Retrospective Study on Leptomeningeal Metastasis of Solid Tumors

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.