Abstract
Radiotherapy is currently the mainstay treatment for brain metastases. This treatment provides effective initial palliation of neurological symptoms. However, radiotherapy has limitations in maintaining local control, particularly with large volumes of intracranial disease. Potential radiosensitizers, agents when given in combination with radiation to increase the cytotoxic effects of radiation, have been evaluated in numerous clinical studies. This chapter summarizes clinical studies in which both cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic radiosensitizers have been evaluated in combination with whole brain radiotherapy. In addition, this chapter highlights how advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of brain metastases, and effects of ionizing radiation on tumour cells, have enabled the development of newer chemotherapeutic agents that may improve tumour response through various mechanisms: targeting of molecular pathways involved in tumour development, progression and DNA repair, and increased ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier therefore improved bioavailability in the brain.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Bone and Brain Metastases |
| Subtitle of host publication | Advances in Research and Treatment |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
| Pages | 153-165 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781616683658 |
| State | Published - 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine