Leptomeningeal metastases

Abstract

Leptomeningeal metastases have become a well-described and increasingly recognized complication of cancer. Recent advances in diagnostic radiology have increased the ability of the clinician to make this diagnosis and to make therapeutic decisions. The incidence of this disorder will continue to rise as treatments for systemic cancer become more effective. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this illness remains grim even for patients who receive aggressive multimodal therapy. Reasons for our failure to make a significant impact on the course of this disease are multiple. Further clinical and laboratory research is sorely needed to improve the outcome of this devastating complication of cancer. © 2008 Humana Press, Totowa, NJ.