Management of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and challenges of trial design

Abstract

Purpose of review: Highlight recent data in lung and breast cancer leptomeningeal disease and address clinical trials that are open for patients.

Recent findings: Patients with lung and breast cancer leptomeningeal disease have survival outcomes of less than 1 year, despite advances in treatment strategy. Efforts to develop liquid biopsy biomarkers of disease progression from cerebrospinal fluid and plasma are underway. There are over 10 clinical trials open for patients with leptomeningeal disease, half of which use immunotherapy.

Summary: Consortium-based, multicenter clinical trials for patients with leptomeningeal disease are urgently needed to expand the treatment armamentarium.