Systemic treatment in breast-cancer patients with brain metastasis

Arslan C., DİZDAR Ö., Altundag K.

EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY, vol.11, no.7, pp.1089-1100, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 11 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1517/14656561003702412
  • Journal Name: EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1089-1100
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Areas covered in this review: Standard therapy for brain metastasis is currently whole-brain radiotherapy. Other treatment modalities include surgery and radiosurgery in selected cases, corticosteroids, and systemic chemotherapy. Little progress has been made in chemotherapy for the treatment of brain metastases, partly because tumors develop brain metastases at a stage when they become totally chemoresistant. Nevertheless, new treatment choices have emerged considering cytotoxic and biological agents for the treatment of CNS metastases in patients with breast cancer.