A comparison of polymerase chain reaction examination of cerebrospinal fluid and conventional cytology in the diagnosis of lymphomatous meningitis

A proposed protocol of intravitreal injection of methotrexate for treatment of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma

PURPOSE

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the brain with possible leptomeningeal and ocular involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified intravitreal injection regimen of methotrexate (MTX) for therapeutic management of vitreoretinal lymphoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative Chinese patients with primary vitreoretinal lymphoma were included in this retrospective noncomparative interventional case series study. Patients were treated with a modified protocol of intravitreal injection of MTX (400 µg/0.1 ml) according to the Intensive-Consolidation-Maintenance regimen. The Intensive phase of once-weekly intravitreal injections for 1 month, followed by the Consolidation phase of one injection every 2 weeks for 1 month, and then the Maintenance phase of once monthly for 1 month, for a total of 7 injections. The primary main outcome measures were clinical response to intravitreal chemotherapy, number of injections for clinical remission, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), visual acuity (VA), complications during the study period, and cause of death were investigated.

RESULTS

The duration of follow-up from the commencement of injection of MTX was 12-73 months (median 28, 30.55 ± 14.73 months). A total of 61 eyes of 40 patients were cleared clinically from malignant cells after a median 6.57 ± 3.12 (median 6, range 1-14) times of injection of MTX. A second remission was induced in 3 patients, who were treated with a further course of intravitreal chemotherapy after tumour recurred in their eyes. The median PFS and OS were 20.82 months (95% CI 14.64-27.01) and 29.29 months (95% CI 16.16-42.41), respectively. Complications that occurred during the period of treatment and follow-up included corneal epitheliopathy (3 of 61 eyes) and cataract (6 of 61 eyes). There were no cases of maculopathy, vitreous haemorrhage, optic atrophy, and sterile endophthalmitis. No patient had an irreversible loss of vision that could be attributed to the intravitreal injection of MTX.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that the modified intravitreal injection regimen of MTX is an effective therapeutic approach in inducing clinical remission of intraocular involvement in PCNSL patients, associated with few complications. However, further study needs to be conducted to indicate whether the proposed approach extends life expectancy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) can involve the vitreous and retina and is associated with a poor clinical outcome, with a survival rate of less than 3 months in absence of undergoing an effective therapeutic strategy. Methotrexate (MTX) is the most efficient cytotoxic drug for patients with vitreoretinal involvement in primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), through intravitreal injection of MTX. In our experience, the modified protocol of intravitreal MTX according to the Intensive-Consolidation-Maintenance regimen, was effective in inducing clinical remission of PVRL with few complications. The accumulating clinical results brought us to propose the consideration of this protocol as a good first-line treatment option for PVRL.

Evaluating the cerebrospinal fluid ctDNA detection by next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of meningeal Carcinomatosis

Background

Meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) is the most severe form of brain metastasis and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, the diagnosis of MC is routinely confirmed on the basis of clinical manifestation, positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology, and/or neuroimaging features. However, negative rate of CSF cytology and neuroimaging findings often result in a failure to diagnose MC from the patients who actually have the disease. Here we evaluate the CSF circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the diagnosis of MC.

Methods

A total of 35 CSF samples were collected from 35 patients with MC for CSF cytology examination, CSF ctDNA extraction and cancer-associated gene mutations detection by next-generation sequencing (NGS) at the same time.

Results

The most frequent primary tumor in this study was lung cancer (26/35, 74%), followed by gastric cancer (2/35, 6%), breast cancer (2/35, 6%), prostatic cancer (1/35, 3%), parotid gland carcinoma (1/35, 3%) and lymphoma (1/35, 3%) while no primary tumor could be found in the remaining 2 patients in spite of using various inspection methods. Twenty-five CSF samples (25/35; 71%) were found neoplastic cells in CSF cytology examination while all of the 35 CSF samples (35/35; 100%) were revealed having detectable ctDNA in which cancer-associated gene mutations were detected. All of 35 patients with MC in the study underwent contrast-enhanced brain MRI and/or CT and 22 neuroimaging features (22/35; 63%) were consistent with MC. The sensitivity of the neuroimaging was 88% (95% confidence intervals [95% CI], 75 to 100) (p = 22/25) and 63% (95% CI, 47 to 79) (p = 22/35) compared to those of CSF cytology and CSF ctDNA, respectively. The sensitivity of the CSF cytology was 71% (95% CI, 56 to 86) (n = 25/35) compared to that of CSF ctDNA.

Conclusions

This study suggests a higher sensitivity of CSF ctDNA than those of CSF cytology and neuroimaging findings. We find cancer-associated gene mutations in ctDNA from CSF of patients with MC at 100% of our cohort, and utilizing CSF ctDNA as liquid biopsy technology based on the detection of cancer-associated gene mutations may give additional information to diagnose MC with negative CSF cytology and/or negative neuroimaging findings.

Circulating tumour DNA, microRNA and metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid as biomarkers for central nervous system malignancies

Central nervous system (CNS) malignancies can be difficult to diagnose and many do not respond satisfactorily to existing therapies. Monitoring patients with CNS malignancies for treatment response and tumour recurrence can be challenging because of the difficulty and risks of brain biopsies, and the low specificity and sensitivity of the less invasive methodologies that are currently available. Uncertainty about tumour diagnosis or whether a tumour has responded to treatment or has recurred can cause delays in therapeutic decisions that can impact patient outcome. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and validate reliable and minimally invasive biomarkers for CNS tumours that can be used alone or in combination with current clinical practices. Blood-based biomarkers can be informative in the diagnosis and monitoring of various types of cancer. However, blood-based biomarkers have proven suboptimal for analysis of CNS tumours. In contrast, circulating biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including circulating tumour DNA, microRNAs and metabolites, hold promise for accurate and minimally invasive assessment of CNS tumours. This review summarises the current understanding of these three types of CSF biomarkers and their potential use in neuro-oncologic clinical practice.

Leptomeningeal metastasis

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) results from dissemination of cancer cells to both the leptomeninges (pia and arachnoid) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment. Breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma are the most common solid tumors that cause LM. Recent approval of more active anticancer therapies has resulted in improvement in survival that is partly responsible for an increased incidence of LM. Neurologic deficits, once manifest, are mostly irreversible, and often have a significant impact on patient quality of life. LM-directed therapy is based on symptom palliation, circumscribed use of neurosurgery, limited field radiotherapy, intra-CSF and systemic therapies. Novel methods of detecting LM include detection of CSF circulating tumor cells and tumor cell-free DNA. A recent international guideline for a standardization of response assessment in LM may improve cross-trial comparisons as well as within-trial evaluation of treatment. An increasing number of retrospective studies suggest that molecular-targeted therapy, such as EGFR and ALK inhibitors in lung cancer, trastuzumab in HER2+ breast cancer, and BRAF inhibitors in melanoma, may be effective as part of the multidisciplinary management of LM. Prospective randomized trials with standardized response assessment are needed to further validate these preliminary findings.

[A case of neurolymphomatosis that was diagnosed by acoustic nerve biopsy]

A 58-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent multiple cranial neuropathy (right facial palsy followed by involvement of the left trigeminal, facial, acoustic, pharyngeal, and vagal nerves and the right abducens nerve). Brain MRI showed gadolinium enhancement of the right abducens, bilateral facial/acoustic, and left pharyngeal/vagal nerves, and ¹⁸F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography revealed abnormal FDG uptake in the right facial, acoustic, pharyngeal, and vagal nerves and the left cervical lymph nodes. Blood and biochemical analyses did not show any abnormalities, including in the patient's lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2R) levels. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination showed gradual increases in the patient's cell counts and protein, β2-microglobulin, and sIL2R levels, but no malignant cells were detected. A thorough investigation involving repeated CSF examinations, whole-body computed tomography, bone marrow aspiration, random skin biopsies, and cervical lymph node aspiration biopsy examinations did not result in any definitive conclusions. Steroid therapy was ineffective, and the patient developed deafness in her left ear. Therefore, we performed a biopsy examination of the left acoustic nerve, which resulted in the patient being diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. High-dose MTX following the intrathecal administration of MTX, cytarabine, and prednisolone partially improved her symptoms, but she died after several episodes of clinical recurrence. Acoustic nerve biopsy may help diagnose neurolymphomatosis in carefully selected cases.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Dissemination and Neoplastic Meningitis in Primary Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND

Neoplastic meningitis, also known as leptomeningeal disease, affects the entire neuraxis. The clinical manifestations of the disease may affect the cranial nerves, cerebral hemispheres, or the spine. Because of the extent of disease involvement, treatment options and disease staging should involve all compartments of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and subarachnoid space. Few studies of patients with primary brain tumors have specifically addressed treatment for the secondary complication of neoplastic meningitis. Therapy for neoplastic meningitis is palliative in nature and, rarely, may have a curative intent.

METHODS

A review of the medical literature pertinent to neoplastic meningitis in primary brain tumors was performed. The complication of neoplastic meningitis is described in detail for the various types of primary brain tumors.

RESULTS

Treatment of neoplastic meningitis is complicated because determining who should receive aggressive, central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy is difficult. In general, the therapeutic response of neoplastic meningitis is a function of CSF cytology and, secondarily, of the clinical improvement in neurological manifestations related to the disease. CSF cytology may manifest a rostrocaudal disassociation; thus, consecutive, negative findings require that both lumbar and ventricular cytological testing are performed to confirm the complete response. Based on data from several prospective, randomized trials extrapolated to primary brain tumors, the median rate of survival for neoplastic meningitis is several months. Oftentimes, therapy directed at palliation may improve quality of life by protecting patients from experiencing continued neurological deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoplastic meningitis is a complicated disease in which response to therapy varies by histology. Thus, survival rates after CNS-directed therapy will differ by the underlying primary tumor. Optimal therapy of neoplastic meningitis is poorly defined, and few guidelines exist to guide clinicians on the most appropriate choice of therapy.

Optic nerve lymphoma: report of two cases and review of the literature

Lymphoma may involve the optic nerve as isolated optic nerve lymphoma or in association with central nervous system (CNS) or systemic lymphoma. We present two biopsy-proven non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the optic nerve and compare our findings with previously reported cases. We discuss the mechanism of metastasis, classification of optic nerve involvement, clinical features, radiologic findings, optic nerve biopsy indications and techniques, histologic features, and treatments. We propose a classification system of optic nerve lymphoma: isolated optic nerve involvement, optic nerve involvement with CNS disease, optic nerve involvement with systemic disease, and optic nerve involvement with primary intraocular lymphoma. Although it is an uncommon cause of infiltrative optic neuropathy, optic nerve metastasis should be considered in patients with a history of lymphoma. The recommended approach to a patient with presumed optic nerve lymphoma includes neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid evaluation as part of the initial workup, then judicious use of optic nerve biopsy, depending on the clinical situation.

Leptomeningeal involvement in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system involvement is considered a rare complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and so there is the risk of being overlooked.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of central nervous system involvement in a 75-year-old mulatto woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia after 5 years of follow-up and a literature review on the subject. The clinical course, treatment and outcome are described. A systematic, meticulous and comprehensive analysis of existing publications regarding chronic lymphocytic leukemia with central nervous system involvement was performed.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that central nervous system involvement of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is probably not associated with any evident risk factors. Diagnostic approach differs by institutions but often includes imaging, morphology and flow cytometry. Resolution of central nervous system symptoms can usually be accomplished with intrathecal chemotherapy or irradiation followed by systemic treatment. The recognition of this entity by clinicians could lead to early detection and treatment, resulting in better outcomes in this rare complication.

A systematic approach to the diagnosis of suspected central nervous system lymphoma

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma can present a diagnostic challenge. Currently, there is no consensus regarding what presurgical evaluation is warranted or how to proceed when lesions are not surgically accessible. We conducted a review of the literature on CNS lymphoma diagnosis (1966 to October 2011) to determine whether a common diagnostic algorithm can be generated. We extracted data regarding the usefulness of brain and body imaging, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies, ophthalmologic examination, and tissue biopsy in the diagnosis of CNS lymphoma. Contrast enhancement on imaging is highly sensitive at the time of diagnosis: 98.9% in immunocompetent lymphoma and 96.1% in human immunodeficiency virus-related CNS lymphoma. The sensitivity of CSF cytology is low (2%-32%) but increases when combined with flow cytometry. Cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase isozyme 5, β2-microglobulin, and immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangement studies have improved sensitivity over CSF cytology (58%-85%) but have only moderate specificity (85%). New techniques of proteomics and microRNA analysis have more than 95% specificity in the diagnosis of CNS lymphoma. Positive CSF cytology, vitreous biopsy, or brain/leptomeningeal biopsy remain the current standard for diagnosis. A combined stepwise systematic approach outlined here may facilitate an expeditious, comprehensive presurgical evaluation for cases of suspected CNS lymphoma.

Primary CNS lymphoma: a clinician's guide

Primary CNS lymphoma is a high malignant disease of the brain which can lead rapidly to death if diagnosis and/or the start of treatment is delayed. The age at time of diagnosis is a strong factor influencing prognosis so that in younger patients <65 years of age long-term survival may be achieved in a substantial percentage of patients, while in elderly patients long-term survival is seen much more rarely. First-line therapy consists of high-dose methotrexate-based (poly)chemotherapy. This review provides an overview of clinical presentation, steps to diagnosis, detailed information about current treatment concepts and specific information for particular clinical situations.

Meningeal carcinomatosis in solid tumors

The involvement of the leptomeninges by metastatic tumors can be observed in solid tumors, in which case it is termed meningeal carcinomatosis (MC), and in lymphoproliferative malignant disease. It is more common in breast and lung cancer, as well as melanoma, with adenocarcinoma being the most frequent histological type. MC is usually a late event, with disseminated and progressive disease already present and, it is characterized by multifocal neurological signs and symptoms. Diagnosis is based on the evaluation of clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging studies. The better systemic disease control is observed with new therapeutic agents, and the development of neuroimaging methods is responsible for the increasing incidence of such metastatic evolution. Intrathecal chemotherapy is generally the treatment of choice, although frequently palliative. Prognosis is guarded, although a higher performance status may indicate a subgroup of patients with a more favorable outcome.

Diagnosis and outcome measures in trials for neoplastic meningitis: a review of the literature and clinical experience

Innovative approaches to the treatment of neoplastic meningitis are being widely tested. Unfortunately, research on diagnostic strategies and outcome measures on which any advances in treatment ultimately depend, has not been avidly pursued. A critical review of the literature on neoplastic meningitis published since 1978 was undertaken by using MEDLINE and other English language databases. All articles addressing the issues of diagnostic or response criteria were included. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were emphasized. Prospectively collected data from the authors' institution correlating the results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytological examinations with Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score are also discussed. Twenty-six studies (representing 1208 patients) fulfilled search criteria. Only three were RCTs. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology was the sole diagnostic criterion in two-thirds of studies. The results of CSF cytological examination alone or in combination with other clinical or laboratory endpoints constituted the primary outcome measure in 85%. Few studies attempted to address known deficiencies in the reliability and validity of these measures, and correlation between measures was poor. Quality of life was never used as a primary outcome measure. All currently available measurements, including CSF cytology, biochemistry, immunological, and molecular markers, neuroimaging studies, clinical examination, and survival, suffer from poor sensitivity and/or specificity, and often correlate poorly with each other. Although CSF cytological examination, performed according to a rigorous, research-supported protocol, may be the optimum diagnostic and outcome measure at this time, additional research is a prerequisite for any further advances in the clinical care of patients with neoplastic meningitis.

Case series: CSF LDH, proteins and electrolyte levels in patients of acute lymphocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is common in hemoncologic diseases especially in patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Currently available modalities have limitations in diagnosing CNS involvement in early stages of disease and have a limited prognostic value. Raised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels can predict CNS involvement in patients with various neurological disorders including CNS leukemia.

METHODS

This study was conducted in 23 consecutive freshly diagnosed patients of ALL without any previous CNS disease. Analysis of CSF was done for total LDH, proteins and electrolytes in all the patients before the start of chemotherapy and when the patients were in remission or 6 weeks after chemotherapy whichever was earlier. Twenty-three age and sex matched controls were also studied to set the normal reference range. The results were analyzed statistically by Student's t test and coefficient of co-relation between CSF LDH and protein in patients with raised CSF LDH at the time of presentation was also calculated.

RESULTS

CSF LDH was increased in 4 out of 6 patients with signs and symptoms of CNS involvement (Group A) and 3 of these patients also had increased CSF protein levels. 2 out of 17 patients without signs and symptoms of CNS involvement (Group B) had both elevated CSF LDH and protein levels. The increased levels came down to normal reference values after chemotherapy except in one Group A patient in whom CSF LDH remained high. However, no significant change in CSF electrolytes was noted in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Raised CSF LDH and CSF protein levels may indicate CNS involvement in patients with ALL.

Detection of cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid: current methods and future directions

The spread of cancer into the central nervous system is a serious problem leading to neurological symptoms and rapid mortality. The current tools available for detecting the spread of cancer into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are cytology, neurologic examination, and neuroimaging. All three of these methods can be applied in concert to reach a diagnosis, but they all suffer from a lack of sensitivity, leading to delays in treatment in many cases. An overview of research tools in the field of CSF cancer detection reveals a variety of promising technologies that can be used to answer questions about the biology of metastatic cancer and to develop more powerful clinical detection methods. Methods currently under investigation include new immunocytochemistry methods and flow cytometry for the in vitro detection of cells. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence in situ hybridization, capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence, and mass spectrometry using matrix-assisted laser absorption-deionization time-of-flight and surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight techniques are being tested for in vitro assessment of the non-cellular biomarkers in CSF. For in vivo detection of cancer in the CSF, research techniques include certain quantum dot platforms as well as magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. As systemic therapies for cancer improve, the CNS is becoming a more common site of disease recurrence. This increases the importance of effective detection methods in the CSF, since early intervention can maximize therapeutic benefit. Furthermore, many cell-based detection methods can be combined with therapeutic agents to serve multiple medical functions through a common targeting system.

Leptomeningeal metastasis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Leptomeningeal metastasis occurs in approximately 5% of all patients with cancer. This review summarizes recent literature regarding methods of diagnosis and treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Staging of leptomeningeal metastasis should include contrast-enhanced brain and spine MRI, and though controversial, radionuclide cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow study. Treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis often requires involved-field radiotherapy to bulky or symptomatic disease sites as well as intra-CSF and systemic chemotherapy. The use of high-dose systemic therapy may benefit patients with leptomeningeal metastasis and obviate the need for intra-CSF chemotherapy. Intra-CSF drug therapy primarily utilizes one of three chemotherapeutic agents [i.e. methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside (both free and liposomal) and thio-tetraethylenepentamine] administered by a variety of schedules either by intralumbar or intraventricular drug delivery. Novel intra-CSF agents increasingly utilized in the treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis are targeted mAbs such as rituximab and trastuzumab.

SUMMARY

Although treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis is palliative with median patient survival of 2-3 months, treatment may afford stabilization and protection from further neurologic deterioration in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis.

Neurologic complications of cancer and its treatment

The central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are very susceptible to cancer and its treatment. The most direct involvement of the nervous system manifests in the development of primary brain and spinal cord tumors. Many cancers exhibit a propensity toward spread to the CNS, and brain metastases are common problems seen in malignancies such as lung, breast, and melanoma. Such spread may involve the brain or spine parenchyma or the subarachnoid space. In the PNS, spread is usually through direct infiltration of nerve roots, plexi, or muscle by neighboring malignancies. In some cases, cancer has sudden, devastating effects on the nervous system: epidural spinal cord compression or cord transection from pathologic fractures of vertebra involved by cancer; increased intracranial pressure from intracranial mass lesion growth and edema; and uncontrolled seizure activity as a result of intracranial tumors (status epilepticus), which are neuro-oncologic emergencies. The best known indirect or remote effects of cancer on the nervous system are the neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes. Cancer can also result in a hypercoagulable state causing cerebrovascular complications. Treatment of cancer can have neurologic complications. The commonest of these complications are radiation-induced injury to the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The suppressant effect of cancer and its treatment on the body's immune system can result in infectious complications within the nervous system.

Diagnostic tools for neoplastic meningitis: detecting disease, identifying patient risk, and determining benefit of treatment

Three methods are routinely used to diagnose neoplastic meningitis (NM): clinical signs and symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine. Clinical manifestations are often subtle or may be ascribed to other cancer complications, eg, treatment-related disorders or brain parenchymal metastases. CSF cytology has a high specificity (>95%), but its sensitivity is generally less than 50%. MRI sensitivity and specificity vary with the type of primary cancer; overall, MRI findings consistent with leptomeningeal disease are detected in fewer than 50% of NM patients. While most clinicians evaluate CSF cytology along with MRI and the clinical examination, underdiagnosis is a major problem, since many patients are both cytologically and radiographically negative. Failure to consider NM in the differential diagnosis magnifies the problem of underdiagnosis. CSF flow cytometry is particularly promising for evaluating NM from hematologic cancers, with a diagnostic sensitivity many fold greater than conventional cytology. Research has focused on identifying biochemical markers of tumor cells in the CSF. For example, molecules involved in CNS penetration (eg, matrix metalloproteinases and cathepsins), tumor cell tropism (eg, chemokines CXCL8 and CCL18), and angiogenesis (eg, vascular endothelial growth factor) are elevated in the CSF of patients with NM. Evidence that some tumor types are more likely to infiltrate the CNS also has stimulated research into primary tumor markers predictive of CNS metastases. At present, there is no tumor marker or patient characteristic that reliably predicts the development of NM, and diagnosis still relies on suggestive signs and symptoms, positive CSF cytology, or a consistent MRI-all late manifestations of NM. Until techniques capable of detecting NM early are developed, increased awareness of the disease and standardized evaluation are likely to have the greatest impact on improving diagnosis and implementing earlier treatment.

Central nervous system disease in hematologic malignancies: historical perspective and practical applications

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 5-year survival rates are approaching 90% in children and 50% in adults who are receiving contemporary risk-directed treatment protocols. Current efforts focus not only on further improving cure rate but also on patient quality of life. Hence, all protocols decrease or limit the use of cranial irradiation as central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy, even in patients with high-risk presenting features, such as the presence of leukemia cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (even resulting from traumatic lumbar puncture), adverse genetic features, T-cell immunophenotype, and a large leukemia cell burden. Current strategies for CNS-directed therapy involve effective systemic chemotherapy (eg, dexamethasone, high-dose methotrexate, intensive asparaginase) and early intensification and optimization of intrathecal therapy. Options under investigation for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CNS leukemia in ALL patients include thiotepa and intrathecal liposomal cytarabine. CNS involvement in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is associated with young age, advanced stage, number of extranodal sites, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and International Prognostic Index score. Refractory CNS lymphoma in patients with NHL carries a poor prognosis, with a median survival of 2 to 6 months; the most promising treatment, autologous stem cell transplant, can extend median survival from 10 to 26 months. CNS prophylaxis is required during the initial treatment of NHL subtypes that carry a high risk of CNS relapse, such as B-cell ALL, Burkitt lymphoma, and lymphoblastic lymphoma. The use of CNS prophylaxis in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is controversial because of the low risk of CNS relapse ( approximately 5%) in this population. In this article, we review current and past practice of intrathecal therapy in ALL and NHL and the risk models that aim to identify predictors of CNS relapse in NHL.

Immunophenotyping and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement analysis in cerebrospinal fluid of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Flow cytometry (FCM) immunophenotyping and IgH gene rearrangements (IGHRs) by real-time PCR in comparison with classic cytology for diagnosing CNS infiltration in pediatric ALL. We concluded that the diagnostic value of FCM and IGHR are two to three times more than that of cytology. Therefore, immunophenotyping by FCM is recommended for routine diagnosis of CSF infiltration. Furthermore, IGHR analysis by real-time PCR appears to be a useful addition in evaluation of CNS infiltration.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

This chapter discusses the anatomy, functions, and biochemistry of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF has four major functions: physical support of neural structures, excretion and “sink” action, intracerebral transport, and control of the chemical environment of the central nervous system. CSF provides a “water jacket” of physical support and buoyancy. The CSF is protective because its volume changes reciprocally with changes in the volume of intracranial contents, particularly blood. Thus, the CSF protects the brain from changes in arterial and central venous pressure associated with posture, respiration, and exertion. Acute or chronic pathological changes in intracranial contents can be accommodated, to a point, by changes in the CSF volume. The direct transfer of brain metabolites into the CSF provides excretory function. This capacity is important because the brain lacks a lymphatic system. The lymphatic function of the CSF is also manifested in the removal of large proteins and cells, such as bacteria or blood cells, by bulk CSF absorption. The “sink” action of the CSF arises from the restricted access of water-soluble substances to the CSF and the low concentration of these solutes in the CSF.

Primary meningeal lymphoma of T-cell origin: a rare presentation of primary central nervous system lymphomas

Primary meningeal lymphoma is a rare clinical entity. Central nervous system infiltration by systemic lymphoma should always be excluded. Diagnosis can be difficult, and prognosis is usually poor. Most are of B-cell origin. We present the case of a young man with a primary meningeal lymphoma of T-cell origin. He was treated with systemic chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine and intraventricular chemotherapy. He had a clinical improvement and a complete remission, with a long overall survival. There is no standard treatment for this rare disease. Traditionally, treatment has been based in craniospinal radiation therapy and intrathecal chemotherapy, with poor overall results. More recently, systemic chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate has been advocated, which could avoid the long-term toxicity of craniospinal radiation therapy, and could improve the prognosis of these patients.

Levels of serum and cerebrospinal fluid soluble CD27 in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal involvement of hematolymphoid malignancies

Reportedly, soluble CD27 (sCD27) is a sensitive and specific marker for leptomeningeal involvement (LI) of CD27-expressing lymphoproliferations, such as B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia. On morphologic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), one third of patients suspected of LI have false negatives, so a diagnostic marker for LI in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or B-lymphocytic leukemia would be extremely valuable. sCD27 was detected in the serum and CSF samples from 35 selected patients in whom 18 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (3 with LI), 7 of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 5 of acute myelogenous leukemia (3 with LI) were submitted for (immuno)morphologic detection of malignant cells and intrathecal therapy, along with samples from 5 control patients (2 submitted for epidural hemorrhage, 3 for lumbar disc protrusion). Concentrations of CSF-sCD27 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PeliKine Compact Human Soluble CD27 ELISA Kit, Cat. No. M1960; Research Diagnostics Inc., Concord, Mass). The cutoff value was 350 U/mL. Serum and CSF-sCD27 concentrations above the cutoff value were not detected. Although it is unlikely that LI would be present in patients with chronic lymphoproliferation who have normal sCD27 concentrations in CSF samples, the determination of CSF-sCD27 is not sufficiently specific to allow it to serve as a reliable tumor marker.

Peripheral nervous system involvement in patients with cancer

Involvement of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is common in patients with cancer and any part, including motor neurons, sensory ganglia, nerve roots, plexuses, cranial and peripheral nerves, and neuromuscular junctions, can be affected. Different mechanisms can initiate damage associated with cancer-related PNS disorders. These include tumour infiltration, toxicity of treatments, metabolic and nutritional perturbations, cachexia, virus infections, and paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. The type of cancer, lymphoma, or solid tumour is a further determinant of a PNS disorder. In this Review we discuss the different causes and mechanisms of disorders of the PNS in patients with cancer and we will focus on their assessment and diagnosis.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: presentation, diagnosis and staging

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the brain, spinal cord, leptomeninges, and eyes. The clinical presentation and neuroimaging appearance of PCNSL differ in immunocompetent patients and in those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A magnetic resonance (MR) image of the brain in immunocompetent patients with PCNSL typically demonstrates one or more homogeneously enhancing lesions located in the periventricular white matter, characteristically spanning the corpus callosum. In patients with AIDS, multiple ring-enhancing lesions are more common. After neuroimages raising the suspicion of PCNSL are obtained, a definitive diagnosis should be established in both immunocompetent and AIDS patients by performing pathological analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), vitreous fluid, or a biopsy specimen. Brain biopsy sampling remains the gold standard for PCNSL diagnosis in all patients, although the possibility of establishing routine, minimally invasive diagnostic procedures in which Epstein-Barr virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the CSF and nuclear imaging are used is currently under investigation in the population of patients with AIDS. At the time of diagnosis, the patient should undergo further evaluation, which should include a physical examination, ophthalmic evaluation with a slit-lamp examination, serum lactate dehydrogenase levels, human immunodeficiency virus testing, computed tomography scans of the chest/abdomen/pelvis, bone marrow biopsy sampling, contrast-enhanced brain MR imaging, and lumbar puncture (LP). Testicular ultrasonography studies should be considered in men. In patients who cannot undergo LP or in those with evidence of spinal cord dysfunction, contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the entire spine should be considered.

Lymphomatous meningitis in primary central nervous system lymphoma

✓Lymphomatous meningitis (LM) due to primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is an uncommon problem in neurooncology and can occur at time of diagnosis or recurrence. Notwithstanding frequent focal signs and symptoms, LM is a disease affecting the entire neuraxis, and therefore staging and treatment need to encompass all cere-brospinal fluid (CSF) compartments. Central nervous system staging of LM includes contrast agent–enhanced cranial computed tomography (CT) or Gd-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, Gd-enhanced spinal MR imaging, CT myelography, and radionuclide CSF flow study. Treatment of LM includes involved-field radiotherapy of bulky or symptomatic disease sites and intra-CSF drug therapy. The inclusion of concomitant systemic therapy can benefit patients with LM and can obviate the need for intra-CSF chemotherapy. At present, intra-CSF drug therapy is confined to three chemotherapeutic agents (methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside, and thiotepa) administered by a variety of schedules either by intralumbar or intraventricular drug delivery. Although treatment of LM is palliative and the expected median survival of patients is 4 to 6 months, it often provides stabilization and protection from further neurological deterioration. In patients with primary CNS lymphoma, CNS prophylaxis has been recommended (using a combination of high-dose systemic chemotherapy and intra-CSF chemotherapy), but the strategy remains controversial because high-dose systemic methotrexate is commonly used as an adjuvant therapy. Patients with primary CNS lymphoma at high risk as defined by positive CSF cytology or neuroradiography consistent with LM may benefit from the inclusion of intra-CSF chemotherapy.

Role of ancillary techniques in diagnosing and subclassifying non-Hodgkin's lymphomas on fine needle aspiration cytology

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) are tumours of the lymphoid cells. During the process of development of lymphoid cells, neoplasia may evolve at any point. Neoplastic cells usually carry the imprint of cell of origin at the stage of origin. Various types of NHL may have similar morphology with wide variation in origin, immunophenotype and other biological features. Different ancillary laboratory techniques may help to overcome the limitations of morphology in this aspect. The commonly used ancillary techniques in lymphomas are immunocytochemistry (IC), flow cytometry, Southern blot (SB) technique, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). In addition, laser scanning cytometry (LSC) and DNA microarray technologies are in the research phase. Various laboratory techniques are used for immunophenotyping, demonstration of monoclonality, identification of chromosomal translocation, assessment of cell kinetics and expression of mRNA in the tumour cells. Flow cytometry helps in rapid immunophenotying of NHL and it has an added advantage over IC in recognizing the co-expression of CD markers. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) combined with flow immunophenotyping may help us to diagnose and subclassify certain NHLs, such as follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, which were previously recognized as pure morphological entities. Loss of morphology is one of the important limitations of flow cytometry. LSC can overcome this limitation by studying morphology along with the immunophenotyping pattern of individual cells. Chromosomal changes in NHL can be identified by SB, PCR and FISH. Molecular diagnosis of NHL helps in diagnosis, subclassification, prognostic assessment and even in planning of therapy. DNA microarray is a relatively newer and promising technology. It gives information about the expression of several thousands of genes in a tumour in a single experiment. In the near future, FNAC combined with ancillary techniques may play a major role in diagnosis, subclassification and management of lymphomas.

Neoplastic meningitis

BACKGROUND

Neoplastic meningitis (NM) is a common problem in neuro-oncology, occurring in approximately 5% of all patients with cancer.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Notwithstanding frequent focal signs and symptoms in NM, NM is a disease affecting the entire neuraxis, and therefore staging and treatment need encompass all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartments.

RESULTS

Central nervous system (CNS) staging of NM includes contrast-enhanced cranial computed tomography (CE-CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MR-Gd), contrast-enhanced spine magnetic resonance imaging (MR-S) or computed tomographic myelography (CT-M), and radionuclide CSF flow study (FS). Treatment of NM incorporates involved-field radiotherapy of bulky or symptomatic disease sites and intra-CSF drug therapy. The inclusion of concomitant systemic therapy may benefit patients with NM and may obviate the need for intra-CSF chemotherapy. At present, intra-CSF drug therapy is confined to 3 chemotherapeutic agents (ie, methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside, and thio-TEPA) administered by a variety of schedules either by intralumbar or intraventricular drug delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Although treatment of NM is palliative, with an expected median patient survival of 2 to 6 months, it often affords stabilization and protection from further neurologic deterioration in patients with NM.

Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement analysis in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with lymphoproliferative processes

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement (IGHR) analysis in the distinction of benign and malignant lymphoproliferative diseases.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients in whom a malignant lymphoproliferative process was suspected. Cells of CSF samples were collected by centrifugation, resuspended in 100 microl of the supernatant and boiled. A 10 microl aliquot of this lysate served as template for semi-nested polymerase chain reaction using variable and joining region consensus primers. PCR products were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cytopathological diagnosis and flow cytometry results were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity of IGHR analysis, cytopathology and flow cytometry were calculated.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (12 specimens) had involvement of leptomeninges at the time of lumbar puncture. Another 25 cases (27 specimens) had normal CSF findings or were diagnosed with benign lymphoproliferative conditions. Sensitivity of CSF cytopathology, flow cytometry and IGHR analysis were 0.27 [95% confidence interval 0.06, 0.61], 0.1 [0.003, 0.45] and 0.58 [0.28, 0.85]. Specificity was 1 [0.86, 1], 0.95 [0.77, 1.0] and 0.85 [0.66, 0.96].

INTERPRETATION

IGHR analysis appears to be a useful addition to morphological and flow cytometry analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in the evaluation of CNS lymphoproliferative processes.

CSF analysis of IgH gene rearrangement in CNS lymphoma: Relationship to the disease course

PURPOSE

To assess whether clonal IgH genes in CSF of patients with CNS lymphoma correlates with the disease course.

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that the PCR technique, which offers a sensitive test for diagnosis of systemic lymphoproliferative malignancies, can be applied to the CSF.

METHODS

Seventy-three CSF specimens from 32 patients (27 with primary CNS lymphoma and 5 with an isolated parenchymal CNS relapse of systemic lymphoma) were examined. The results were evaluated retrospectively and compared to conventional cytology, clinical and imaging data, and course of the disease. CNS disease was defined as active when leptomeningeal and/or parenchymal brain involvement was evident on neuroimaging. Patients were considered to have a complete response when imaging confirmed absence of a tumor mass or leptomeningeal seeding.

RESULTS

Sixty-three of 73 samples had adequate genetic material for testing. Of the 63, 15 (24%) were positive for clonal IgH rearrangement. In nine (60%) of the 15 patients with active disease, PCR results were positive, while negative results were observed in 19 (95%) of the 20 patients showing clear response to treatment. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR evaluation were 54% and 97%, respectively. The predictive values of positive and negative tests were 93% and 74%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrated results of both PCR and cytology evaluations increase the sensitivity of CSF analysis. The PCR study has high specificity and positive results are indicative for the presence of active disease, even when the tumor seems confined to the brain parenchyma.

Neoplastic meningitis from systemic malignancies: diagnosis, prognosis and treatment

Long-term survival is occasionally observed in patients with neoplastic meningitis (NM) accompanying breast cancer (13% one-year and 6% 2-year survival), melanoma, and lymphoma, but in general the survival of most patients is short and averages only 3 to 4 months. The incidence of NM appears to be increasing, in part due to earlier detection by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in part due to development of more effective therapies for systemic cancer, which has resulted in a larger subset at risk for late-stage development of this complication. Survival of NM patients is negatively affected by concomitant progression of systemic disease despite multiple prior therapies. However, there are certain prognostic factors that have been identified as "favorable" in retrospective series, including age less than 60 years, long symptom duration, controlled systemic disease, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) > or =70, lack of encephalopathy or cranial nerve deficits, low initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level, history of breast primary tumor, and lack of evidence of CSF compartmentalization or bulky meningeal disease as determined by CSF flow studies. Standard treatment has traditionally involved radiotherapy (RT) to sites of symptomatic or bulky disease, as detected by neuroimaging, and in selected patients, the administration of intrathecal, intraventricular, or systemic chemotherapy. However, treatment remains palliative and many patients and physicians choose supportive care only. Future hope is provided by studies that have improved our understanding of the disease pathogenesis, have identified prognostic variables associated with outcome, and have provided new therapeutic approaches, such as administration of high-dose systemic chemotherapy and investigations of novel therapeutic agents.

Leukemic and lymphomatous meningitis: incidence, prognosis and treatment

Neoplastic meningitis (NM) is a common problem in neuro-oncology occurring in approximately 5% of all patients with cancer. Notwithstanding frequent focal signs and symptoms in NM, NM is a disease affecting the entire neuraxis and therefore staging and treatment need encompass all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartments. Central nervous system (CNS) staging of NM includes contrast enhanced cranial computerized tomography (CE-CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MR-Gd), contrast enhanced spine magnetic resonance imaging (MR-S) or computerized tomographic myelography (CT-M) and radionuclide CSF flow study (FS). Treatment of NM involves involved-field radiotherapy of bulky or symptomatic disease sites and intra-CSF drug therapy. The inclusion of concomitant systemic therapy may benefit patients with NM and may obviate the need for intra-CSF chemotherapy. At present, intra-CSF drug therapy is confined to three chemotherapeutic agents (i.e. methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside and thio-TEPA) administered by a variety of schedules either by intralumbar or intraventricular drug delivery. Although treatment of NM is palliative with an expected median patient survival of 4 to 6 months, it often affords stabilization and protection from further neurologic deterioration in patients with NM. In patients with leukemia or lymphoma, prophylaxis of the CNS is used (utilizing a combination of high-dose systemic chemotherapy and intra-CSF chemotherapy) for patients at high risk as defined by specific tumor-related laboratory markers. Using such a risk-stratified approach, the late occurrence of CNS relapse has decreased dramatically attesting to the value of CNS prophylaxis.

Leptomeningeal metastases from leukemias and lymphomas

Leptomeningeal dissemination of lymphoma and leukemia differs from that of solid tumors in a number of clinically important aspects. Specific histologic variants of lymphoma and leukemia have such a high incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dissemination that assessing CSF cytology at diagnosis is crucial and prophylactic therapy of the CSF compartment is required. Furthermore, while the overall prognosis for patients with leptomeningeal metastases from leukemia and lymphoma is similar to solid tumors, selected patients have excellent response to therapy and attain durable remission. Therefore, aggressive treatment is warranted.

Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

This article reviews the clinical features of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and staging evaluation in both immunocompetent and AIDS patients who have PCNSL are discussed. The differing role of biopsy in these two populations also is addressed.

Unusual Variants of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Rare variants of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) include unusual sites of presentation (eg, neurolymphomatosis and primary leptomeningeal lymphoma) and uncommon pathologic entities. Neurolymphomatosis involves peripheral nerves and nerve roots in addition to systemic and central nervous system (CNS) sites. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, and treatment incorporates the principles of therapy for systemic and CNS lymphoma. Primary leptomeningeal lymphoma can present with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure or cranial or spinal polyradiculopathies. Diagnosis can be made by examining cerebrospinal fluid and incorporating immunophenotyping and molecular pathology techniques. Treatment options include irradiation and intrathecal or systemic chemotherapy. The features of PCNSL of T-cell origin and indolent B-cell PCNSL also are discussed.

Neoplastic meningitis

Neoplastic meningitis (NM) is a common problem in neuro-oncology occurring in approximately 5% of all patients with cancer, and is the third most common site of CNS metastases. NM is a disease affecting the entire neuraxis, and therefore clinical manifestations are pleomorphic affecting the spine, cranial nerves, and cerebral hemispheres. Because of craniospinal disease involvement, staging and treatment need to encompass all CSF compartments. Treatment of NM utilizes involved-field radiotherapy of bulky or symptomatic disease sites and intra-CSF drug therapy. The inclusion of concomitant systemic therapy may benefit patients with NM and may obviate the need for intra-CSF chemotherapy. At present, intra-CSF drug therapy is confined to three chemotherapeutic agents (ie, methotrexate, cytarabine, and thiotepa) administered by a variety of schedules either by intralumbar or intraventricular drug delivery. Although treatment of NM is palliative with an expected median patient survival of 2 to 6 months, it often affords stabilization and protection from further neurologic deterioration in patients with NM.

Leptomeningeal neoplasia: epidemiology, clinical presentation, CSF analysis and diagnostic imaging

The incidence of leptomeningeal metastasis over the past several decades has increased among solid tumor patients and decerased in patients with hematologic malignancies. Improvements in systemic therapies are likely responsible for both changes; solid tumor patients are living longer and, threfore, are at higher risk to develop leptomeningeal tumors while patients with hematologic malignancy have benefitted from more aggressive central nervous system prophylaxis. Regardless, both types of patients present with symptoms referrable to multiple levels of the central nervous system and a careful dignostic approach incorporating cerebrospinal fluid studies and appropriate neuroimaging is critical.

Leptomeningeal metastasis: survival and prognostic factors in 155 patients

In this single-center retrospective study, 155 consecutive patients with leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) were analyzed for the prognostic role of patient- and therapy-related variables. Ten percent of the patients received radiotherapy alone, 32% had chemotherapy alone, 31% received radiochemotherapy, 17% had supportive therapy only, and 10% were not evaluable for therapy. Chemotherapy was systemic (17%), combined systemic and intrathecal (10%), or intrathecal only (35%). Clinical improvement was noted in 41% of the patients. Overall median survival time (MST) was 4.8 months. Survival varied considerably depending on the type of primary tumor in this largest published cohort of LM patients. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age >60 and elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) albumin or lactate levels were therapy-independent predictors of poor survival in the entire cohort as well as in the subgroup of patients with systemic primary tumors (n=105). The assessment of three therapy-independent parameters allows to group LM patients into groups of low, intermediate, and high risk of poor survival. Moreover, the application of systemic chemotherapy was a positive prognostic factor in patients with subarachnoid lesions detected by neuroimaging (RR 1.94, p=0.001) or with extra-CNS tumor deposits (RR 1.52, p=0.05). The results of this study suggest that systemic chemotherapy alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities may improve outcome in patients with subarachnoid tumor cell deposits detectable by neuroimaging.