Management of brain metastases in lung cancer: evolving roles for radiation and systemic treatment in the era of targeted and immune therapies.

ABSTRACT: Brain metastases are a common occurrence in both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer with the potential to affect quality of life and prognosis. Due to concerns about the accessibility of the central nervous system by systemic chemotherapy agents, the management of brain metastases has historically relied on local therapies including surgery and radiation. However, novel targeted and immune therapies that improve overall outcomes in lung cancer have demonstrated effective intracranial activity. As a result, the management of brain metastases in lung cancer has evolved, with both local and systemic therapies now playing an important role. Factors such as tumor histology (non-small versus small cell), oncogenic driver mutations, and symptom burden from intracranial disease impact treat

SUBMITTER: Myall NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8633733 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature