Chemotherapy for Secondary Neoplastic MeningitisName of the Trial
Phase I Study of Intrathecal Gemcitabine in Patients with Neoplastic Meningitis
Secondary to Leukemia, Lymphoma, or a Solid Tumor (TCCC-H-10564).
See the protocol summary.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Lisa Bomgaars, Texas Children's Cancer Center.
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Dr. Lisa Bomgaars
Principal Investigator |
Why This Trial Is Important
Neoplastic meningitis is a condition in which cancer cells spread into the
membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord (the meninges). Often, the
condition is associated with cancer that has spread from tumors elsewhere in
the body. Neoplastic meningitis is difficult to treat because chemotherapy
drugs injected intravenously often do not reach high enough concentrations in
the meninges to be effective. Consequently, chemotherapy for neoplastic
meningitis is often given intrathecally, injected into the fluid-filled space
between the meninges.
This study seeks to determine whether the drug gemcitabine (Gemzar®) may be
effective in treating neoplastic meningitis caused by the spread of a primary
leukemia, lymphoma, or solid tumor. Gemcitabine is active against many of types
of cancer that tend to spread to the meninges, and may prove effective in
treating secondary neoplastic meningitis.
"The agents available to treat neoplastic meningitis are quite limited," said
Dr. Bomgaars. "Gemcitabine is an agent that works differently from other
treatments for this condition. If effective, it will be a welcomed new option
for patients fighting neoplastic meningitis."
Contact Information
This clinical trial is no longer accepting patients. To locate other
trials for metastatic cancer, search the NCI
database of clinical trials or call the NCI's Cancer Information Service
(CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-432-6237). The call is toll free and completely
confidential.
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