The role of EGFR-TKI for leptomeningeal metastases from non-small cell lung cancer

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a terminal event in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has a poor prognosis with median survival of 1.9 months if untreated. The improvement of OS in NSCLC patients relatively increases incidence of LM. While current therapeutic options for LM are limited. Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors are a class of small molecules and show dramatic response in epidermal growth factor receptor mutated patients. It also has a distinct therapeutic potential against brain metastases. Although there are some studies on EGFR-TKIs and brain metastases, the role of EGFR-TKIs on LM are not fully clarified. In this review, we will summarize current evidences concerning the use and discuss the role of EGFR-TKIs on LM.