Abstrait

Chemotherapy in brain metastases of lung and breast cancer

Alicia Tosoni, Sara Lonardi, Linda Nicolardi and Alba A Brandes

Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumors and their incidence is increasing. Results of a recent analysis have confirmed that good performance status, control of the primary tumor, absence of extracranial disease and age less than 65 years are predictive of survival. Without treatment, patients with brain metastases survive approximately 1 month after diagnosis. Currently, chemotherapy has a limited role in the treatment of most brain metastases. Several regimens and new therapies, with a good penetration through the blood–brain barrier, such as Temozolomide (Temodar^®, Shering Plough Corp.), have been used in brain metastases with different results depending on the histology of the primary tumor and on the administration schedule. A better understanding of the complex processes underlying the development of brain metastasis will enable us to develop more satisfactory targeted treatments.