Towards updated understanding of brain metastasis
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Updated: Aug 26, 2025
Modeling Brain Metastases Through Intracranial Injection and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 7, 2020
Shuncong Wang1, Yuanbo Feng1, Lei Chen1
1KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg Leuven 3000, Belgium.
Abstract:
Brain metastasis (BM) is a common complication in cancer patients with advanced disease and attributes to treatment failure and final mortality. Currently there are several therapeutic options available; however these are only suitable for limited subpopulation: surgical resection or radiosurgery for cases with a limited number of lesions, targeted therapies for approximately 18% of patients, and immune checkpoint inhibitors with a response rate of 20-30%. Thus, there is a pressing need for development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic options. This overview article aims to provide research advances in disease model, targeted therapy, blood brain barrier (BBB) opening strategies, imaging and its incorporation with artificial intelligence, external radiotherapy, and internal targeted radionuclide theragnostics. Finally, a distinct type of BM, leptomeningeal metastasis is also covered.
Insights
Brain metastasis (BM) presents significant challenges in advanced cancer care. This review highlights recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for brain metastasis, addressing the urgent need for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Brain metastasis (BM) is a frequent complication in advanced cancer, often leading to treatment failure and mortality.
- Current treatments like surgery, targeted therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors benefit only a limited patient subset.
- There is a critical need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for BM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of recent research advancements in brain metastasis.
- To cover novel strategies including disease models, targeted therapies, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening.
- To discuss integrated approaches like AI-enhanced imaging and radionuclide theragnostics, including leptomeningeal metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on brain metastasis diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Exploration of emerging technologies and therapeutic modalities.
- Analysis of advancements in imaging, artificial intelligence, and targeted radionuclide therapy.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in developing new disease models for BM research.
- Novel targeted therapies and strategies for opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are emerging.
- AI-integrated imaging and targeted radionuclide theragnostics show promise for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusions:
- The review underscores the rapid advancements in addressing brain metastasis.
- Integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including AI and theranostics, are crucial for future progress.
- Further research is essential to translate these advances into effective clinical practice for brain metastasis patients.
