Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, an emerging disease in internal medicine departments with a generally poor prognosis: two case reports

Abstract

As a result of improved diagnostic methods and higher cancer patient survival rates, leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is being found in internal medicine departments more frequently. Melanoma, lung cancer, and breast adenocarcinoma are the three cancers that are most commonly associated. When the main tumor diffuses through the bloodstream, cerebrospinal fluid, or direct diffusion and causes multiple focal neurological symptoms, it is known as leptomeningeal involvement; the prognosis is usually not good. Despite multimodal treatment, leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is an advanced form of cancer that frequently results in rapid death. Treatment is typically palliative and consists primarily of intrathecal or systemic radiation and/or chemotherapy. New experimental therapies and immunotherapy are promising means of lowering morbidity and mortality. Clinical cases of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis are reported; both cases were identified at the Ospedale dei Castelli’s Department of Internal Medicine and resulted from primary breast pathology.