Chemotherapy in the management of brain metastases: the emerging role of fotemustine for patients with melanoma and NSCLC. (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Addeo, Raffaele; Zappavigna, Silvia; Luce, Amalia; Facchini, Sergio; Caraglia, Michele
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on drug safety. Volume 12:Number 5(2013:Sep.)
• Page Start: 729
• Page End: 740
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: blood–brain barrier -- brain metastasis -- fotemustine -- melanoma -- non-small cell lung cancer -- nitrosourea; Drugs -- Side effects -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Toxicology -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.704
• DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2013.789017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-0338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: An estimated 20 – 40% of cancer patients will develop brain metastases that are the most common intracranial tumors in adults. Patients with cerebral metastases represent a variegate group where selection of the most appropriate treatment depends on many patient- and disease-related factors. The impact of therapeutic option on overall survival is lacking and it is important to consider quality of life (QOL) when treating patients with brain metastases. Areas covered: A considerable proportion of patients are treated with palliative approaches such as whole-brain radiotherapy. The role of chemotherapy was limited in the past. Recently, several chemotherapeutic agents have been identified as potentially useful. This article examines the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety and tolerability offotemustine (FTM) for the management of patients with cerebral metastasis from melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Expert opinion: FTM is a third-generation nitrosourea that has proved its efficacy on brain metastases of melanoma and showed promising results for the treatment of brain metastasis of NSCLC because of its ability to pass the blood–brain barrier.