Pediatric Primary Diffuse Leptomeningeal Melanomatosis: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review of Reported Therapies and Outcomes.

Creator(s)

Anthony McKeiver, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Weijie Li, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Suzanne Schauwecker, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Joy M. Fulbright, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2025

Identifier

DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000003130

Abstract

Primary diffuse leptomeningeal melanomatosis (PDLM) is a rare malignant disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) arising from melanocytic cells. Diagnosing PDLM is challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms and overlapping presentation with other CNS pathologies. We describe a rare pediatric patient with PDLM and present a literature review, which identified only 14 pediatric PDLM cases with varied therapeutic approaches and generally poor outcomes. While limited by small numbers and inconsistent reporting, cases treated with combination cranial/spinal radiotherapy and systemic immunotherapy appeared to demonstrate relatively prolonged survival or clinical stability compared with other therapies. Further research and collaboration are essential to establish evidence-based treatment guidelines and improve prognosis in this patient population.

Journal Title

Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology : official journal of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Volume

47

Issue

8

First Page

453

Last Page

456

PubMed ID

41147541

Keywords

nivolumab; pediatric; primary diffuse leptomeningeal melanomatosis

Recommended Citation

McKeiver A, Li W, Schauwecker S, Fulbright J. Pediatric Primary Diffuse Leptomeningeal Melanomatosis: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review of Reported Therapies and Outcomes. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2025;47(8):e453-e456. doi:10.1097/MPH.0000000000003130