Metronomic Capecitabine Effectively Blocks Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis From Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review

Am J Case Rep. 2017 Feb 28:18:208-211. doi: 10.12659/ajcr.901812.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Meningeal carcinomatosis is a rare complication in breast cancer patients. At present, there are no defined guidelines for its management. The efficacy of systemic treatment seems to depend on its ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier and its interaction with tumor vasculature. Metronomic chemotherapy is a known modality of drug administration able to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. CASE REPORT We present a case of symptomatic leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from breast cancer successfully treated with capecitabine. Based on the hypothesis that angiogenesis contributes to neoplastic meningitis, the patient was treated with a metronomic schedule that provided long-term clinical benefit with a very low toxicity profile. CONCLUSIONS To assess the real impact of metronomic chemotherapy in patients with meninges involvement, a phase II study will be starting soon in our institution. A review of the literature concerning the management of meningeal carcinomatosis is also presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Metronomic
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage*
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Capecitabine / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Carcinomatosis / complications
  • Meningeal Carcinomatosis / drug therapy*
  • Meningeal Carcinomatosis / secondary*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / complications
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Middle Aged
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Capecitabine