title: Breast cancer brain metastases: the last frontier.
abstract: Breast cancer is a common cause of brain metastases, with metastases occurring in at least 10-16 % of patients. Longer survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer and the use of better imaging techniques are associated with an increased incidence of brain metastases. Unfortunately, patients who develop brain metastases tend to have poor prognosis with short overall survival. In addition, brain metastases are a major cause of morbidity, associated with progressive neurologic deficits that result in a reduced quality of life. Tumor subtypes play a key role in prognosis and treatment selection. Current therapies include surgery, whole-brain radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapies. However, the timing and appropriate use of these therapies is controversial and careful patient selection by using available prognostic tools is extremely important. This review will focus on current treatment options, novel therapies, future approaches and ongoing clinical trials for patients with breast cancer brain metastases.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, C32 GH, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA.
authors.forename: José Pablo
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Leone
authors.affiliation: Grupo Oncológico Cooperativo del Sur (GOCS), Rivadavia 360, 8300 Neuquén, Argentina.
authors.forename: Bernardo Amadeo
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Leone
keywords: Brain metastasis; Breast cancer; Metastatic breast cancer