Flow Cytometry Approach for the Identification of Liposomal Cytarabine Toxicity

Abstract

Neurological complications may develop either at diagnosis or during the course of many hematological malignancies after initiation of therapy. The etiology might be very different but, once infection is excluded, differential diagnosis is mainly focused on distinguishing between leptomeningeal progression and toxicity secondary to therapy. In each case, the subsequent clinical decision would be completely opposite. Contrast central nervous system magnetic resonance, biochemistry, serology and cultures of the cerebrospinal fluid, and electromyography are usually performed in these patients, but demonstration of toxicity remains a diagnosis of exclusion for reagents such as liposomal cytarabine. Based on the experience of 2 clinical cases, we reviewed a database of immunophenotypic studies of the cerebrospinal fluid, and then we summarize how to use flow cytometry to positively support liposomal cytarabine toxicity.




J Neurol Res. 2012;2(2):48-53
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jnr95w