A Novel Implantable Cerebrospinal Fluid Reservoir : A Pilot Study

Clinical Safety and Efficiency of the H-Port for Treatment of Leptomeningeal Metastasis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of a cranial implantable chemoport, the H-port, as an alternative to the Ommaya reservoir for intraventricular chemotherapy/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) access in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis (LM).

METHODS

One hundred fifty-two consecutive patients with a diagnosis of LM and who underwent H-port installation between 2015 and 2021 were evaluated. Adverse events associated with installation and intraventricular chemotherapy, and the rate of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) control via the port were evaluated for safety and efficacy. These indices were compared with published data of Ommaya (n=89), from our institution.

RESULTS

Time-to-install and installation-related complications of intracranial hemorrhage (n=2) and catheter malposition (n=5) were not significantly different between the two groups. Intraventricular chemotherapy-related complications of CSF leakage occurred more frequently in the Ommaya than in the H-port group (13/89 vs. 3/152, respectively, p<0.001). Intracranial hemorrhage during chemotherapy occurred only in the Ommaya group (n=4). The CSF infection rate was not statistically different between groups (14/152 vs. 12/89, respectively). The ICP control rate according to reservoir type revealed a significantly higher ICP control rate with the H-port (40/67), compared with the Ommaya result (12/58, p<0.001). Analyzing the ICP control rate based on the CSF drainage method, continuous extraventricular drainage (implemented only with the H-port), found a significantly higher ICP control rate than with intermittent CSF drainage (33/40 vs. 6/56, respectively, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The H-port for intraventricular chemotherapy in patients with LM was superior for ICP control; it had equal or lower complication rates than the Ommaya reservoir.

A Review on the Efficacy and Safety of Intrathecal Administration of Novel Medications for Leptomeningeal Metastases in Solid Cancers

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a rare and lethal manifestation that may occur in the advanced stages of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. With advances in diagnostic techniques, the detection and confirmation of the presence of LMD have increased. Although its optimal treatment remains a challenge, the use of the intrathecal route for the delivery of novel therapeutics is now considered a promising drug delivery strategy to complement radiation and systemic-based therapies. Although methotrexate, cytarabine, and thiotepa have a long history in the treatment of LMD, other medications have also been shown to be beneficial. In this article, we have reviewed the effects of novel medications administered via the intrathecal route for the treatment of solid tumors. We have searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases till the end of September 2021 using the following keywords: "leptomeningeal disease", "leptomeningeal carcinomatosis", "leptomeningeal metastases", "solid tumors", "solid cancers", and "intrathecal". Our literature findings have uncovered that most studies on LMD, which occurs secondary to solid cancers, are available as 'case reports', and few clinical trials have been conducted to date. Single-drug (monotherapy) or combination drug therapy, administered via the intrathecal route, especially in metastatic breast and lung cancer, has been shown to improve patients' symptoms and overall lifespan, while exhibiting a low and acceptable prevalence of side effects. However, judgments/conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of these drugs still require further clinical evaluation.

Efficacy of Slow Rate Ventriculolumbar Perfusion Chemotherapy for Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis: Interim Result of a Phase II Study

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of modified ventriculolumbar perfusion (VLP) chemotherapy with methotrexate on leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in terms of symptomatic response and side effects.

Methods

Previous infusion rate of 20 mL/h was reduced to 15 mL/h for the purpose of decreasing constitutional side effects of VLP such as nausea/vomiting, insomnia and confusion. The primary outcome was the response rate of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and the secondary outcome was the occurrence of side effects compared to previous 20 mL/h trial. This interim analysis to validate the reduced infusion rate is not to affect the original effect of VLP chemotherapy.

Results

All forty-seven patients were enrolled including 22 patients with increased ICP. Thirteen patients out of these (59%) got normalized ICP after VLP chemotherapy. Moderate to severe (grade 2–3) confusion was observed in 3 patients (6%) and it was significantly reduced compared to those (23%) in the VLP 20 mL/h (p=0.017). Grade 2–3 nausea/vomiting was also reduced from 64% to 45% but failed to reach statistical significance (p=0.08). Median overall survival (OS) was 5.3 months (95% confidence interval, 3.55–7.05) and patients OS, who received maintenance VLP was significantly prolonged compared to patients who underwent induction VLP only (5.8 vs. 3.4 months, p=0.025).

Conclusion

VLP of reduced perfusion rate (15 mL/h) showed compatible control rate of increased ICP at this interim analysis. Decreased moderate to severe side effects and prolonged OS in patients received maintenance VLP encourage us to evaluate the effectiveness of this trial further.