Intrathecal liposomal cytarabine (lipoCIT) administration in patients with leukemic or lymphomatous meningitis: efficacy and long-term safety in a single institution

Invest New Drugs. 2012 Aug;30(4):1697-702. doi: 10.1007/s10637-011-9632-6. Epub 2011 Jan 13.

Abstract

Background: There is limited information regarding the efficacy and long term safety of intrathecal injection of liposomal cytarabine in leukemic or lymphomatous meningitis.

Design and methods: We studied 20 consecutive HIV-negative patients with leukemic or lymphomatous meningitis who were treated with intrathecal liposomal cytarabine between 2004 and 2007. We focused on efficacy and on any late effects of the drug.

Results: Twenty patients who received intrathecal liposomal cytarabine injection as part of their treatment; of these, 9 were alive and in complete remission at the end of the study. Median survival from the time of the first injection was 22.7 months (range, 0.5 to 64 months). Short-term toxicity related to intrathecal of liposomal cytarabine was observed in 2 cases; headache in 1 case and regressive facial palsy and diplopy in 1 case. Long-term toxicity was seen in 2 cases; clinical symptoms were urinary and fecal dysfunction with confusion in 1 case, and urinary dysfunction in 1 case. Both patients had been heavily pre-treated with neurotoxic drugs and neuraxis irradiation.

Conclusion: In our experience, intrathecal liposomal cytarabine injections were convenient in the management of leukemic and lymphomatous meningitis, and can lead to long-term survival. Although neurotoxicity was rare, clinicians should exercise caution when retreatment is required in relapsing patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use*
  • Cytarabine / administration & dosage
  • Cytarabine / adverse effects*
  • Cytarabine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Leukemia / drug therapy*
  • Liposomes / chemistry
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Liposomes
  • Cytarabine