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Brain metastases as preventive and therapeutic targets.
Patricia S Steeg1, Kevin A Camphausen, Quentin R Smith
1National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. steegp@mail.nih.gov
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|April 8, 2011
Summary
Brain metastasis incidence is rising, challenging cancer treatment gains. Multidisciplinary research is crucial to overcome the blood-brain barrier and develop new clinical trials for brain metastases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rising incidence of brain metastasis threatens cancer treatment progress.
- The brain's sanctuary site status and blood-tumor barrier impede drug efficacy.
- Need for multidisciplinary approaches to combat brain metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for translational research in brain metastasis.
- To discuss strategies for overcoming the blood-brain barrier.
- To review advances in brain metastasis management and cognitive protection.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research in brain metastasis.
- Discussion of multidisciplinary research requirements.
- Examination of advances in chemoprevention, radiation sensitization, and cognitive deficit amelioration.
Main Results:
- Brain metastasis poses a significant clinical challenge.
- The blood-brain barrier is a major obstacle for systemic therapies.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for effective treatment development.
Conclusions:
- Advances in chemoprevention offer new strategies.
- Radiation sensitizers show promise in enhancing treatment efficacy.
- Mitigating cognitive deficits from radiation therapy is a key research area.
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