Barbara O’Brien, MD

There are so few trials which enroll patients with LMD. So glad to demonstrate benefit with the HER2CLIMB regimen including meaningful improvements in neuro deficits and quality of life. Inclusion ➡️ progress.

A targeted therapy plus chemotherapy combination treatment was found to be safe and effective for patients with leptomeningeal metastases from breast cancer in a Phase II trial, led by UT MD Anderson researchers: bit.ly/4bh8Nsl #EndCancer

Excited to share our LMD publication! Grateful for the patients and families, and the teamwork and support that made this possible. One step in LMD, where we need more options. @rashmikmurthy @ReasorErica @nlinmd @UTMDAnderson @TheTBCRC #lmd nature.com/articles/s4301…

@Lymphoma_Doc @ASCO Congrats!!

Grateful for the opportunity to serve on the @ASCO Board of Directors. Looking forward to contributing to the mission of conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality patient care. connection.asco.org/do/asco-announ…

10/ Bottom line: A lumbar puncture is usually quick and well-tolerated. It gives your care team important information to guide your treatment. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared. #mdandersonnews #btsm #bcsm #brainmets

9/ When will I get results of an LP? Some results are ready within hours; others (like “cytology”) may take several days.

Getting a lumbar puncture? Here’s what to expect. 1/ An LP (“spinal tap”) is a common test for leptomeningeal metastasis (LMD). It’s common to feel a little nervous before having one.   Here’s what patients often ask, and what you can expect. #lmd #leptomeningeal #neuronews01

7/ LMD can be tricky to diagnose, but your doctor will explain every step and help you understand what’s next.

6/ Here’s how we decide: Positive LP = LMD confirmed Suspicious symptoms + MRI findings, but negative LP = LMD still possible Unclear symptoms, unclear MRI, negative LP = Do more testing or monitor closely #btsm #lmd

How is LMD diagnosed? Doctors use 3 tools to diagnose LMD: 1. Neurologic evaluation 2. MRI scans of the brain and spine 3. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to test the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Let’s walk through each one: #leptomeningeal #brainmets #mdandersonnews #neuronews01