Leptomeningeal metastasis: pathophysiology, treatment, and nursing management.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles, abstracts, and book chapters.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Leptomeningeal metastasis is an increasingly seen complication of cancer. Treatment is intensive and may increase survival from four to five weeks without treatment to an average of six months. Clinical management and treatment of these patients is complex and best accomplished by a multi-disciplinary healthcare team.

CONCLUSIONS

Information regarding the anatomy, pathophysiology, treatment, and treatment complications can facilitate the care of patients with leptomeningeal metastasis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nursing interventions should focus on patient and family education about the disease process, side-effects of treatment, and early identification of disease progression.