Published in:
01-04-2020 | Metastasis | Review
Management of brain metastases in breast cancer: a review of current practices and emerging treatments
Authors:
Matthew N. Mills, Nicholas B. Figura, John A. Arrington, Hsiang-Hsuan Michael Yu, Arnold B. Etame, Michael A. Vogelbaum, Hatem Soliman, Brian J. Czerniecki, Peter A. Forsyth, Hyo S. Han, Kamran A. Ahmed
Published in:
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
|
Issue 2/2020
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Abstract
Purpose
Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) are becoming an increasingly common diagnosis due to improved systemic control and more routine surveillance imaging. Treatment continues to require a multidisciplinary approach managing systemic and intracranial disease burden. Although, improvements have been made in the diagnosis and management of BCBM, brain metastasis patients continue to pose a challenge for practitioners.
Methods
In this review, a group of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, breast surgeons, and neurosurgeons specializing in the treatment of breast cancer reviewed the available published literature and compiled a comprehensive review on the current state of BCBM.
Results
We discuss the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment options (including systemic, surgical, and radiotherapy treatment modalities), and treatment response evaluation for BCBM. Furthermore, we discuss the ongoing prospective trials enrolling BCBM patients and their biologic rationale.
Conclusions
BCBM management is an increasing clinical concern. Multidisciplinary management combining the strengths of surgical, systemic, and radiation treatment modalities with prospective trials incorporating knowledge from the basic and translational sciences will ultimately lead to improved clinical outcomes for BCBM patients.