Multidisciplinary Management of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases

Oncology (Williston Park). 2016 Oct 15;30(10):923-33.

Abstract

This review summarizes the most up-to-date approach to the multidisciplinary management of patients with breast cancer brain metastases. A brief overview of the epidemiology and biology of breast cancer brain metastasis is provided. The perspectives of radiation oncology, neurosurgery, and medical oncology-and landmark studies from each discipline-are all discussed. We also offer practical tips to help guide the treating physician, including data on antiseizure medications. Finally, we introduce the concept of a multidisciplinary clinic that combines input from medical and radiation oncology, neurosurgery, and support services, which we developed at the University of North Carolina as a coordinated and optimal approach to the management of patients with this complex disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Critical Pathways
  • Decision Trees
  • Disease Progression
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Treatment Outcome