Table 2.

Comparison of key results associated with liposomal cytarabine versus methotrexate, both injected intrathecally. TWIST = time elapsed without symptoms or toxicity. n = number of patients. Reproduced with permission from Beauchesne P. Intrathecal chemotherapy for treatment of leptomeningeal dissemination of metastatic tumors. Lancet Oncol. 2010; 11(9): 871–879. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(10)70034-6 [1].

	Liposomal Cytarabine (n = 31)	Methotrexate (n = 30)	p Value
Response (cytology rendered negative and clinical condition stable or improved)	8	6	0.76
Median duration of response	39 days	26 days	0.31
Time before neurological progression	58 days	30 days	0.0068
Survival directly linked to the meningitis	343 days	98 days	0.074
Median survival	105 days	78 days	0.15
Survival > 6 months	13	5	0.15
Survival > 1 year	5	2	0.43
Grade 3 toxicity	24	20
Duration of Grade 3 toxicity	18 days	11 days	0.2
TWIST	99 days	28 days	<0.05