Rehabilitation Utilization by Cancer Patients with Pathology-Confirmed Leptomeningeal Disease Receiving Intrathecal Chemotherapy. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fu, Jack B.; Ng, Amy H.; Molinares, Diana M.; Pingenot, Edward A.; Morishita, Shinichiro; Silver, Julie K.; Bruera, Eduardo
• Is Part Of: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. Volume 100:Number 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Leptomeningeal -- Carcinomatosis -- Cancer -- Oncology -- Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Medicine, Physical -- Periodicals; 617.062
• DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001565
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-9115

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: The incidence of leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is believed to be increasing in part because of more effective chemotherapy treatments allowing cancer progression behind the blood-brain barrier. However, little has been published about the rehabilitation of this growing patient population. In this study, impairments and rehabilitation utilization by cytology-proven LMD patients receiving intrathecal chemotherapy at a cancer center are described. A total of 109 consecutive patients with pathology-confirmed LMD who received an intrathecal chemotherapy infusion from January 1, 2017, through October 31, 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 109 patients, 103 (95%) had impairments described in their medical record that could impact physical function, including 74 of 109 (68%) who had deconditioning or fatigue. Kaplan-Meier median survival from initial LMD diagnosis was 13.1 mos. The median number of hospital admissions and intrathecal chemotherapy administrations was both 8. Of the 109 patients, 43 (39%) had magnetic resonance imaging radiology interpreted LMD. Most LMD patients used rehabilitation services (95/109, 87%) and most were able to forego post–acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities (96/109, 88%). Additional research and education for rehabilitation professionals about this increasingly common syndrome are needed. Abstract : Supplemental digital content is available in the text.