Brain metastases: old problem, new strategies

Brain metastases from breast cancer are a common complication of the disease and alter the management of patients more than any other site of distant progression. Certain subgroups of patients are at high risk for developing CNS disease, warranting targeted research and perhaps screening for occult disease. Data from studies that include other solid tumor histologies provide the bulk of supporting evidence for the use of therapies, such as steroids, antiepileptic drugs, surgery, and radiation. However, there are several issues specific to brain metastases from breast cancer illustrating that this disease should be considered pathophysiologically distinct, and future research should be tailored accordingly.