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Secondary cancer

Leptomeningeal metastases

Leptomeningeal metastases are when cancer cells spread to one of the membranes that surround the brain.

What are leptomeningeal metastases?

Leptomeningeal metastases mean cancer cells have spread to the thin tissue layers covering the brain and spinal cord (the leptomeninges).

Treatment for leptomeningeal metastases

Doctors are still looking at which treatments work best for treating leptomeningeal metastases. Treatment generally includes chemotherapy, targeted cancer drugs or radiotherapy.

Last reviewed: 21 Jul 2023

Next review due: 21 Jul 2026

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