Leptomeningeal cancer in the pediatric patient.

Abstract

The treatment and prophylaxis of leptomeningeal leukemia and lymphoma in children has dramatically improved disease control and long-term survival. However, the treatment of other leptomeningeal cancers has been less successful and the neurologic morbidity associated with central nervous system-directed therapy has a significant long-term impact on quality of life. Further research is critical to identify new therapeutic strategies for children with or at high risk for leptomeningeal cancer.