Brain metastasis is a common complication in advanced systemic cancer, with an increasing incidence. The diagnosis of brain metastasis historically portended a dismal prognosis. The successful development of effective treatments for patients with brain metastasis is complicated by the differences among cancer subtypes, the limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of BM, the impact of the blood-brain barrier, and other factors. There is now renewed interest in treating this often devastating complication of cancer, and in understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease in this "sanctuary" site. Promising treatment strategies include brain-penetrant targeted therapies and immunotherapy, and strategies for enhanced delivery of therapy. This review highlights a selection of these approaches.
Keywords: Blood brain barrier; Brain metastasis; Immunotherapy; Targeted therapy.