Ommaya Reservoir

dougied
dougied Member Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
Does anyone have any experience with or knowledge of something called an "ommaya reservoir" which apparently is a device attached to the brain for the delivery of chemo? My father has stage IV lung cancer and while his tumors have shrinked with chemo/radiation, we just learned that they have spread to his brain. A neurosurgeon recommended this ommaya reservoir device. Any information would be appreciated.

Comments

  • reinstones1
    reinstones1 Member Posts: 92
    #2
    If you do a search on Google for "ommaya reservoir", lots of information comes up. Here's a good one:

    http://health.enotes.com/cancer-encyclopedia/ommaya-reservoir

    I've heard of one, but have no first-hand knowledge of treatment using one. I wish you and your father luck with his treatment, and I'll have you in my prayers.
  • stratton
    stratton Member Posts: 2
    #3
    My Husband Had an Ommaya put in his brain for delivery of chemo in 2004. Once in place, this is never removed. My husband did well with this device.
  • gdpawel
    gdpawel Member Posts: 523 Member
    #4
    Many chemo drugs are "large" molecule type drugs (like Taxol). Scientists believe because they are large molecules, they are not able to reach inside the Central Nervous System (CNS), as it does the circulatory blood system. Thus, brain metastases have been more likely.

    To make chemotherapy more effective for brain mets, drug(s) are injected directly into the spinal fluid via an Ommay Reservoir in the brain. Sometimes they found that giving both chemotherapy injected into the bloodstream and chemotherapy given directly into the spinal fluid may improve the outlook for some people.

    For more information, google or yahoo "Leptomeningeal Carcinomatous" or "Carcinomatous Meningitis"

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