High Cell-Free DNA Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid Predict Leptomeningeal Seeding of Hematologic Malignancy

• Published in: Journal of clinical neurology (Seoul, Korea) Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 581 - 585
• Main Authors: Kim, Eun Young, Lee, Soon-Tae, Kim, Young-Sook, Byun, Ja Min, Hong, Junshik, Shin, Dong-Yeop, Koh, Youngil, Kim, Inho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Neurological Association 01.10.2020; 대한신경과학회
• Subjects: Original; 신경과학
• ISSN: 1738-6586; 2005-5013
• DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2020.16.4.581

The main difficulty when diagnosing leptomeningeal metastases (LMSs) is the low sensitivity of cytology. Cancer cells release cell-free DNA (cfDNA) during proliferation and apoptosis, and so we analyzed the cfDNA level as a biomarker for LMSs in hematologic malignancy.BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe main difficulty when diagnosing leptomeningeal metastases (LMSs) is the low sensitivity of cytology. Cancer cells release cell-free DNA (cfDNA) during proliferation and apoptosis, and so we analyzed the cfDNA level as a biomarker for LMSs in hematologic malignancy.This study prospectively enrolled 20 patients with hematologic malignancy who underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. LMS was diagnosed based on both CSF cytology and clinical findings.METHODSThis study prospectively enrolled 20 patients with hematologic malignancy who underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. LMS was diagnosed based on both CSF cytology and clinical findings.The CSF level of cfDNA was higher in patients with LMSs (108.17±84.84 ng/mL, mean±standard deviation) than in non-LMS patients (14.23±2.78 ng/mL). The sensitivity of cfDNA was higher than that of cytology (100% vs. 87%).RESULTSThe CSF level of cfDNA was higher in patients with LMSs (108.17±84.84 ng/mL, mean±standard deviation) than in non-LMS patients (14.23±2.78 ng/mL). The sensitivity of cfDNA was higher than that of cytology (100% vs. 87%).The cfDNA level in the CSF can be used as a supplemental marker for diagnosing LMS in hematologic malignancy patients.CONCLUSIONSThe cfDNA level in the CSF can be used as a supplemental marker for diagnosing LMS in hematologic malignancy patients.