Brain metastases epidemiology and biology.

Brain metastases epidemiology and biology.
Bull Cancer. 2013 Jan 9;
Authors: Tabouret E, Bauchet L, Carpentier AF
Abstract
Recent progresses in chemotherapies and targeted therapies have improved survival in cancer patients. In this context of better-controlled systemic disease, brain metastases (BM) are emerging as a new challenge for the oncologist. However, BM epidemiology and biology remain largely unclear. Incidence of BM is increasing. This trend could be explained by improvement in the quality of neuro-imaging (MRI) and increased survival. Primary cancers associated with BM patients are mainly: lung, breast, renal, colorectal cancers and melanoma. Prevalence of BM is estimated at 9% although this figure is probably underestimated. Time from initial to BM diagnoses is increasing and BM is occurring more frequently in individuals with advanced-stage disease. Biology of BM remains poorly known. Interactions between circulated tumoral cells (CTC) and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) cells are required. Some cytokines may act as CTC attractants and promote BM formation. BM development also involves several steps (extravasations through non-fenestrated capillaries, local proliferation, neoangiogenesis…), which represent potential therapeutic targets.
PMID: 23303801 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Bulletin du Cancer - January 9, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tabouret E, Bauchet L, Carpentier AF Tags: Bull Cancer Source Type: research