Emerging Trends in the Management of Brain Metastases from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose of Review

To summarize current approaches in the management of brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Recent Findings

Local treatment has evolved from whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) to increasing use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone for patients with limited (1–4) brain metastases. Trials have established post-operative SRS as an alternative to adjuvant WBRT following resection of brain metastases. Second-generation TKIs for ALK rearranged NSCLC have demonstrated improved CNS penetration and activity. Current brain metastasis trials are focused on reducing cognitive toxicity: hippocampal sparing WBRT, SRS for 5–15 metastases, pre-operative SRS, and use of systemic targeted agents or immunotherapy.

Summary

The role for radiotherapy in the management of brain metastases is becoming better defined with local treatment shifting from WBRT to SRS alone for limited brain metastases and post-operative SRS for resected metastases. Further trials are warranted to define the optimal integration of newer systemic agents with local therapies.