Experimental Treatments for Leptomeningeal Metastases From Solid Malignancies.
BACKGROUND
Leptomeningeal metastasis is a consequence of advanced solid malignancies and has limited treatment options. It is possible that it is becoming more common as the leptomeninges act as a sanctuary site for recurrence from systemic cancer.


METHODS
Potential targeted and immunotherapy agents for the most common types of solid-tumor leptomeningeal metastasis are reviewed, as are their dosing/delivery strategies and novel, immunological approaches.


RESULTS
Historically, patients with leptomeningeal metastasis have been excluded from clinical trials, and data on the management of leptomeningeal metastasis come from single case reports and retrospective analyses.


CONCLUSIONS
For the first time ever, published reports suggest the tide may be turning in this challenging disease.
Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Department of Oncologic, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL. Solmaz.Sahebjam@Moffitt.org.
Solmaz
S
Sahebjam
Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Department of Oncologic, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, and the Tom Baker Cancer Center and University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Peter A
PA
Forsyth
Departments of Tumor Biology and Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
Keiran S
KS
Smalley
Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Department of Oncologic, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL.
Nam D
ND
Tran
D006801:Humans; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis