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Steininger J, Gellrich FF, Engellandt K, Meinhardt M, Westphal D, Beissert S, Meier F, Glitza Oliva IC. Leptomeningeal Metastases in Melanoma Patients: An Update on and Future Perspectives for Diagnosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11443. [PMID: 37511202 PMCID: PMC10380419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a devastating complication of cancer with a particularly poor prognosis. Among solid tumours, malignant melanoma (MM) has one of the highest rates of metastasis to the leptomeninges, with approximately 10-15% of patients with advanced disease developing LMD. Tumour cells that metastasise to the brain have unique properties that allow them to cross the blood-brain barrier, evade the immune system, and survive in the brain microenvironment. Metastatic colonisation is achieved through dynamic communication between metastatic cells and the tumour microenvironment, resulting in a tumour-permissive milieu. Despite advances in treatment options, the incidence of LMD appears to be increasing and current treatment modalities have a limited impact on survival. This review provides an overview of the biology of LMD, diagnosis and current treatment approaches for MM patients with LMD, and an overview of ongoing clinical trials. Despite the still limited efficacy of current therapies, there is hope that emerging treatments will improve the outcomes for patients with LMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Steininger
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Friedrich Gellrich
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kay Engellandt
- Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias Meinhardt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dana Westphal
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Beissert
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Isabella C Glitza Oliva
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Nguyen A, Nguyen A, Dada OT, Desai PD, Ricci JC, Godbole NB, Pierre K, Lucke-Wold B. Leptomeningeal Metastasis: A Review of the Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Methodology, and Therapeutic Landscape. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5906-5931. [PMID: 37366925 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review aimed to establish an understanding of the pathophysiology of leptomeningeal disease as it relates to late-stage development among different cancer types. For our purposes, the focused metastatic malignancies include breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, primary central nervous system tumors, and hematologic cancers (lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma). Of note, our discussion was limited to cancer-specific leptomeningeal metastases secondary to the aforementioned primary cancers. LMD mechanisms secondary to non-cancerous pathologies, such as infection or inflammation of the leptomeningeal layer, were excluded from our scope of review. Furthermore, we intended to characterize general leptomeningeal disease, including the specific anatomical infiltration process/area, CSF dissemination, manifesting clinical symptoms in patients afflicted with the disease, detection mechanisms, imaging modalities, and treatment therapies (both preclinical and clinical). Of these parameters, leptomeningeal disease across different primary cancers shares several features. Pathophysiology regarding the development of CNS involvement within the mentioned cancer subtypes is similar in nature and progression of disease. Consequently, detection of leptomeningeal disease, regardless of cancer type, employs several of the same techniques. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in combination with varied imaging (CT, MRI, and PET-CT) has been noted in the current literature as the gold standard in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastasis. Treatment options for the disease are both varied and currently in development, given the rarity of these cases. Our review details the differences in leptomeningeal disease as they pertain through the lens of several different cancer subtypes in an effort to highlight the current state of targeted therapy, the potential shortcomings in treatment, and the direction of preclinical and clinical treatments in the future. As there is a lack of comprehensive reviews that seek to characterize leptomeningeal metastasis from various solid and hematologic cancers altogether, the authors intended to highlight not only the overlapping mechanisms but also the distinct patterning of disease detection and progression as a means to uniquely treat each metastasis type. The scarcity of LMD cases poses a barrier to more robust evaluations of this pathology. However, as treatments for primary cancers have improved over time, so has the incidence of LMD. The increase in diagnosed cases only represents a small fraction of LMD-afflicted patients. More often than not, LMD is determined upon autopsy. The motivation behind this review stems from the increased capacity to study LMD in spite of scarcity or poor patient prognosis. In vitro analysis of leptomeningeal cancer cells has allowed researchers to approach this disease at the level of cancer subtypes and markers. We ultimately hope to facilitate the clinical translation of LMD research through our discourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Nguyen
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Alexander Nguyen
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Persis D Desai
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jacob C Ricci
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nikhil B Godbole
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Kevin Pierre
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Khaled ML, Tarhini AA, Forsyth PA, Smalley I, Piña Y. Leptomeningeal Disease (LMD) in Patients with Melanoma Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061884. [PMID: 36980770 PMCID: PMC10047692 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a devastating complication caused by seeding malignant cells to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the leptomeningeal membrane. LMD is diagnosed in 5-15% of patients with systemic malignancy. Management of LMD is challenging due to the biological and metabolic tumor microenvironment of LMD being largely unknown. Patients with LMD can present with a wide variety of signs and/or symptoms that could be multifocal and include headache, nausea, vomiting, diplopia, and weakness, among others. The median survival time for patients with LMD is measured in weeks and up to 3-6 months with aggressive management, and death usually occurs due to progressive neurologic dysfunction. In melanoma, LMD is associated with a suppressive immune microenvironment characterized by a high number of apoptotic and exhausted CD4+ T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and a low number of CD8+ T-cells. Proteomics analysis revealed enrichment of complement cascade, which may disrupt the blood-CSF barrier. Clinical management of melanoma LMD consists primarily of radiation therapy, BRAF/MEK inhibitors as targeted therapy, and immunotherapy with anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4, and anti-LAG-3 immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review summarizes the biology and anatomic features of melanoma LMD, as well as the current therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Lotfy Khaled
- Metabolism and Physiology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmad A Tarhini
- Departments of Cutaneous Oncology and Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Peter A Forsyth
- Neuro-Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Inna Smalley
- Metabolism and Physiology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Yolanda Piña
- Neuro-Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastases represent an aggressive stage of cancer with few durable treatment options. Improved understanding of cancer biology, neoplastic reliance on oncogenic driver mutations, and complex immune system interactions have resulted in an explosion in cancer-directed therapy in the last two decades to include small molecule inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Most of these therapeutics are underexplored in patients with leptomeningeal metastases, limiting extrapolation of extracranial and even intracranial efficacy outcomes to the unique leptomeningeal space. Further confounding our interpretation of drug activity in the leptomeninges is an incomplete understanding of drug penetration through the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier of the choroid plexus. Nevertheless, a number of retrospective studies and promising prospective trials provide evidence of leptomeningeal activity of several small molecule and immune checkpoint inhibitors and underscore potential areas of further therapeutic development for patients harboring leptomeningeal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Wilcox
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Adrienne A Boire
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Brain Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Wilcox JA, Li MJ, Boire AA. Leptomeningeal Metastases: New Opportunities in the Modern Era. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1782-1798. [PMID: 35790709 PMCID: PMC9723010 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01261-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastases arise from cancer cell entry into the subarachnoid space, inflicting significant neurologic morbidity and mortality across a wide range of malignancies. The modern era of cancer therapeutics has seen an explosion of molecular-targeting agents and immune-mediated strategies for patients with breast, lung, and melanoma malignancies, with meaningful extracranial disease control and improvement in patient survival. However, the clinical efficacy of these agents in those with leptomeningeal metastases remains understudied, due to the relative rarity of this patient population, the investigational challenges associated with studying this dynamic disease state, and brisk disease pace. Nevertheless, retrospective studies, post hoc analyses, and small prospective trials in the last two decades provide a glimmer of hope for patients with leptomeningeal metastases, suggesting that several cancer-directed strategies are not only active in the intrathecal space but also improve survival against historical odds. The continued development of clinical trials devoted to patients with leptomeningeal metastases is critical to establish robust efficacy outcomes in this patient population, define drug pharmacokinetics in the intrathecal space, and uncover new avenues for treatment in the face of leptomeningeal therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Wilcox
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Min Jun Li
- Brain Tumor Center, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adrienne A Boire
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Brain Tumor Center, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Piña Y, Yadugiri S, Yeboa DN, Ferguson SD, Forsyth PA, Oliva ICG. Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment for Leptomeningeal Disease in Melanoma. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:43-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01162-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Pellerino A, Brastianos PK, Rudà R, Soffietti R. Leptomeningeal Metastases from Solid Tumors: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Molecular Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2888. [PMID: 34207653 PMCID: PMC8227730 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from solid tumors represent an unmet need of increasing importance due to an early use of MRI for diagnosis and improvement of outcome of some molecular subgroups following targeted agents and immunotherapy. In this review, we first discussed factors limiting the efficacy of targeted agents in LM, such as the molecular divergence between primary tumors and CNS lesions and CNS barriers at the level of the normal brain, brain tumors and CSF. Further, we reviewed pathogenesis and experimental models and modalities, such as MRI (with RANO and ESO/ESMO criteria), CSF cytology and liquid biopsy, to improve diagnosis and monitoring following therapy. Efficacy and limitations of targeted therapies for LM from EGFR-mutant and ALK-rearranged NSCLC, HER2-positive breast cancer and BRAF-mutated melanomas are reported, including the use of intrathecal administration or modification of traditional cytotoxic compounds. The efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors in LM from non-druggable tumors, in particular triple-negative breast cancer, is discussed. Last, we focused on some recent techniques to improve drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Pellerino
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Priscilla K. Brastianos
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Roberta Rudà
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.R.); (R.S.)
- Department of Neurology, Castelfranco Veneto and Brain Tumor Board Treviso Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.R.); (R.S.)
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Chorti E, Kebir S, Ahmed MS, Keyvani K, Umutlu L, Kanaki T, Zaremba A, Reinboldt-Jockenhoefer F, Knispel S, Gratsias E, Roesch A, Ugurel S, Scheffler B, Schadendorf D, Livingstone E, Meier F, Glas M, Zimmer L. Leptomeningeal disease from melanoma-Poor prognosis despite new therapeutic modalities. Eur J Cancer 2021; 148:395-404. [PMID: 33789203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The development of leptomeningeal disease (LMD) among melanoma patients is associated with short survival. Unspecific clinical symptoms and imprecise diagnostic criteria often delay diagnosis. Because melanoma patients with LMD have been excluded from most clinical trials, the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and targeted therapies (TTs) has not been adequately investigated among these patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective study in two tertiary-referral skin cancer centres to evaluate the clinical characteristics, diagnostics, treatments, and overall survival (OS) of melanoma patients with LMD between June 2011 and March 2019. RESULTS In total, 52 patients were included. The median age at LMD diagnosis was 58 years. Most patients (n = 30, 58%) were men. The median time from the first diagnosis of unresectable disease to the first diagnosis of LMD was 8.5 months (range 0-91.5 months). Most patients (65%, n = 34) were BRAF V600 mutated. Sixteen patients (31%) presented with LMD only, whereas 36 patients (69%) presented with concomitant brain metastases at LMD diagnosis. Eleven patients (21%) showed no evidence of extracranial disease. Forty-four patients (85%) had clinical symptoms at LMD diagnosis. Forty-two patients (81%) had received at least one prior therapy. Forty patients (77%) received at least one treatment after LMD diagnosis, including TT (n = 17), ICB (n = 13), bevacizumab (n = 1), radiotherapy (n = 3), and intrathecal chemotherapy (n = 1); five patients received both TT and ICB. Twelve patients (23%) received no treatment because of rapid progression of LMD. The median OS for the entire cohort was 2.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-4.1). Among patients receiving systemic therapy, OS was 3.7 months (95% CI 2.4-4.9). CONCLUSIONS Systemic treatment with TT or ICB seems to improve OS among patients with LMD. However, despite new therapy modalities, the prognosis of LMD remains poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Chorti
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sied Kebir
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Misbah S Ahmed
- Department of Dermatology, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany; Skin Cancer Centre at the University Cancer Centre, Department of Dermatology and National Centre for Tumour Diseases, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kathy Keyvani
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lale Umutlu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Theodora Kanaki
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anne Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Finja Reinboldt-Jockenhoefer
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sarah Knispel
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Emmanouil Gratsias
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Roesch
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Björn Scheffler
- DKFZ-Division Translational Neurooncology at the West German Cancer Centre (WTZ), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; West German Cancer Center (WTZ) & German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany; Skin Cancer Centre at the University Cancer Centre, Department of Dermatology and National Centre for Tumour Diseases, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Glas
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Glitza IC, Smalley KSM, Brastianos PK, Davies MA, McCutcheon I, Liu JKC, Ahmed KA, Arrington JA, Evernden BR, Smalley I, Eroglu Z, Khushalani N, Margolin K, Kluger H, Atkins MB, Tawbi H, Boire A, Forsyth P. Leptomeningeal disease in melanoma patients: An update to treatment, challenges, and future directions. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 33:527-541. [PMID: 31916400 PMCID: PMC10126834 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In February 2018, the Melanoma Research Foundation and the Moffitt Cancer Center hosted the Second Summit on Melanoma Central Nervous System Metastases in Tampa, Florida. The meeting included investigators from multiple academic centers and disciplines. A consensus summary of the progress and challenges in melanoma parenchymal brain metastases was published (Eroglu et al., Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 2019, 32, 458). Here, we will describe the current state of basic, translational, clinical research, and therapeutic management, for melanoma patients with leptomeningeal disease. We also outline key challenges and barriers to be overcome to make progress in this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella C. Glitza
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keiran S. M. Smalley
- Melanoma Research Center of Excellence, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Michael A. Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ian McCutcheon
- Department of Neurosurgery, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James K. C. Liu
- Department of Neuro-Oncology & Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kamran A. Ahmed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - John A. Arrington
- Head of Neuroradiology Section, Department of Radiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Brittany R. Evernden
- Department of Neuro-Oncology & Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Inna Smalley
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Zeynep Eroglu
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nikhil Khushalani
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kim Margolin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Harriet Kluger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael B. Atkins
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hussein Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adrienne Boire
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Forsyth
- Department of Neuro-Oncology & Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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10
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Becco P, Gallo S, Poletto S, Frascione MPM, Crotto L, Zaccagna A, Paruzzo L, Caravelli D, Carnevale-Schianca F, Aglietta M. Melanoma Brain Metastases in the Era of Target Therapies: An Overview. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061640. [PMID: 32575838 PMCID: PMC7352598 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the third most common type of tumor that causes brain metastases. Patients with cerebral involvement have a dismal prognosis and their treatment is an unmet medical need. Brain involvement is a multistep process involving several signaling pathways such as Janus kinase/signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT), Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN). Recently therapy that targets the MAPK signaling (BRAF/MEK inhibitors) and immunotherapy (anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 agents) have changed the therapeutic approaches to stage IV melanoma. In contrast, there are no solid data about patients with brain metastases, who are usually excluded from clinical trials. Retrospective data showed that BRAF-inhibitors, alone or in combination with MEK-inhibitors have interesting clinical activity in this setting. Prospective data about the combinations of BRAF/MEK inhibitors have been recently published, showing an improved overall response rate. Short intracranial disease control is still a challenge. Several attempts have been made in order to improve it with combinations between local and systemic therapies. Immunotherapy approaches seem to retain promising activity in the treatment of melanoma brain metastasis as showed by the results of clinical trials investigating the combination of anti-CTL4 (Ipilimumab) and anti-PD1(Nivolumab). Studies about the combination or the sequential approach of target therapy and immunotherapy are ongoing, with immature results. Several clinical trials are ongoing trying to explore new approaches in order to overcome tumor resistance. At this moment the correct therapeutic choices for melanoma with intracranial involvement is still a challenge and new strategies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Becco
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Susanna Gallo
- Ospedale Mauriziano Umberto I-Largo Turati 62, 10128 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Poletto
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Mirko Pio Manlio Frascione
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Crotto
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Alessandro Zaccagna
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Luca Paruzzo
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Caravelli
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Fabrizio Carnevale-Schianca
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
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Predictors of survival in metastatic melanoma patients with leptomeningeal disease (LMD). J Neurooncol 2019; 142:499-509. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-019-03121-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Kuske M, Rauschenberg R, Garzarolli M, Meredyth-Stewart M, Beissert S, Troost EGC, Glitza OIC, Meier F. Melanoma Brain Metastases: Local Therapies, Targeted Therapies, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Their Combinations-Chances and Challenges. Am J Clin Dermatol 2018; 19:529-541. [PMID: 29417399 PMCID: PMC6061393 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-018-0346-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent phase II trials have shown that BRAF/MEK inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors are active in patients with melanoma brain metastases (MBM), reporting intracranial disease control rates of 50-75%. Furthermore, retrospective analyses suggest that combining stereotactic radiosurgery with immune checkpoint inhibitors or BRAF/MEK inhibitors prolongs overall survival. These data stress the need for inter- and multidisciplinary cooperation that takes into account the individual prognostic factors in order to establish the best treatment for each patient. Although the management of MBM has dramatically improved, a substantial number of patients still progress and die from brain metastases. Therefore, there is an urgent need for prospective studies in patients with MBM that focus on treatment combinations and sequences, new treatment strategies, and biomarkers of treatment response. Moreover, further research is needed to decipher brain-specific mechanisms of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Kuske
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty of Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ricarda Rauschenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty of Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marlene Garzarolli
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty of Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michelle Meredyth-Stewart
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty of Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Beissert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty of Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Esther G C Troost
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Dresden, Germany
- Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Radiooncology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty of Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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