Title:Brain-metastatic Breast Cancer: Clinical Considerations and Pharmacological Approaches
Volume: 16
Issue: 12
Author(s): Ana C. Andrade, Daniel S. Ferruzzi and Carolina Panis
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Breast cancer, HER-2 tumors, metastasis.
Abstract: Despite constant advances on breast cancer knowledge, the metastatic disease
resulting from the spreading of this disease is still a challenge. This scenario is particularly
critical in the more aggressive subtypes, as HER2-amplified and triple negative breast cancers,
when often occurs the invasion of central nervous system (CNS) structures. In this situation, the
survival of patients is drastically reduced, and the number of sequels and functional impairment
is huge due to the small therapeutic arsenal available. In this context, it is necessary to
understand the mechanisms involved in the process of metastasis of breast cancer to CNS, and
how this process affects anatomically important structures for its functioning. This review aims
to point out some mechanisms enrolled in the spread of breast cancer to CNS, discuss the
clinical impact of such metastatisation and address the critical aspects related to the treatment of
this condition.
