liposomal cytarabine + whole brain radiotherapy

**Liposomal cytarabine + whole brain radiotherapy** is a combination regimen used primarily for the treatment of **leptomeningeal metastases** (cancer spread to the coverings of the brain and spinal cord). Liposomal cytarabine, a sustained-release formulation of the antimetabolite cytarabine encapsulated in lipid vesicles, is administered intrathecally (into the cerebrospinal fluid) to achieve prolonged cytotoxic exposure in the central nervous system. Its mechanism is inhibition of DNA synthesis by interfering with DNA polymerase during the S-phase of the cell cycle. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is a non-pharmaceutical therapy that uses ionizing radiation targeted to the entire brain to kill tumor cells, control neurological symptoms, and prevent further metastasis. This combination aims to improve CNS disease control and has been used especially in patients with leptomeningeal metastases from solid or hematological malignancies. The safety profile is acceptable for most patients, with common toxicities related to CNS effects and risk of neurotoxicity from combined modalities[1][3][5].

Brand names

DepoCyte + whole brain radiotherapy

Other names

liposomal Ara-C + whole brain radiotherapy