Systemic Treatment Options for Brain Metastases from Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Bulbul, A.; Forde, P.M.; Murtuza, A.; Woodward, B.; Yang, H.; Bastian, I.; Ferguson, P.K.; Lopez-Diaz, F.; Ettinger, D.S.; Husain, H.
Oncology 32(4): 156-163
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 0890-9091 PMID: 29684234 Document Number: 695105
Brain metastases are common in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Because of associated poor prognosis and limited specific treatment options, there is a real need for the development of medical therapies and strategies for affected patients. Novel compounds for epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-dependent lung cancer have demonstrated blood-brain barrier permeability and have led to important improvements in central nervous system outcomes. Studies of targeted therapies for oncogene-driven tumors and of immunotherapies in patients with brain metastases have shown promise and, allied with novel radiation techniques, are driving a rapid evolution in treatment and prognosis for NSCLC brain metastases.