Breast Cancer with Leptomeningeal Metastasis

ABSTRACT

Leptomeningeal metastsis (LM) is a disease where the tumor cells involves the leptomeninges. Breast cancer, of all solid tumors, is the primary tumor most frequently associated with leptomeningeal metastasis. Leptomeningeal metastasis originating from breast cancer is usually detected at an advanced stage, so its evaluation and aggressive treatment are difficult. Leptomeningeal metastasis, from solid tumors, has been reported to inexorably lead to death within 4 to 6 weeks if left untreated. Intrathecal or Intraventricular chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the mainstays of treatment. Even though controversial, systemic chemotherapy, with regional radiotherapy, can also improve the neurological outcome and survival, without neurotoxicity. Here, two patients with leptomeningeal metastasis, originating from breast cancer, their clinical course and treatment modalities are reported.