regarding optimal treatment of LC-BC. The identified studies were heterogeneous and often methodologically poor. The only RCT that specifically assessed the role of IT chemotherapy showed no benefit, and, if anything, harm. Further prospective, tumor-specific trials with improved interstudy methodologic consistency and transparently reported data on OS, TTNP, QoL, and toxicity are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaan Dudani
- Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - John Hilton
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Hutton
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Ricardo Fernandes
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammed F K Ibrahim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Habeeb Majeed
- Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Khalid Al-Baimani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Caudrelier
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Radiation Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mark Clemons
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Boese CK, Lechler P, Bredow J, Al Muhaisen N, Eysel P, Koy T. Atypical presentation of a cervical breast-cancer metastasis mimicking a dumbbell-shaped neurinoma. Int J Surg Case Rep 2014; 5:689-93. [PMID: 25194606 PMCID: PMC4189062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2014.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal metastases are frequently encountered in patients with breast cancer. Because of recent improvements in oncologic therapies a growing incidence of symptomatic leptomeningeal metastases (LM) should be expected. The differential diagnosis of LM comprises a wide range of conditions, including neurinoma. The radiologic discrimination between metastases and neurinomas is primarily based on distinct neuroimaging features, particularly number, size and growth pattern. PRESENTATION OF CASE We report the first case of a solitary leptomeningeal metastasis of a cervical nerve-root, which mimicked a benign dumbbell-shaped neurinoma, using neuroimaging and visualized intraoperatively. The tumor was successfully treated with surgery followed by adjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT). DISCUSSION While the patient history directs towards a metastasis, the localization, growth pattern and MRI signal were concordant with a cervical neurinoma. The current literature is not conclusive concerning the optimal choice of treatment; the therapy is strictly palliative and indications for surgery remain individual decisions. However, due to recent improvements in survival of patients with LM require reconsideration of established strategies. CONCLUSION The present case report and the reviewed literature point towards a growing clinical relevance of symptomatic LM in cancer patients and their possible atypical presentations and locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kolja Boese
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 9, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Philipp Lechler
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Giessen and Marburg, Baldinger Straße, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Bredow
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 9, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nusaiba Al Muhaisen
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 9, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Peer Eysel
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 9, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Timmo Koy
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 9, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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Le Rhun E, Kramar A, Salingue S, Girot M, Rodrigues I, Mailliez A, Zairi F, Bakhache E, Robin YM, Taillibert S, Dubois F, Bonneterre J, Chamberlain MC. CSF CA 15-3 in breast cancer-related leptomeningeal metastases. J Neurooncol 2014; 117:117-24. [PMID: 24469852 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The sensitivity of CSF cytology, the standard method for diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastases (LM), is low. Serum cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is frequently used for the monitoring of patients with breast cancer (BC) and is a laboratory test available in most centers. The aim of the current study was to determine the feasibility of measuring CSF CA 15-3 and CA 15-3 CSF/serum ratio in patients with BC-related LM. Serum and CSF CA 15-3 values were evaluated in 20 BC patients with LM (Group 1), 20 patients with LM from other primary cancers (Group 2), 20 BC patients with parenchymal brain metastases only (Group 3) and 20 controls (Group 4). CSF and serum were collected on the same day. Serum and CSF CA 15-3 were assessed by an automatized immuno-enzymatic technology (TRACE(®) technology, KRYPTOR Automate, Brahms Society, France). In univariate analysis, BC patients with LM (Group 1) compared to other groups, a significantly elevated serum CA 15-3 (median 51 U/ml, range 12-2819) and CSF CA 15-3 (median 8.7 U/ml, range 0.1-251) was observed. Additionally, the CSF/serum ratio of CA 15-3 was significantly higher in this group of patients (median 0.18, range 0.002-4.40). Multivariate analysis identified a cut-off for CSF CA15-3 with 80 % sensitivity and 70 % specificity. CONCLUSIONS The current study confirms the feasibility of determining CSF CA 15-3 using a widely available technology. Evaluation of the CSF CA 15-3 may be useful in the diagnosis and management of BC-related LM but further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Le Rhun
- Breast Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Oscar Lambret Center, 59 020, Lille Cedex, France,
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Le Rhun E, Taillibert S, Chamberlain MC. Carcinomatous meningitis: Leptomeningeal metastases in solid tumors. Surg Neurol Int 2013; 4:S265-88. [PMID: 23717798 PMCID: PMC3656567 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.111304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) results from metastatic spread of cancer to the leptomeninges, giving rise to central nervous system dysfunction. Breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma are the most frequent causes of LM among solid tumors in adults. An early diagnosis of LM, before fixed neurologic deficits are manifest, permits earlier and potentially more effective treatment, thus leading to a better quality of life in patients so affected. Apart from a clinical suspicion of LM, diagnosis is dependent upon demonstration of cancer in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or radiographic manifestations as revealed by neuraxis imaging. Potentially of use, though not commonly employed, today are use of biomarkers and protein profiling in the CSF. Symptomatic treatment is directed at pain including headache, nausea, and vomiting, whereas more specific LM-directed therapies include intra-CSF chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, and site-specific radiotherapy. A special emphasis in the review discusses novel agents including targeted therapies, that may be promising in the future management of LM. These new therapies include anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib in nonsmall cell lung cancer, anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab in breast cancer, anti-CTLA4 ipilimumab and anti-BRAF tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as vermurafenib in melanoma, and the antivascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody bevacizumab are currently under investigation in patients with LM. Challenges of managing patients with LM are manifold and include determining the appropriate patients for treatment as well as the optimal route of administration of intra-CSF drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Le Rhun
- Breast Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Oscar Lambret and Department of Neuro Oncology, Roger Salengro Hospital, University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Sophie Taillibert
- Neurology, Mazarin and Radiation Oncology, Pitié Salpétrière Hospital, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris VI, Paris, France
| | - Marc C. Chamberlain
- Neurology and Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Research Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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