Intrathecal topotecan with systemic checkpoint inhibitor therapy for gastroesophageal cancer with leptomeningeal involvement: two case reports and review of the literature.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) in gastroesophageal (GE) malignancies are exceedingly rare. Historically, treatment for LM has included steroids, radiation, chemotherapy, and intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy. However, the outcomes in GE malignancies with LM remain poor. Unfortunately, clinical trials in GE malignancies have traditionally excluded those with LM, limiting advances in therapeutic strategies. Given that LM poses potentially devastating neurologic and psychologic sequelae, there is an urgent need for more effective treatments.

Case description

Patient 1 is a 44-year-old woman with localized esophageal adenocarcinoma who undergoes neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy. Seven months following surgery, she develops ataxia, weakness, and nausea/

SUBMITTER: Pabon CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11231862 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature