The anatomic basis of leptomeningeal metastasis. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM), or spread of cancer to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled space surrounding the central nervous system, is a fatal complication of cancer. Entry into this space poses an anatomical challenge for cancer cells; movement of cells between the blood and CSF is tightly regulated by the blood-CSF barriers. Anatomical understanding of the leptomeninges provides a roadmap of corridors for cancer entry. This Review describes the anatomy of the leptomeninges and routes of cancer spread to the CSF. Granular understanding of LM by route of entry may inform strategies for novel diagnostic and preventive strategies as well as therapies.

publication date

  • March 7, 2024

Research

keywords

  • Central Nervous System
  • Meninges

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC10919154

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85187198047

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1084/jem.20212121

PubMed ID

  • 38451255

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 221

issue

  • 4