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The Evolving Landscape of Leptomeningeal Cancer from Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030685. [PMID: 36765643 PMCID: PMC9913452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) is a fatal but uncommon complication occurring in 5-15% of patients with stage IV cancer. Current treatment options are ineffective at managing leptomeningeal spread, with a median overall survival (mOS) of 2-6 months. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature to identify past and future therapies for LMC from solid tumors. Forty-three clinical trials (CTs) published between 1982-2022 were identified. Of these, 35 (81.4%) were non-randomized CTs and 8 (18.6%) were randomized CTs. The majority consisted of phase I (16.3%) and phase II CTs (65.1%). Trials enrolled patients with LMC from various primary histology (n = 23, 57.5%), with one CT evaluating LCM from melanoma (2.4%). A total of 21 trials evaluated a single modality treatment. Among CTs, 23.7% closed due to low accrual. Intraventricular (ITV)/intrathecal (IT) drug delivery was the most common route of administration (n = 22, 51.2%) vs. systemic drug delivery (n = 13, 30.3%). Two clinical trials evaluated the use of craniospinal irradiation for LMC with favorable results. LMC continues to carry a dismal prognosis, and over the years, increments in survival have remained stagnant. A paradigm shift towards targeted systemic therapy with continued standardization of efficacy endpoints will help to shed light on promising treatments.
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Therapeutic Monitoring of Orally Administered, Small-Molecule Anticancer Medications with Tumor-Specific Cellular Protein Targets in Peripheral Fluid Spaces-A Review. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010239. [PMID: 36678867 PMCID: PMC9864625 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Orally administered, small-molecule anticancer drugs with tumor-specific cellular protein targets (OACD) have revolutionized oncological pharmacotherapy. Nevertheless, the differences in exposure to these drugs in the systemic circulation and extravascular fluid compartments have led to several cases of therapeutic failure, in addition to posing unknown risks of toxicity. The therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of OACDs in therapeutically relevant peripheral fluid compartments is therefore essential. In this work, the available knowledge regarding exposure to OACD concentrations in these fluid spaces is summarized. A review of the literature was conducted by searching Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for clinical research articles and case reports published between 10 May 2001 and 31 August 2022. Results show that, to date, penetration into cerebrospinal fluid has been studied especially intensively, in addition to breast milk, leukocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, saliva and semen. The typical clinical indications of peripheral fluid TDM of OACDs were (1) primary malignancy, (2) secondary malignancy, (3) mental disorder, and (4) the assessment of toxicity. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was most commonly applied for analysis. The TDM of OACDs in therapeutically relevant peripheral fluid spaces is often indispensable for efficient and safe treatments.
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Leptomeningeal metastases in non-small cell lung cancer: Diagnosis and treatment. Lung Cancer 2022; 174:1-13. [PMID: 36206679 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a rare complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with highly mortality. LM will occur once tumor cells spread to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space. Patients may suffer blindness, paralysis, and mental disorders that seriously affect their quality of life. There is a clear unmet need to improve the efficacy of diagnosis and treatment of LM. To better solve this problem, it is helpful to clarify the potential mechanisms of LM. Clinical manifestations, magnetic resonance imaging, and CSF biopsy are the key components in the diagnosis of NSCLC with LM. CSF cytology is insufficient and should be combined with liquid biology. The application of radiotherapy, intrathecal treatment, targeted therapy and immunotherapy provides more options for LM patients. Each treatment has a particular level of efficacy and can be used alone or in combination for individual patients. New technologies in radiotherapy, drug repositioning in intrathecal treatment, and the higher CSF permeability in TKIs have brought new breakthroughs in the treatment of LM. This review focused on clarifying the potential mechanisms, discussing the major clinical challenges, and summarizing recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of LM from NSCLC. Future research is essential to improve the efficiency of diagnosis, to optimize therapy and to enhance patient prognosis.
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Zhang M, Tong J, Ma W, Luo C, Liu H, Jiang Y, Qin L, Wang X, Yuan L, Zhang J, Peng F, Chen Y, Li W, Jiang Y. Predictors of Lung Adenocarcinoma With Leptomeningeal Metastases: A 2022 Targeted-Therapy-Assisted molGPA Model. Front Oncol 2022; 12:903851. [PMID: 35795063 PMCID: PMC9252592 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.903851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore prognostic indicators of lung adenocarcinoma with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) and provide an updated graded prognostic assessment model integrated with molecular alterations (molGPA). Methods A cohort of 162 patients was enrolled from 202 patients with lung adenocarcinoma and LM. By randomly splitting data into the training (80%) and validation (20%) sets, the Cox regression and random survival forest methods were used on the training set to identify statistically significant variables and construct a prognostic model. The C-index of the model was calculated and compared with that of previous molGPA models. Results The Cox regression and random forest models both identified four variables, which included KPS, LANO neurological assessment, TKI therapy line, and controlled primary tumor, as statistically significant predictors. A novel targeted-therapy-assisted molGPA model (2022) using the above four prognostic factors was developed to predict LM of lung adenocarcinoma. The C-indices of this prognostic model in the training and validation sets were higher than those of the lung-molGPA (2017) and molGPA (2019) models. Conclusions The 2022 molGPA model, a substantial update of previous molGPA models with better prediction performance, may be useful in clinical decision making and stratification of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiayi Tong
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Weifeng Ma
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chongliang Luo
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Huiqin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yushu Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingzhi Qin
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lipin Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiewen Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuhua Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurology, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, Research and Development, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kumar A, Sardhara JC, Singh G, Kanjilal S, Maurya VP, Behari S. Malignant Meningitis Associated with Hydrocephalus. Neurol India 2021; 69:S443-S455. [PMID: 35103001 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.332278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jayesh C Sardhara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Guramritpal Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Soumen Kanjilal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ved P Maurya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Behari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Wang B, Guo H, Xu H, Yu H, Chen Y, Zhao G. Research Progress and Challenges in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:2620. [PMID: 34685600 PMCID: PMC8533870 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and has high morbidity and mortality rates. Central nervous system (CNS) metastasis is one of the most frequent complications in patients with NSCLC and seriously affects the quality of life (QOL) and overall survival (OS) of patients, with a median OS of untreated patients of only 1-3 months. There are various treatment methods for NSCLC CNS metastasis, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, which do not meet the requirements of patients in terms of improving OS and QOL. There are still many problems in the treatment of NSCLC CNS metastasis that need to be solved urgently. This review summarizes the research progress in the treatment of NSCLC CNS metastasis to provide a reference for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.W.); (H.X.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hanfei Guo
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Haiyang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.W.); (H.X.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hongquan Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.W.); (H.X.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.W.); (H.X.); (H.Y.)
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.W.); (H.X.); (H.Y.)
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Zhang M, Ma W, Liu H, Jiang Y, Qin L, Li W, Zhang J. Osimertinib Improves Overall Survival in Patients with Leptomeningeal Metastases Associated with EGFR-Mutated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Regardless of Cerebrospinal Fluid T790M Mutational Status. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:6968194. [PMID: 34457028 PMCID: PMC8397557 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6968194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Osimertinib has demonstrated promising efficacy against leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) associated with T790M-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the effect of cerebrospinal fluid's (CSF's) epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation on osimertinib efficacy remains unclear.Seventy-eight patients were studied with EGFR-mutated NSCLC and LM. Case data were collected and EGFR mutation status of circulating cell-free DNA from paired CSF, and plasma of 23 patients with LM was detected using droplet digital PCR. The median overall survival (mOS) was 8.08 months (95% CI: 6.07-10.09) in the study. Forty-four osimertinib-treated patients had an improved mOS of 13.15 (95% CI: 5.74-20.57) and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.50 months (95% CI: 6.77-12.23) when compared with patients treated with first- or second-generation EGFR-TKI (mOS = 3.00 months (95% CI: 1.32-4.68) and median PFS = 1.50 months (95% CI: 0.00-3.14)). In the osimertinib group, mOS values for CSF with and without T790M mutation were 22.15 months (95% CI: 9.44-34.87) and 13.39 months (95% CI: 7.01-19.76), respectively, with no statistical differences. Regardless of the CSF T790M mutation status, osimertinib demonstrated significant efficacy against LM associated with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Rd 7, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan, China
| | - Weifeng Ma
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Rd 7, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan, China
| | - Huiqin Liu
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Rd 7, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan, China
| | - Yushu Jiang
