title: [Brain metastases and chemotherapy].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The epidemiology of brain or central nervous system metastases is poorly documented. Retrospective studies based on autopsies that were aimed at investigating the incidence and prevalence of brain metastases have revealed the shortfalls in tumour registers. The exact role of cerebral metastases has not been addressed within the scope of cancer considered as a public health issue.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The prognosis of brain metastases should not be considered either on general or a priori basis as being poorer than that of other metastatic sites. Evaluation of the role of focal radiation therapy and chemotherapy is still in progress. Appropriate use of therapeutical strategies directed at brain tumors generally improves the condition of most patients. It also usually increases survival and enhances the quality of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The role of chemotherapy in current therapeutical strategies has not yet been defined and should be investigated and developed.
authors.affiliation: Service de neurologie, hôpital Pasteur, CHU, Nice, France.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lebrun
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frenay
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lonjon
authors.forename: P Y
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Marcy
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Grellier
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents