Intrathecal chemotherapy for treatment of overt meningeal leukemia: comparison between intraventricular and traditional intralumbar route.
BACKGROUND
Despite advances in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), overt meningeal leukemia remains a dire condition. The role of intraventricular chemotherapy (IVC) in its treatment is still a matter for debate. Data suggesting benefit from it have been countered by statements of concern regarding the potential complications associated with its use. This report details our results from using IVC.


METHODS
We compared two groups of adult patients with ALL at their first meningeal involvement. Twelve of them were submitted to ILC and 9 to IVC.


RESULTS
Our data showed that IVC yielded a higher rate of complete response (88% vs. 33%) and a lower incidence of second CNS relapse than did ILC (none vs. 50%). Even though there were more long-term disease-free survivors (33% vs. 8%) among the IVC patients, the difference in median event-free survival was not significant (120 vs. 80 weeks; p = 0.66). IVC was associated with a longer overall survival (p = 0.005) and CNS remission time (p = 0.046). Two cases refractory to ILC were later fully responsive to IVC. There were 22% device-related and 11% drug-related complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The results are promising, but the small series does not allow for any definite conclusion. In our opinion, the hazards inherent in the placement and operation of the device do not outweight the benefits of IVC for the treatment of overt meningeal leukemia and should not preclude its use. Accurate neurosurgical technique, meticulous care in drug administration and experience with this form of therapy can all contribute to minimizing complications so that full advantage can be taken of IVC's potential.
Iacoangeli
M
M
Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
Roselli
R
R
Pagano
L
L
Leone
G
G
Marra
R
R
Pompucci
A
A
Trignani
R
R
Scerrati
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents