The Evolving Landscape of Brain Metastasis

Trends Cancer. 2018 Mar;4(3):176-196. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2018.01.003. Epub 2018 Feb 21.

Abstract

Metastasis, involving the spread of systemic cancer to the brain, results in neurologic disability and death. Current treatments are largely palliative in nature; improved therapeutic approaches represent an unmet clinical need. However, recent experimental and clinical advances challenge the bleak long-term outcome of this disease. Encompassing key recent findings in epidemiology, genetics, microenvironment, leptomeningeal disease, neurocognition, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and prophylaxis, we review preclinical and clinical studies to provide a comprehensive picture of contemporary research and the management of secondary brain tumors.

Keywords: brain metastasis; genomics; microenvironment; neurocognition; prevention; therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Cognition
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents