UCSF

Brain metastases occur in almost one-third of adult patients with solid tumor malignancies and lead to considerable patient morbidity and mortality. The rising incidence of brain metastases has been ascribed to the development of better imaging and screening techniques and the formulation of better systemic therapies. Until recently, the multimodal management of brain metastases focused primarily on the utilization of neurosurgical techniques, with varying combinations of whole-brain radiation therapy and stereotactic radio-surgical procedures. Over the past 2 decades, in particular, the increment in knowledge pertaining to molecular genetics and the pathogenesis of brain metastases has led to significant developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapies. This review article highlights the recent updates in the management of brain metastases with an emphasis on novel systemic therapies.