Carcinomatous Meningitis Health Article

Clinical trials

In 2001, there were several clinical trials related to intrathecal chemotherapy treatment for carcinomatous meningitis. Current information on what clinical trials are available and where they are being held can be found by entering the search term "carcinomatous meningitis" at the following websites:

• National Cancer Institute <http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov> or (800) 4-CANCER.
• National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials <http://clinicaltrials.gov>.
• Center Watch: A Clinical Trials Listing <http://www.centerwatch.com>.

Prevention

Carcinomatous meningitis arises from the spread of other cancers. The best form of prevention is immediate and thorough treatment of the primary cancer.

Resources

PERIODICALS

Martinelli, Giovanni, et al. "Intrathecal Chemotherapy in Carcinomatous Meningitis from Breast Cancer." Annals of Oncology 11:suppl 4 (October 2000): 153.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Brain Tumor Association. 2720 River Road, DesPlaines, IL 60018. (847) 827-9910. Patient line (800) 886-2282. <http://www.abta.org>.

OTHER

Groerwald, Susan. "Brain & Central Nervous System Cancer:Brain Metastases." cancersourceMD. 14 February 2000. 4 July 2001 <http://www.cancersourceMD.com>.

Tish Davidson, A.M.

Cerebrospinal fluid

—Normal fluid found in the brain and around the central canal of the spinal cord.

Metastatic

—Cancer that has spread from the original site (the primary tumor) to other parts of the body where secondary tumors are formed.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

—A diagnostic tool that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the interior of the body.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What kind of changes in my body can I expect to see from this cancer?
• What is the treatment plan?
• What are the likely side effects of the treatment plan?
• How long am I likely to survive?