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Rd 7, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan, China
| | - Lingzhi Qin
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Rd 7, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Rd 7, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan, China
| | - Jiewen Zhang
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Weiwu Rd 7, Zhengzhou 450003, Henan, China
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Miyawaki T, Kenmotsu H, Yabe M, Kodama H, Nishioka N, Miyawaki E, Mamesaya N, Kobayashi H, Omori S, Wakuda K, Ono A, Deguchi S, Mitsuya K, Naito T, Murakami H, Mori K, Harada H, Hayashi N, Takahashi K, Takahashi T. Rechallenge with previously administered epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer with leptomeningeal metastasis. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:1732-1741. [PMID: 34259953 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives In EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, approximately 80-90% of leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) develops after failed initial treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). However, the efficacy of rechallenging with previously administered EGFR-TKIs in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC and the LM that develops following EGFR-TKI treatment failure remains unknown. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC and LM, from November 2011 to August 2019. The patients were classified according to the LM treatment type: switched to previously unadministered EGFR-TKIs (Switch-TKI) or rechallenge with previously administered EGFR-TKIs (Rechallenge-TKI). Results In total, 50 patients treated with EGFR-TKI after LM diagnosis were included; 35 were treated with Switch-TKI and 15 with Rechallenge-TKI. The median overall survival (OS) from the time of LM diagnosis was 6.2 months in all study patients. According to the treatment type, the median OS from the time of LM diagnosis was 6.9 months in Switch-TKI patients and 4.9 months in Rechallenge-TKI patients. There was no significant difference in the OS between the Switch-TKI and Rechallenge-TKI groups (P = 0.864). Thirty-five patients were treated with erlotinib and 15 with osimertinib; Regardless of the type for EGFR-TKI, there was no significant difference in OS between patients treated with Switch-TKI and those treated with Rechallenge-TKI. Conclusion Rechallenge of previously administered EGFR-TKIs may be a therapeutic option for LM development after EGFR-TKI treatment failure in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, not only switching to previously unadministered EGFR-TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Miyawaki
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Michitoshi Yabe
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kodama
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Naoya Nishioka
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Eriko Miyawaki
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Mamesaya
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Haruki Kobayashi
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shota Omori
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazushige Wakuda
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Akira Ono
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shoichi Deguchi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Koichi Mitsuya
- Division of Neurosurgery, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tateaki Naito
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Haruyasu Murakami
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Keita Mori
- Division of Clinical Research Management Office, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Harada
- Radiation and Proton Therapy Center, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Nakamasa Hayashi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Takahashi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Dankner M, Lam S, Degenhard T, Garzia L, Guiot MC, Petrecca K, Siegel PM. The Underlying Biology and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities of Leptomeningeal Metastases in Adult Solid Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040732. [PMID: 33578853 PMCID: PMC7916586 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis to the central nervous system occurs in approximately 20% of patients with advanced solid cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. While central nervous system metastases most commonly form in the brain parenchyma, metastatic cancer cells may also reside in the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain and spinal cord to form tumors called leptomeningeal metastases. Leptomeningeal metastasis involves cancer cells that reach the subarachnoid space and proliferate in the cerebrospinal fluid compartment within the leptomeninges, a sequela associated with a myriad of symptoms and poor prognosis. Cancer cells exposed to cerebrospinal fluid in the leptomeninges must contend with a unique microenvironment from those that establish within the brain or other organs. Leptomeningeal lesions provide a formidable clinical challenge due to their often-diffuse infiltration within the subarachnoid space. The molecular mechanisms that promote the establishment of leptomeningeal metastases have begun to be elucidated, demonstrating that it is a biological entity distinct from parenchymal brain metastases and is associated with specific molecular drivers. In this review, we outline the current state of knowledge pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and molecular underpinnings of leptomeningeal metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dankner
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (M.D.); (M.-C.G.)
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada;
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - Theresa Degenhard
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (T.D.); (K.P.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Livia Garzia
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - Marie-Christine Guiot
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (M.D.); (M.-C.G.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (T.D.); (K.P.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Kevin Petrecca
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (T.D.); (K.P.)
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Peter M. Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; (M.D.); (M.-C.G.)
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada;
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (T.D.); (K.P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-398-4259; Fax: +1-514-398-6769
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