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. 2013 Apr 3;3(2):117-26.
Print 2013.

Leptomeningeal metastases in breast cancer

Brian J Scott  1 , Santosh Kesari
Affiliations

Leptomeningeal metastases in breast cancer

Brian J Scott et al. Am J Cancer Res. .

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) metastasis from breast cancer may be characterized as either parenchymal brain metastasis (BM) or leptomeningeal (LM) metastasis. BM are much more common (about 80% of all CNS metastases), and have been more extensively studied than LM. CNS metastasis in breast cancer has been associated with reduced overall survival, with the shortest survival generally observed in cases of LM. Here, we review the epidemiology, prognostic factors, diagnostic tools, currently available treatments, and potential future therapies for LM from breast cancer.

Keywords: Leptomeningeal metastases; breast cancer; intrathecal chemotherapy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Characteristic Magnetic Resonance Imaging features in leptomeningeal breast cancer. A, B: Axial T1-weighted imaging of the brain pre (left) and post (right) gadolinium administration showing abnormal enhancement of the leptomeninges surrounding the cerebellar folia; C-F: sagittal T1-weighted imaging of; the cervical (C, D) and thoracic (E, F) spine pre (C, E) and post (D, F) gadolinium administration showing abnormal nodular leptomeningeal enhancement along the dorsal and ventral aspect of the spinal cord.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Current and future technologies to advance the diagnosis and treatment of leptomeningeal breast cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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