Treatment strategies in CNS metastases.
BACKGROUND
CNS metastases constitute the most common brain malignancy in adults and, therefore, represent a challenging issue in cancer treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To review the role and indication of the various treatment options in the context of important prognostic factors that may guide the selection of patients who could benefit from each treatment modality.


METHODS
Therapeutic approaches in treating CNS metastases include surgery, radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, and are reviewed through a critical evaluation of published recent literature; however, in the majority of most common malignancies spreading to the CNS, treatment remains largely palliative and rarely curative, as is the case for other metastastic sites.


CONCLUSIONS
It is anticipated that a multidisciplinary approach with rapid integration of new treatment strategies is required for the treatment of patients developing CNS metastases, ultimately aiming to prolong survival, preserve neurologic function and improve quality of life.
Kosmas
Christos
C
'Metaxa' Cancer Hospital, Department of Medicine, 2nd Division of Medical Oncology, 51 Botassi Street, 18537 Piraeus, Greece. ckosm1@ath.forthnet.gr
Tsakonas
George
G
Mylonakis
Nikolaos
N
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents