Signet ring cell gastric carcinoma with breast and leptomeningeal metastases: a case report

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer: A Review

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LM) occurs in 0.06% of gastric cancers. As such, trials are difficult to power and quantitative analyses difficult to standardize. We composed a review and analysis of 47 recent cases to be used as a comprehensive resource for an oncologist faced with managing this highly morbid, rapidly fatal disease. Gold-standard of diagnosis of LM is through cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cytology; MRI is the preferred imaging modality to identify LM. However, repeated lumbar punctures and imaging studies are often required to establish diagnosis. Negative results do not rule out LM. Treatment includes radiation and intrathecal chemotherapy, most commonly with methotrexate. Systemic treatment with chemotherapy and immunotherapy is also used. Median survival was 2 months. Intrathecal methotrexate was most commonly dosed at 10-12 mg and treatment continued till symptom resolution, serial lumbar punctures with negative cytology, decrease and stabilization of CSF carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, progression of disease, or poor functional status. The maximum survival was 12 months. The results of this review indicate that suspicion for leptomeningeal disease should be high in any patient with gastric malignancy or with symptoms consistent with malignancy. Treatment on a biweekly to bi-monthly basis and the addition of systemic therapy to intrathecal therapy should be studied in a matched prospective manner. And in the absence of this information, treatment with at least intrathecal chemotherapy and radiation therapy should be considered in those with a performance status conducive to continued treatment.

Gastric signet ring cell adenocarcinoma metastatic to the breast. Systematic review of the literature, regarding a case

Objectives

To determine the general state of scientific evidence published in the last 20 years on gastric signet ring cell (SRC) adenocarcinoma metastatic to the breast, and present a case.

Material and methods

The case of a patient who attended a high-complexity reference institution in Bogotá for a breast metastasis from a gastric SRC adenocarcinoma is reported. A Systematic Review of the literature was carried out, including cohort studies, reports and case series of patients with gastric SRC adenocarcinoma metastatic to the breast, which will present information on the epidemiology, clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics, and the treatment and prognostic of this disease.

Results

There were identified 363 references, twenty-six of which met the eligibility criteria. Gastric SRC adenocarcinoma metastatic to the breast predominated in the Asian continent (75.9%). The mean age at presentation was 42.5 years. In 62% (n=18) of cases this condition manifested clinically as a breast mass. From a radiological point of view, the majority of breast lesions presented as one or several nodules with suspicious characteristics (55.2%; n=16). In the biopsy of breast lesions, positivity for cytokeratin 7 and cytokeratin 20 occurred in 41.4% (n=12) and 37.9% (n=11) of cases, respectively. Only nine patients (31%) underwent any type of breast surgery. There is a lack of information on the treatment and prognosis of gastric SRC adenocarcinoma metastatic to the breast.

Conclusions

The frequency of cases of gastric SRC adenocarcinoma metastatic to the breast published in the last 20 years is low. The general practitioner and the gynecologist could be the first medical professionals to face this rare condition, so knowing it and suspecting it is essential, especially if we take into account that the median overall survival of these patients is low.

Gastric Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma With Metastasis to the Testicles and Leptomeninges

Gastric signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (SRCA) is an aggressive malignancy primarily diagnosed in advanced stages. Metastasis to other organ systems is uncommon, however, associated with poor prognosis. We present a young patient with persistent pain in the testicle. Histopathologic examination of the resected testicle revealed metastatic signet ring adenocarcinoma prompting follow-up endoscopy with biopsy confirming gastric SRCA. After 10 months of systemic chemotherapy, the patient developed worsening headaches, and cerebrospinal fluid cytology confirmed leptomeningeal metastasis. This case underscores the rare manifestation of SRCA and the importance of vigilance for atypical presentations to ensure timely diagnosis and management.

An overview of the therapeutic strategies for neoplastic meningitis due to breast cancer: when and why?

INTRODUCTION

Neoplastic meningitis (NM), also known as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, is characterized by the infiltration of tumor cells into the meninges, and poses a significant therapeutic challenge owing to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Breast cancer is a common cause of NM among solid tumors, further highlighting the urgent need to explore effective therapeutic strategies. This review aims to provide insights into the evolving landscape of NM therapy in breast cancer by collating existing research, evaluating current treatments, and identifying potential emerging therapeutic options.

AREAS COVERED

This review explores the clinical features, therapeutic strategies, recent advances, and challenges of managing NM in patients with breast cancer. Its management includes multimodal strategies, including systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. This review also emphasizes targeted drug options and optimal drug concentrations, and discusses emerging therapies. Additionally, it highlights the variability in treatment outcomes and the potential of combination regimens to effectively manage NM in breast cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

Challenges in treating NM include debates over clinical trial end points and the management of adverse effects. Drug resistance and low response rates are significant hurdles, particularly inHER2-negative breast cancer. The development of more precise and cost-effective medications with improved selectivity is crucial. Additionally, global efforts are needed for infrastructure development and cancer control considering the diverse nature of the disease.