Brain metastases of non small cell lung cancers: systemic treatments.

Brain metastases of non small cell lung cancers: systemic treatments.
Bull Cancer. 2013 Feb 4;
Authors: Chaubet-Houdu M, Besse B
Abstract
Chemotherapy, as all systemic treatments, is generally effective in brain metastases because the brain blood barrier (BBB) does not affect treatment's diffusion. Platinum-based chemotherapy provides response rates ranging from 23 to 50% for brain metastases. Anti-EGFR therapies are effective mostly when a somatic EGFR activating mutation is detected, or in selected population (adenocarcinoma, Asian population, never-smokers and women): response rate ranges from 38 to 69.6%. Bevacizumab is now allowed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases and non-squamous histology. The presence of untreated brain metastases may not influence its efficacy combined with paclitaxel-carboplatin. The best sequence for multimodality management of brain metastases has to be established but upfront systemic treatments in patients with asymptomatic brain metastases is a valid option.
PMID: 23376611 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Bulletin du Cancer - February 4, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Chaubet-Houdu M, Besse B Tags: Bull Cancer Source Type: research