Leptomeningeal metastasis: pathophysiology, treatment, and nursing management
Kormanik, P.A.; Chamberlain, M.C.
Oncology Nursing Forum 25(8) 1355-1362; Quiz: 1363-1364
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0190-535X PMID: 9766289 Document Number: 486463
To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis. Published articles, abstracts, and book chapters. 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. Information regarding the anatomy, pathophysiology, treatment, and treatment complications can facilitate the care of patients with leptomeningeal metastasis. Nursing interventions should focus on patient and family education about the disease process, side-effects of treatment, and early identification of disease progression.