The diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases in EGFR mutant lung cancer

CNS Oncol. 2014 May;3(3):209-17. doi: 10.2217/cns.14.19.

Abstract

The epidemiology of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has changed with a new pattern of disease emerging - a form of adenocarcinoma in mostly younger female patients, who are never or light smokers and more frequently in East Asian populations. Description of EGF receptor (EGFR) mutations has allowed new management strategies to evolve. Oral targeted therapies have broadened the treatment options in the advanced setting with the potential for periods of long term response. The brain is a common site of metastases with EGFR mutated lung cancer typically displaying asymptomatic, small volume, multiple lesions that respond to treatment. We explore the role of local and system therapies for brain metastases in this disease including the role of EGFR inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Mutation

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors