The role of systemic and targeted therapies in brain metastases

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2014 Jan;14(1):93-103. doi: 10.1586/14737140.2014.856760. Epub 2013 Nov 26.

Abstract

For many years, brain metastases (BMs) have been considered as the final stage of a disease course and engendered skepticism about the efficacy of treatments. Local treatments, mainly, whole-brain radiotherapy have been the standard of care, whereas chemotherapy has been considered of limited efficacy due to the potential role of blood-brain barrier.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents