Narrative review of immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiation therapy for brain metastases.

ABSTRACT: Radiation therapy plays a key role in the management of intracranial metastatic disease. Historically, systemic therapy was able to address extracranial disease but not cross the blood-brain barrier and radiation therapy and surgery were the only mechanisms to treat intracranial metastases. There are now several examples of contemporary systemic therapies with central nervous system efficacy in some patients. With such improvements in systemic therapies, patients are living longer and the optimal management of brain metastases is becoming an increasingly important clinical priority. However, the role of radiation therapy remains critical in treating brain metastases. The concurrent use of new systemic therapies with radiation brings about novel and significant questions regarding potential

SUBMITTER: Moskalenko M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8797499 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature