Treatment of lymphomatous and leukemic meningitis with liposomal encapsulated cytarabine

Review

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Authors: Melanie Kripp, Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz

Published Date September 2008 Volume 2008:3(4) Pages 397 - 401

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S3259

Melanie Kripp, Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz

Onkologisches Zentrum, III. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Germany

Abstract: 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