Advances in the research of leptomeningeal metastases in non-small cell lung cancer: a narrative review.

Background and objective: Lung cancer is among the malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality rates, with approximately 80-85% of cases being non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The incidence of central nervous system metastases is notably high, and about 3-5% of NSCLC patients develop leptomeningeal metastases. As the survival rates for NSCLC patients improve, the incidence of leptomeningeal metastases (LMs) continues to rise. This article reviews the mechanisms of leptomeningeal metastases, diagnostic and therapeutic achievements, and ongoing challenges, providing insight into the diagnosis and management of NSCLC with LM and the development of related clinical strategies.

Methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and major international conferences for all types of articles published in English up to December 31, 2024.

Key content and findings: Patients with LM face significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to the low sensitivity of current diagnostic methods, the nonspecific nature of clinical symptoms, and the unique anatomical location of the leptomeninges. While recent exploratory studies have identified sensitive molecular markers and potential therapeutic strategies, large-scale prospective studies are still needed for validation.

Conclusions: In conclusion, a multidisciplinary approach with individualized treatment plans is essential for LM patients. For LM patients with driver gene-positive, targeted therapy is the mainstay, supplemented by local therapy or anti-angiogenic agents. For LM patients with driver gene-negative, chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy is the mainstay. If treatment is not effective, means such as sequential therapy and higher drug doses provide new treatment ideas and options for LM patients.