Retrospective Study on Leptomeningeal Metastasis of Solid Tumors

Overview

The goal of this observational study is to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors of leptomeningeal metastasis (LM), a serious complication of advanced cancer. LM occurs when tumor cells spread to the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space, leading to neurological symptoms and poor prognosis. This study aims to answer: What are the common clinical features of LM? How do different treatments affect survival and quality of life? What factors influence patient outcomes? Background With advancements in cancer treatment, patient survival has improved significantly, but late-stage complications like LM are becoming more common. LM is seen in about 5% of patients with metastatic cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. Symptoms can range from mild headaches and nausea to severe neurological issues, including vision loss, hearing impairment, or limb weakness, making LM challenging to diagnose and treat. Diagnosis often involves MRI with gadolinium enhancement and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Treatment options include intrathecal chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and supportive care. However, LM remains a condition with poor prognosis, and there are no standardized treatment guidelines. Study Design This study will retrospectively review LM cases treated at our hospital. Data will include: Patient demographics (age, gender, cancer type)Symptoms and clinical findings Treatment types (e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy) Survival outcomes and factors influencing prognosis Hypothesis The findings from this study aim to provide better insight into LM's clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes. This will help guide more effective, individualized treatment approaches and improve quality of life for patients with LM.

Experimental Procedure： 1. Case Collection This study collected all cases of leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) diagnosed through cerebrospinal fluid cytology at our center between January 2014 and August 2024. The collected data includes:Demographic information: Age, gender Clinical presentation: Chief complaints, current medical history, past medical history Pathological data: Pathology reports Laboratory findings: Blood lipids, renal function, platelet counts Physical characteristics: Body mass index (BMI), smoking history Surgical records: Detailed records of any surgeries Imaging data: Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up imaging studies Survival data: Patient survival status and outcomes 2. Data Collection Methods Follow-up and Survival Information Survival data and follow-up information were collected via telephone interviews with patients or their families. Medical History and General Information Current medical history, past medical history, and other general information were extracted from hospital inpatient medical records. Imaging Data Imaging data, including preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up imaging studies, were retrieved and copied from the hospital's Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). 3. Statistical Analysis All collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to evaluate trends, correlations, and factors influencing patient outcomes. Specific statistical methods include: Descriptive statistics to summarize demographic and clinical characteristics Inferential statistics to analyze potential associations between variables and survival outcomes Multivariate regression models to identify prognostic factors 4. Study Design and Ethical Considerations This study is a retrospective, observational study. It does not involve any intervention or sample collection from patients. All data were collected from existing medical records, imaging systems, and follow-up interviews, ensuring no additional burden on patients. By adhering to these methods, the study aims to provide insights into the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of LM patients while maintaining ethical and methodological rigor.