Treatment of lymphomatous and leukemic meningitis with liposomal encapsulated cytarabine

Abstract

Melanie Kripp, Ralf-Dieter HofheinzOnkologisches Zentrum, III. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, GermanyAbstract: Liposomal encapsulated cytarabine (DepoCyte®, Mundipharma GmbH, Limburg/Lahn, Germany) is a slow-release formulation of conventional cytarabine. It is licensed for intrathecal use in patients with lymphomatous and leukemic meningitis. DepoCyte® obtained superior response rates, improved patient quality of life and improved the time to neurological progression in a randomized albeit small clinical trial. In this review we briefly summarize the clinical data and discuss them in light of clinical problems and possible treatment scenarios.Keywords: liposomal cytarabine, leukemic meningitis, lymphomatous meningitis