Systemic high-dose intravenous methotrexate in patients with central nervous system metastatic breast cancer | BMC Cancer | Full Text

Systemic high-dose intravenous methotrexate in patients with central nervous system metastatic breast cancer | BMC Cancer | Full Text



BMC Cancer

Systemic high-dose intravenous methotrexate in patients with central nervous system metastatic breast cancer

• F. Bazan, 
• E. Dobi, 
• B. Royer, 
• E. Curtit, 
• L. Mansi, 
• N. Menneveau, 
• M. J. Paillard, 
• G. Meynard, 
• C. Villanueva, 
• X. Pivot & 
• L. Chaigneau 

BMC Cancer volume 19, Article number: 1029 (2019) Cite this article

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Abstract

Background

Infusion of high-dose intravenous methotrexate (MTX) has been demonstrating to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of high dose MTX in patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases of breast cancer.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with CNS metastases treated by MTX (3 g/m2) between April 2004 and October 2009 were enrolled. Clinical response rate, time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and safety were assessed.

Results

In terms of brain metastases, 2 patients (9%) achieved a partial response, 10 patients (45%) had disease stabilization, and 10 patients (45%) had disease progression. In others metastatic sites, 7 patients (39%) achieved a disease stabilization, and 11 patients (61%) had disease progression. TTP and OS were 2.1 (95%CI 1.4–2.9) and 6.3 (95%CI 1.8–10) months, respectively.

Conclusion

High-dose MTX demonstrated a moderate activity at 3 g/m2. Nonetheless, the favorable toxicity profile should suggest the possibility to increase the dosage and further study are planned.