Neurological improvement of perineural and leptomeningeal spread of squamous cell carcinoma treated with intrathecal chemotherapy and systemic EGFR inhibition.

Publication Title

CNS Oncol

Authors

Vincent Alexander van Vugt
Marlon Garzo Saria
Andres Javier
Navin Kesari
Tiffany Turpin, Department of Translational Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics, John Wayne Cancer Institute & Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.
Santosh Kesari

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2017

Keywords

Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; ErbB Receptors; Humans; Injections, Spinal; Male; Meningeal Carcinomatosis; Peripheral Nerves; Skin Neoplasms

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common cancer of the skin. Risk factors include fair skin, excessive sun and ultraviolet light exposure, and history of xeroderma pigmentosa. Perineural invasion (PNI), an uncommon manifestation of SCC, involves microscopic tumor cells invading various layers of the nerve sheath. It is associated with a poorer prognosis. Standard treatment for PNI includes radiation therapy. Here, we describe a case an older gentleman with a history of SCC with PNI successfully treated with erlotinib and intrathecal chemotherapy.

Area of Special Interest

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Area of Special Interest

Cancer

Specialty/Research Institute

Neurosciences

Specialty/Research Institute

Oncology