Leptomeningeal disease in melanoma patients: An update to treatment, challenges, and future directions

Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2020 Jul;33(4):527-541. doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12861. Epub 2020 Jan 19.

Abstract

In February 2018, the Melanoma Research Foundation and the Moffitt Cancer Center hosted the Second Summit on Melanoma Central Nervous System Metastases in Tampa, Florida. The meeting included investigators from multiple academic centers and disciplines. A consensus summary of the progress and challenges in melanoma parenchymal brain metastases was published (Eroglu et al., Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 2019, 32, 458). Here, we will describe the current state of basic, translational, clinical research, and therapeutic management, for melanoma patients with leptomeningeal disease. We also outline key challenges and barriers to be overcome to make progress in this deadly disease.

Keywords: intrathecal therapy; leptomeningeal carcinomatosis; leptomeningeal disease; melanoma; neoplastic meningitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids / metabolism
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / complications*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology

Substances

  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids