Chemotherapy with cisplatin and teniposide for cerebral metastases in non-small cell lung cancer

A Review of the Molecular Determinants of Therapeutic Response in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Metastases in the brain are a common hallmark of advanced stages of the disease, contributing to a dismal prognosis. Lung cancer can be broadly classified as either small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC represents the most predominant histology subtype of lung cancer, accounting for the majority of lung cancer cases. Recent advances in molecular genetics, coupled with innovations in small molecule drug discovery strategies, have facilitated both the molecular classification and precision targeting of NSCLC based on oncogenic driver mutations. Furthermore, these precision-based strategies have demonstrable efficacy across the blood-brain barrier, leading to positive outcomes in patients with brain metastases. This review provides an overview of the clinical features of lung cancer brain metastases, as well as the molecular mechanisms that drive NSCLC oncogenesis. We also explore how precision medicine-based strategies can be leveraged to improve NSCLC brain metastases.

Primary systemic therapy for patients with brain metastases from lung cancer ineligible for targeted agents

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate overall survival after systemic therapy, largely chemotherapy, in patients with small cell or non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. After completion of systemic therapy, some patients received planned brain irradiation, while others were followed.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included (28 small cell, 20 followed with imaging). Six of these 20 patients (30%) received delayed radiotherapy during follow-up. Planned radiotherapy (n = 18, intention-to-treat) was associated with longer survival from diagnosis of brain metastases, median 10.8 versus 6.1 months, p = 0.025. Delayed radiotherapy still resulted in numerically better survival than no radiotherapy at all (median 8.8 versus 5.3 months, not significant). If calculated from the start of delayed radiotherapy, median survival was only 2.7 months. In a multivariable analysis, both Karnofsky performance status ≥ 70 (p = 0.03) and planned radiotherapy (p = 0.05) were associated with better survival.

Conclusion

In patients ineligible for targeted agents, planned radiotherapy in a modern treatment setting was associated with longer survival compared to no radiotherapy. Timing and type of radiotherapy in such patients should be evaluated in prospective trials to identify patients who might not need planned radiotherapy.

Management of Leptomeningeal Metastases in Non-oncogene Addicted Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are more often detected due to imaging modalities improvements but also emerge because of improved treatments of the primary tumor which lead to a longer survival. In this context, development of leptomeningeal metastases (LM) is a devastating complication and its prognosis remains poor despite advances in systemic and local approaches. Histology characterization of NSCLC and molecular expression influence LM management. For those with “oncogene addiction,” new generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were developed to strongly penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with the aim to prevent central nervous system cancer dissemination, eventually impacting on LM appearance and its subsequent management. Systemic chemotherapy, often combined with intrathecal chemotherapy (when possible), was one of common indications for lung cancer patients affected by LM, without driver mutations and a good performance status but currently, with the advent of innovative systemic approaches treatment solutions in this subgroup of patients are rapidly evolving. Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is the conventional treatment for patients with brain metastases. Furthermore, modern radiation techniques, as stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), improve outcomes in those cases with a limited number of lesions. However, LM represent a minority of CNS metastases and few literature data are available to drive the radiotherapy approach. Considering all relevant progress made in this setting, after a literature review, the aim of this paper is to discuss about recent developments and therapeutic options in LM management of non-oncogene addicted NSCLC.

Targeted DNA sequencing of non-small cell lung cancer identifies mutations associated with brain metastases

Introduction

This study explores the hypothesis that dominant molecular oncogenes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are associated with metastatic spread to the brain.

Methods

NSCLC patient groups with no evidence of metastasis, with metastatic disease to a non-CNS site, who developed brain metastasis after diagnosis, and patients with simultaneous diagnosis of NSCLC and metastatic brain lesions were studied using targeted sequencing.

Results

In patients with brain metastasis versus those without, only 2 variants (one each in BCL6 and NOTHC2) were identified that occurred in ≥ 4 NSCLC of patients with brain metastases but ≤ 1 of the NSCLC samples without brain metastases. At the gene level, 20 genes were found to have unique variants in more than 33% of the patients with brain metastases. When analyzed at the patient level, these 20 genes formed the basis of a predictive test to discriminate those with brain metastasis. Further analysis showed that PI3K/AKT signaling is altered in both the primary and metastases of NSCLC patients with brain lesions.

Conclusion

While no single variant was associated with brain metastasis, this study describes a potential gene panel for the identification of patients at risk and implicates PI3K/AKT signaling as a therapeutic target.

Leptomeningeal Metastases

OPINION STATEMENT

Treatment options for leptomeningeal metastases are expanding with greater tolerability and efficacy than in the past. Improved knowledge of molecular subtypes of some cancers can guide in choosing more effective therapeutic options; however, physicians should be mindful that these molecular types can be different in the central nervous system compared to the rest of the body. This is particularly true in breast and lung cancer, in which some patients now can live for many months or even years after diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastases. Options for intrathecal therapies are expanding, but physicians should be mindful that this is a passive delivery system that relies on normal CSF flow, so therapies will not penetrate bulky or parenchymal disease sites, especially in the presence of abnormal CSF flow. When chemotherapeutic options are lacking or unsuccessful, focal radiosurgery which can provide symptomatic relief and proton craniospinal radiation remain effective options. Hopefully more formal studies will be conducted in the future to verify which treatments are indeed most effective for particular types of cancer.

Systemic treatment of non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases

In the systemic treatment of brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (BMF-NSCLC) chemo- and targeted therapy are used. Response rates after platinum-based chemotherapy, range from 23% to 45%. Development of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs): gefitinib or erlotinib, was an improvement in treatment of advanced NSCLC patients. EGFR mutations are present in 10-25% of NSCLC (mostly adenocarcinoma), and up to 55% in never-smoking women of East Asian descent. In the non-selected group of patients with BMF-NSCLC, the overall response rates after gefitinib or erlotinib treatment range from 10% to 38%, and the duration of response ranges from 9 to 13.5 months. In the case of present activating EGFR mutation, the response rate after EGRF-TKIs is greater than 50%, and in selected groups (adenocarcinoma, patients of Asian descent, never-smokers, asymptomatic BMF-NSCLC) even 70%. Gefitinib or erlotinib treatment improves survival of BMF-NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation in comparison to cases without the presence of this mutation. There is no data on the activity of the anti-EML4-ALK agent crizotinib. Bevacizumab, recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody anti-VEGF, in the treatment of advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients is a subject of intense research. Data from a clinical trial enrolling patients with pretreated or occult BMF-NSCLC proved that the addition of bevacizumab to various chemotherapy agents or erlotinib is a safe and efficient treatment, associated with a low incidence of CSN haemorrhages. However, the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab used for therapeutic intent, regarding active brain metastases is unknown.

State of the art of chemotherapy for the treatment of central nervous system metastases from non-small cell lung cancer

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without molecular drivers. Despite a low penetration of central nervous system (CNS), chemotherapy drugs demonstrated encouraging activity against CNS metastases from NSCLC. Based on the available data, chemotherapy should be considered as an important part of the multidisciplinary treatment of CNS metastases. Particularly, platinum-based regimens represent the most active combinations and pemetrexed is associated with a meaningful clinical benefit for patients with non-squamous histology. How to integrate chemotherapy and radiotherapy for newly diagnosed brain metastases (BMs) is still debated. Although flawed by some limitations, the available evidence suggests a role for upfront chemotherapy for the treatment of NSCLC patients with synchronous, asymptomatic BMs, thus allowing a delay of radiotherapy. Despite the introduction of modern and more effective chemotherapy, however, the prognosis of NSCLC patients with CNS metastases remains poor, especially for those with progressive BMs or leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC).

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of central nervous system metastases from non-small cell lung cancer: the present and the future

Lung cancer is one of the major causes of cancer related mortality worldwide. Brain metastases (BM) complicate clinical evolution of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in approximately 25-40% of cases, adversely influencing quality of life (QoL) and overall survival (OS). Systemic therapy remains the standard strategy for metastatic disease. Nevertheless, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes central nervous system (CNS) a sanctuary site. To date, the combination of chemotherapy with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), surgery and/or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) represents the most used treatment for patients (pts) with intracranial involvement. However, due to their clinical conditions, many pts are not able to undergo local treatments. Targeted therapies directed against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), such as gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib, achieved important improvements in EGFR mutated NSCLC with favorable toxicity profile. Although their role is not well defined, the reported objective response rate (ORR) and the good tolerance make EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) an interesting valid alternative for NSCLC pts with BM, especially for those harboring EGFR mutations. Furthermore, new-generation TKIs, such as osimertinib and rociletinib, have already shown important activity on intracranial disease and several trials are still ongoing to evaluate their efficacy. In this review we want to highlight literature data about the use and the effectiveness of EGFR-TKIs in pts with BM from NSCLC.

Systemic therapies in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer brain metastases

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastases are common. Even though there are various subsets of NSCLC with molecular alterations, there is a common theme of brain metastases. Current treatment modalities are suboptimal. Systemic therapies for the treatment of NSCLC brain metastases have been explored and recent advances may pave the way for their successful employment in this patient population. While no specific agents have been associated with a marked benefit, stability of disease as well as radiographic responses have been noted in some patients. Biological activity of systemic therapies in some patients with NSCLC brain metastases raises hope for future advances and supports further investigation for this patient population with limited treatment options.

Systemic therapy of brain metastases

Brain metastases are a common complication of cancer and continue to be associated with a poor prognosis. Management of brain metastases typically requires a multidisciplinary approach which may include whole-brain radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, surgery, and systemic therapy. Historically, the use of systemic therapy in brain metastases has been challenging because of the resistance to conventional chemotherapies secondary to the blood-brain barrier and an often heavily pre-treated patient population, and the paucity of well-conducted randomized trials in these heterogeneous patient populations. Newer agents, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies, are playing increasingly important roles in the up-front management of brain metastases. In this overview, we review recent advances in systemic therapies for brain metastases and the evidence supporting their use in this patient population.

Current approaches to the treatment of metastatic brain tumours

Metastatic tumours involving the brain overshadow primary brain neoplasms in frequency and are an important complication in the overall management of many cancers. Importantly, advances are being made in understanding the molecular biology underlying the initial development and eventual proliferation of brain metastases. Surgery and radiation remain the cornerstones of the therapy for symptomatic lesions; however, image-based guidance is improving surgical technique to maximize the preservation of normal tissue, while more sophisticated approaches to radiation therapy are being used to minimize the long-standing concerns over the toxicity of whole-brain radiation protocols used in the past. Furthermore, the burgeoning knowledge of tumour biology has facilitated the entry of systemically administered therapies into the clinic. Responses to these targeted interventions have ranged from substantial toxicity with no control of disease to periods of useful tumour control with no decrement in performance status of the treated individual. This experience enables recognition of the limits of targeted therapy, but has also informed methods to optimize this approach. This Review focuses on the clinically relevant molecular biology of brain metastases, and summarizes the current applications of these data to imaging, surgery, radiation therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Temozolomide for treatment of brain metastases: A review of 21 clinical trials

Brain metastases from solid tumours are associated with poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment. Temozolomide can be used for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme as well as melanoma. It has also been shown to have activity in patients with brain metastases from various malignancies, since it can cross the blood-brain barrier. To better understand the efficacy of temozolomide in the treatment of brain metastases, we carried out a review of 21 published clinical trials to determine whether temozolomide would benefit patients with brain metastases from solid tumours. Information regarding complete response, partial response, stable disease, objective response and objective response rate were collected to assess clinical outcomes. A modest therapeutic effect was observed when temozolomide was used as a single agent, however, the combination of temozolomide with whole-brain radiotherapy and/or other anticancer drugs exhibited encouraging activity. Thus, future high quality studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Brain metastases in non-small-cell lung cancer: better outcomes through current therapies and utilization of molecularly targeted approaches

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients experience a high incidence of brain metastases, de novo and recurrent. We review the mechanisms of brain metastases and promising NSCLC molecular markers to delineate potential future therapeutic targets. Discussed are the current and previously utilized roles of surgery, radiation (both therapeutic and prophylactic), and systemic therapies in the treatment of NSCLC brain metastases. Future directions for treatment of NSCLC brain metastases will conclude our review.

[Brain metastases of non small cell lung cancers: systemic treatments]

Chemotherapy, as all systemic treatments, is generally effective in brain metastases because the brain blood barrier (BBB) does not affect treatment's diffusion. Platinum-based chemotherapy provides response rates ranging from 23 to 50% for brain metastases. Anti-EGFR therapies are effective mostly when a somatic EGFR activating mutation is detected, or in selected population (adenocarcinoma, Asian population, never-smokers and women): response rate ranges from 38 to 69.6%. Bevacizumab is now allowed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases and non-squamous histology. The presence of untreated brain metastases may not influence its efficacy combined with paclitaxel-carboplatin. The best sequence for multimodality management of brain metastases has to be established but upfront systemic treatments in patients with asymptomatic brain metastases is a valid option.

Upfront association of carboplatin plus pemetrexed in patients with brain metastases of lung adenocarcinoma

Approximately 10% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have brain metastases at the time of diagnosis. When surgical resection is not possible, whole brain radiotherapy is the standard of care, with a cerebral response rate of approximately 30%. We report our experience with an upfront association of carboplatin and pemetrexed (areas under the curve, 5 and 500 mg/m(2), respectively), every 3 weeks, in 30 patients presenting with newly diagnosed brain metastases and NSCLC. Cerebral MRIs were performed every 6-9 weeks. The radiologic response rates were assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Overall survival was also determined. Twenty-six patients were evaluable for response, and the objective cerebral response rate (complete and partial response) in the intent-to-treat population was 40% (12 of 30 patients). Event-free survival was 31 weeks, and median overall survival was 39 weeks. The upfront association of carboplatin plus pemetrexed allows simultaneous treatment of cerebral and systemic disease in patients with NSCLC with newly diagnosed brain metastases and appears to be particularly interesting in terms of radiologic response and overall survival. Further clinical studies are warranted.

Two cases of leptomeningeal metastases from lung adenocarcinoma which progressed during gefitinib therapy but responded to erlotinib

We present two patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from lung adenocarcinoma that progressed or newly developed, respectively, during gefitinib therapy which had exhibited substantial antitumor effects on widespread lesions. In both cases, a switch to erlotinib therapy brought about long-lasting dramatic symptomatic improvement and markedly prolonged survival. The first patient is a 46-year-old female who presented with progressive headache and vomiting. Multiple pulmonary, hepatic and bone metastases immediately shrank in response to gefitinib. However, 1 month after completion of concurrent whole brain radiation, dizziness and urinary retention newly emerged, worsening the symptoms observed at presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated enlargement of ventricles and new gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced disseminated nodules on the surface of the cerebral cortex, suggesting the existence of uncontrollable LM. Sequential erlotinib therapy resulted in symptomatic improvement with a finding of regression of Gd-enhancement on MRI. The beneficial effect lasted for 10 months, though a follow-up brain MRI showed further enlarged ventricles. She finally died due to LM after surviving for 11 months under erlotinib treatment. The other patient is a 55-year-old female in whom headache and vomiting occurred while gefitinib therapy had maintained shrinkage of all pre-existing tumors in the thorax and bones. Brain MRI strongly suggested occurrence of LM with a finding of Gd-enhanced sulci. A switch to erlotinib therapy relieved the symptoms with disappearance of Gd-enhancement. However, the symptoms recurred with a finding of further enlargement of ventricles on brain MRI after 11 months. Finally, she died due to LM after surviving for 12 months under erlotinib treatment.

[Management of brain metastases from non-small cell lung carcinoma]

INTRODUCTION

In France, approximately 30,000 new patients per year develop brain metastases (BM), most of them resulting from a lung cancer.

STATE OF THE ART

Surgery and radiosurgery of all the BM must be considered when possible. In other cases, whole brain radiotherapy remains the standard of care.

PERSPECTIVES

The role of chemotherapy, poorly investigated so far, should be revisited.

CONCLUSION

This review focused on BM secondary to a non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Outcomes associated with brain metastases in a three-arm phase III trial of gemcitabine-containing regimens versus paclitaxel plus carboplatin for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases (BMs) are a common complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Because of historical data indicating a poor prognosis for patients with BM, few randomized phase III studies of advanced NSCLC have included patients with BM at presentation. Because the potential benefits of systemic therapy in patients with BM are uncertain, we analyzed data from a recent phase III study.

METHODS

One thousand one hundred thirty-five chemonaïve patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were randomized to receive gemcitabine/carboplatin, gemcitabine/paclitaxel, or paclitaxel/carboplatin. Stratification was based on presence or absence of BM, stage, and baseline weight loss. Patients with BM were required to be clinically stable after treatment with radiotherapy or surgery before entry. Results were retrospectively analyzed by presence or absence of BM at study entry.

RESULTS

Rate of BM was 17.1% overall. The response rate was 28.9% for patients with BM (n = 194) versus 29.1% without BM (n = 941). Time to progression was 4.3 months with BM and 4.6 months without BM (p = 0.03). Median survival was 7.7 months (95% confidence interval: 6.7-9.3) among patients with BM (n = 194) and 8.6 months (95% confidence interval: 7.9-9.5) for patients without BM (n = 941), p = 0.09. Rates of hematologic adverse events were not different among patients with and without BM.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in response, survival, or hematologic toxicity for patients with or without BM; however, patients with BM had a small but significantly shorter time to progression. Nonprogressing patients with treated BM are appropriate candidates for systemic therapy and entry into clinical trials.

Activity of Pemetrexed on brain metastases from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Brain metastases from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer are usually associated with poor prognosis and up to now chemotherapy has shown a modest activity upon cerebral localizations. We investigated the role of Pemetrexed, a new, well tolerated multi-target antifolate, on brain metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected 39 patients with evidence of cerebral nervous system (CNS) localizations from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) before starting treatment with Pemetrexed as second-line or further-line therapy.

RESULTS

We confirmed the good tolerability of Pemetrexed even in that setting of patients and we reported a progressive disease (PD) in 12 patients (30.8%), a stable disease (SD) and partial response (PR) in 12 (30.8%) and 15 (38.4%) patients respectively, with an overall clinical benefit obtained in 69% of patients. The cerebral response to Pemetrexed was interesting with a cerebral radiological benefit obtained in 32 patients (82%), while 7 patients only showed brain progressive disease. Overall median survival was 10 months. All irradiation-naïve patients and those with clear radiological evidence of cerebral progression after brain radiotherapy and before Pemetrexed, overall 22 patients, were included in one group, in order to avoid overlapping effects between brain radiotherapy and Pemetrexed over CNS localizations. Within that setting, we demonstrated an overall clinical benefit (SD+PR) and cerebral benefit in 63% and 68%, of patients respectively. Distribution of patients by overall response to Pemetrexed and CNS response was highly suggestive of activity of Pemetrexed on brain metastases.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the good tolerability of Pemetrexed even in patients with advanced NSCLC and brain metastases, and we found a very good overall response rate with evidence of activity on brain localizations.

Treatment strategies in CNS metastases

BACKGROUND

CNS metastases constitute the most common brain malignancy in adults and, therefore, represent a challenging issue in cancer treatment.

PURPOSE

To review the role and indication of the various treatment options in the context of important prognostic factors that may guide the selection of patients who could benefit from each treatment modality.

METHODS

Therapeutic approaches in treating CNS metastases include surgery, radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, and are reviewed through a critical evaluation of published recent literature; however, in the majority of most common malignancies spreading to the CNS, treatment remains largely palliative and rarely curative, as is the case for other metastastic sites.

CONCLUSIONS

It is anticipated that a multidisciplinary approach with rapid integration of new treatment strategies is required for the treatment of patients developing CNS metastases, ultimately aiming to prolong survival, preserve neurologic function and improve quality of life.

Local control of regional and metastatic lesions and indication for systemic chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Local control of regional and metastatic lesions may be needed before systemic therapy can be started in patients with pleural effusions or bone or brain metastases. The indication for systemic chemotherapy depends on the symptoms and performance status of the patient. In addition, a risk assessment considering complications such as hemodynamic and respiratory compromise by effusions, pathological bone fractures, and neurologic deterioration caused by brain metastases is critical in selecting which patients should receive first-line systemic chemotherapy before local therapy, although predictive factors for these complications have not yet been established. Chemotherapy has been considered to have only a limited role in the treatment of patients with pleural effusions and brain and bone metastases, but recently developed anticancer agents have shown substantial antitumor effects in these types of patients with a good general condition.

Multidisciplinary management of brain metastases

Metastatic brain tumors are the most common intracranial neoplasms in adults. The incidence of brain metastases appears to be rising as a result of superior imaging modalities, earlier detection, and more effective treatment of systemic disease. Therapeutic approaches to brain metastases include surgery, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and chemotherapy. Treatment decisions must take into account clinical prognostic factors in order to maximize survival and neurologic function whilst avoiding unnecessary treatments. The goal of this article is to review important prognostic factors that may guide treatment selection, discuss the roles of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with brain metastases, and present new directions in brain metastasis therapy under active investigation. In the future, patients will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach focused on the integration of surgical, radiation, and chemotherapeutic options with the goal of prolonging survival, preserving neurologic and neurocognitive function, and maximizing quality of life.

Up-front chemotherapy and radiation treatment in newly diagnosed nonsmall cell lung cancer with brain metastases: survey by Outcome Research Network for Evaluation of Treatment Results in Oncology

BACKGROUND

For patients with stage IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who present with brain metastasis (BMs), standard platinum-based chemotherapy regimens have challenged the role of up-front whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT).

METHODS

In this survey, the authors analyzed the decision tree by which 6 oncologic centers guided the pattern of care in an unselected population of patients with NSCLC who presented with BMs at first diagnosis. The impact of front-line, platinum-based chemotherapy also was evaluated. Individual data were reviewed from 156 eligible patients who were referred to participating centers.

RESULTS

Up-front treatment included chemotherapy in 110 patients and WBRT followed by chemotherapy in 46 patients. The selection of first treatment was guided based mainly on the presence of by BM symptoms, with chemotherapy selected for 24% of patients in the chemotherapy cohort and for 76% of patients in the chemotherapy and WBRT cohort. Regardless of treatment, the brain response was 29% (27% and 35% for the chemotherapy and WBRT cohorts, respectively; P value not significant). For the entire population, the overall response rate was 37%, progression-free survival was 6 months, and the median survival was 11 months. At multivariate analysis, significant predictors for survival were: brain response (hazard ratio [HR], 2.59; P = .0001), modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group class (HR, 0.87; P = .003), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (HR, 1.49; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with NSCLC who present with BMs at first diagnosis, the results of the current survey confirmed that the expected benefit of platinum-based chemotherapy may be translated into clinical practice and that selected subsets of patients who receive frontline chemotherapy (ie, patients in whom BM symptoms are absent or are controlled by supportive therapy) may be spared from WBRT. Further prospective studies evaluating different approaches and interventions are warranted.

Update in the treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer

Brain metastases from lung cancer represent a prevalent and challenging clinical dilemma. The brain is an extremely common site of failure for non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer, often as a solitary site of disease. Despite steady research developments during recent years, survival rates remain poor. Some research suggests that the outcomes and characteristics of brain metastases that result from lung cancer primary sites are perhaps different than those from other primary sites. Clinical treatment strategies should therefore be adjusted accordingly. This article reviews the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment strategies of brain metastases from lung cancer with a particular emphasis on recent research developments in the field.

Chemotherapy and targeted molecular therapies for brain metastases

As therapy for systemic cancers improves, an increasing number of patients are developing brain metastases. Although conventional therapy with surgery, radiation therapy and radiosurgery has improved the outcome of a significant number of patients, many develop multiple lesions that are not amenable to standard treatments. In this review, the current role of chemotherapy and targeted molecular agents for brain metastases is summarized and future directions are discussed.

Phase II trial of temozolomide and cisplatin followed by whole brain radiotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases: a GLOT-GFPC study

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases (BM) considerably worsen the prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The usefulness and choice of chemotherapy remain uncertain in this indication since these patients are excluded from most clinical trials. We conducted a phase II study to determine the efficacy and tolerability of up-front chemotherapy with association of temozolomide and cisplatin in NSCLC patients with BM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty NSCLC patients with BM received temozolomide (200 mg/m(2)/day for 5 days every 28 days) and cisplatin (75 mg/m(2) at day 1 of each cycle), up to six cycles, followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). An evaluation was carried out every two cycles and after WBRT. WBRT was performed earlier in case of progressive disease at any time or stable disease after cycle 4.

RESULTS

Eight objective responses were achieved (16%). Overall median survival was 5 months. Median time to progression was 2.3 months. Ten patients (20%) presented a grade 3/4 neutropenia and 11 patients (22%) presented a grade 3/4 thrombopenia.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a lack of efficacy of up-front chemotherapy with association of temozolomide and cisplatin in these patients. Nevertheless, it supports the feasibility of chemotherapy before brain radiotherapy in NSCLC patients with BM.

Oral temozolomide in heavily pre-treated brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer: phase II study

INTRODUCTION

The primary tumour type most likely to metastasize to the brain is lung cancer. In heavily pre-treated patients, limited therapeutic option is available and the results of availability therapies reported in literature are disappointing. The present phase II study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of temozolomide (TMZ) as palliative treatment for brain metastases (BrM) in NSCLC patients pre-treated with WBRT and at least one line of chemotherapy for metastatic brain disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Temozolomide was administered orally at 150 mg/mq/day for five consecutive days for the first cycle, doses were increased to 200 mg/mq/day for 5 days every 28 days for subsequent cycles if no grade 3/4 haematological toxicity was observed. Eligibility criteria included cytological or histological confirmed NSCLC; BrM, recurrent or progressing after WBRT and at least one line of chemotherapy. A total of 30 consecutive patients entered the study and received the allocated treatment.

RESULTS

Three patients (10%) achieved an objective response (OR) of BrM with two complete remission. Stable disease and progressive disease were achieved in 3 (10%) and 24 patients (80%), respectively. A correlation between response to TMZ and sensitivity to the previous first line chemotherapy was reported. Time to progression and overall survival were examined both for responder patients and for all included patients. For long-term survivors, we considered the patients who survived >12 months after the start of TMZ. According to this definition, three patients resulted long-term survivors: 2 with OR and 1 with stable brain disease. No grades 3 or 4 toxicity occurred. The total of treatment-related adverse events were mild or moderate (G1-2) in intensity. No patients discontinued TMZ as a result of treatment-related toxicity.

DISCUSSION

The results of the present trial clearly demonstrates that TMZ is active and safe in BrM NSCLC patients previously treated with WBRT and at least one line of chemotherapy.

A randomised phase III study of palliative radiation with concomitant carboplatin for brain metastases from non-small cell carcinoma of the lung

PURPOSE

To determine if the addition of carboplatin chemotherapy to whole brain irradiation improves response and survival in patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients with brain metastases from NSCLC and performance status ECOG 0-2 were randomised to receive either whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) alone (20Gy in five fractions) or the same radiotherapy plus concomitant carboplatin (70 mg/m(2) intravenously for 5 days).

RESULTS

The median survival was 4.4 months in the radiotherapy alone (RT) arm and 3.7 months in the combined treatment (RTC) arm (P = 0.64). The objective response rates of 10% on the RT arm and 29% on the RTC arm were not significantly different (P = 0.24). The trial was closed early because of poor accrual.

CONCLUSIONS

Although no firm conclusions can be made regarding the efficacy of the combined treatment, this prospective study highlights the poor objective response rates and relatively poor symptom control despite standard treatment of brain metastases from NSCLC.

Gefitinib is active in patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer and response is related to skin toxicity

Gefitinib is active and well tolerated in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, its role in patients with brain metastases has not been clearly defined. We had conducted a prospective study to give gefitinib to NSCLC patients irrespective of their performance status (PS), number of prior treatment regimens and the presence of brain metastases. A total of 76 patients were enrolled. Fifty-seven patients had measurable lesions and the objective response rate was 33.3% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 20.7-46.0%). For all enrolled patients, the disease control rate was 63.2% (95% CI, 52.1-74.3%) with a median progression-free survival of 5.0 months (95% CI, 3.6-6.5 months) and median overall survival 9.9 months (95% CI, 4.9-14.8 months). Twenty-one patients had simultaneously assessable intracranial lesions (ICLs) and extracranial lesions (ECLs), 17 of them (81.0%) showed comparable tumor response. There was no survival difference between the patients with and without metastatic brain disease. Most drug-related adverse events were mild. Intolerable toxicities happened in five patients, four of them were interstitial pneumonia (5.8%). Severity of skin toxicity was tightly associated with tumor response and patient survival (P = 0.007 and <0.001) and the association was consistent in the analysis using early toxicity profile (P = 0.033 and 0.001). In conclusion, gefitinib is active in patients with brain metastasis from NSCLC and tumor response is related to skin toxicity. It is feasible to conduct randomized trials to identify the role of gefitinib alone or in combination with other modality for treatment of NSCLC patients who have metastatic brain lesion(s).

Gefitinib in Patients with Brain Metastases from Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Review of 15 Clinical Cases

The clinical efficacy of gefitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), on brain metastases (BMs) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was evaluated. Fifteen patients with recurrent NSCLC with metastasis to the brain were treated with gefitinib. The objective tumor response rate (60%; 9 of 15 patients) for BM was the same as for primary tumors. The median time to response of BM was 26 days. In 8 of 9 patients who exhibited partial response in the thoracic lesion, BM showed dramatic regression, including 1 complete response. One patient with stable primary tumor also exhibited partial response in BM with this monotherapy. Brain metastasis-related neurologic symptoms such as hemiparesis, dysarthria, dysphagia, and vertigo improved or disappeared with the objective response of BM as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Central nervous system toxicities were not observed during the treatment. Four of the 9 BM responders are still under treatment with neither adverse events nor disease progression. Two discontinued the treatment because of severe hepatic toxicity and 3 died because of acquired resistance in pulmonary lesions, even though partial response was observed in the BMs. Finally, median duration of response of BM was 8.7 months and median overall survival was 8.3 months (range, 1.8 to > 15.7 months). Molecular targeted therapy against EGFR could be an option for the treatment of BM from NSCLC refractory to conventional chemotherapy plus radiation therapy because it has demonstrated a distinct therapeutic potential against BM compared with primary lung tumor and extracranial metastases.

Treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer: chemotherapy

Brain metastases are a frequent complication in patients suffering from Lung cancer, and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Brain metastases are found in about 10% of patients at the time of diagnosis, and approximately 40% of all patients with lung cancer develop brain metastases during the course of their disease. The prognosis of these patients is rather poor. The standard treatment for brain metastases, so far, has been whole-brain radiation therapy and surgery focussing on symptom palliation. The use of chemotherapy for the treatment of brain metastases has been limited because of a presumed lack of effectiveness due to the blood-brain barrier. However, the importance of the blood-brain barrier is probably overrated in the case of macroscopic metastases or relapsed disease as the blood-brain barrier has already been disrupted at this stage resulting from the newly developed blood vessels not provided with the physiological properties of the common blood-brain barrier. Chemotherapeutic agents initially lipid-insoluble or liquor-impermeable can also penetrate into the brain and, therefore, trigger action against tumour cells. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that brain metastases resulting from both small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer are susceptible to systemic chemotherapy. In small-cell lung cancer, cerebral response rates up to 50% were observed even in the second-line situation and were comparable to the response rates observed in the primary tumour. In non-small-cell lung cancer, similar results were achieved. Therefore, it seems justified to further evaluate the significance of chemotherapy compared to whole-brain radiation therapy. Whether chemotherapy alone is superior to whole-brain radiation therapy, or whether the combination of both therapeutic modalities should be preferred for the management of brain metastases, has not yet been proven, and further randomised phase-III studies are clearly needed. Based on the current available data, and the promising response rates in patients with lung cancer, chemotherapy should be considered for the management of brain metastases as part of a multimodality (or "interdisciplinary") treatment concept.

Brain metastases

BACKGROUND

Systemic cancer is the second most common cause of death for adults in the United States. Twenty percent of these patients develop neurologic symptoms sometime during their illness. An apparent increase in the incidence of both systemic cancers and resulting brain metastases are posing an increasing challenge to health care providers. Neurologic complications lead to significant morbidity and mortality in these patients. Therefore, it is important to understand the current concepts of diagnosis and treatment of patients with brain metastases.

REVIEW SUMMARY

This review summarizes the epidemiology, clinical features, pathophysiology, and diagnostic evaluation of brain metastases. The section on current treatments is presented from the perspective of the three most common primary tumor locations along with the treatment approach to other metastatic tumors. This review includes a thorough evaluation of the literature, highlights controversies over treatment options, and provides insight into novel approaches currently under investigation. Clinical studies needed for further study are also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

A clearer understanding of the pathophysiology of metastatic tumors and advances in diagnostic technology have paved the road to a better approach to treatment of brain metastases. Although no curative treatments are available to date, significant improvement in a patient's quality of life and life expectancy can be achieved with the available therapy. A better understanding of different primary cancers leading to brain metastases leads to a more effective treatment. More studies are needed to critically analyze the clear benefit of these treatment options in selected patients.

Treatment options for brain metastases in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

Brain metastases are a common complication for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In the past, treatment of brain metastases and lung cancer focused on symptom palliation with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and steroids because of the grim outlook for patients. However, recent advances in technology and surgical techniques have created more options for the management of brain metastases, which include surgery, irradiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and chemotherapy. These aggressive approaches have resulted in an improvement of neurologic outcomes and survival rates of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Central nervous system (CNS) metastases can be divided into three groups: solitary CNS metastases with controlled or controllable primary disease, oligometastatic disease (fewer than 3 metastases), and multiple metastases. For patients with solitary CNS metastases, long-term survival is possible. A radical treatment approach involving surgical resection or radiosurgery, followed by WBRT, is recommended. For patients with oligometastatic disease, surgical resection or radiosurgery is considered in selected cases and WBRT is indicated. For patients with multiple metastases, WBRT is recommended. For patients with oligometastatic disease and those with multiple metastases, recent evidence indicates that systemically effective chemotherapy may produce responses and can be instituted safely before radiotherapy. The treatment timing of chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be individualized.

Use of temozolomide with other cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with recurrent brain metastases from lung cancer

The use of chemotherapy for the treatment of brain metastases arising from lung cancer has been limited by poor efficacy and high toxicity. Temozolomide, an orally bioavailable alkylating agent that crosses the blood-brain barrier, has activity against brain metastases from both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when used as a single agent, but response rates are low. Preclinical experiments and early clinical studies in other malignancies indicate that temozolomide may have additive or synergistic effects when used with other chemotherapeutic agents. We report a case of a patient with SCLC with recurrent brain metastases after treatment with multiple chemotherapeutic regimens and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) who was treated with temozolomide (150 mg/m(2) for 5 days in a 28-day cycle) and oral etoposide (50 mg/m(2) for 10 days in a 28-day cycle). A second patient with NSCLC and brain metastases who progressed after treatment with chemotherapy and WBRT was treated with temozolomide (150 mg/m(2) for 5 days in a 28-day cycle) and gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m(2) weekly for 2 weeks in a 3- week cycle). In both patients, the temozolomide regimens were extremely well tolerated and resulted in dramatic and durable responses. The combination of temozolomide with other chemotherapeutic agents represents a promising strategy for treating patients with lung cancer and recurrent brain metastases and merits further study.

Treatment options for brain metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Brain metastases are a common complication for patients with non-small cell lung cancer and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In the past, treatment of brain metastases and lung cancer focused on symptom palliation with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and steroids because of the grim outlook for patients. However, recent advances in technology and surgical techniques have created more options for the management of brain metastases, which include surgery, irradiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and chemotherapy. These aggressive approaches have resulted in an improvement of neurologic outcomes and survival rates of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Central nervous system (CNS) metastases can be divided into three groups: solitary CNS metastases with controlled or controllable primary disease, oligometastatic disease (fewer than three metastases), and multiple metastases. For patients with solitary CNS metastases, long-term survival is possible. A radical treatment approach involving surgical resection or radiosurgery, followed by WBRT, is recommended. For patients with oligometastatic disease, surgical resection or radiosurgery is considered in selected cases and WBRT is indicated. For patients with multiple metastases, WBRT is recommended. For patients with oligometastatic disease and patients with multiple metastases, recent evidence indicates that systemically effective chemotherapy may produce responses and can be instituted safely before radiotherapy. The treatment timing of chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be individualized.

Chemotherapeutic management of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer

Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) denotes the presence of metastatic disease and is largely incurable using present-day therapies. Chemotherapy remains a therapeutic option in this patient population, and there are many pertinent issues surrounding its use in patients with stage IV NSCLC. Eleven questions were framed by the American College of Chest Physicians Lung Cancer Guidelines Committee, and these were addressed by a systematic search of the available literature. The issues addressed included the identification of prognostic factors in selecting patients for chemotherapy and a critical analysis of the survival benefit provided by chemotherapy. Given the development of several new chemotherapy agents over the past decade, the impact that these agents have made was addressed as well as the definition of a standard of care regarding chemotherapeutic regimens. Given the fact that chemotherapy does not represent a curative option, other issues addressed were the optimal duration of treatment as well as its impact on symptom relief and quality of life, the role of second-line therapy, and the outcomes expectations from both first-line and second-line chemotherapy. The question of what specialty delivered the chemotherapy also was addressed. Once the data were identified, a critical analysis was undertaken attempting to objectively portray the data in support of answers for each of the questions posed. We believe the data support the fact that properly selected patients benefit from chemotherapy with regard to survival and palliation in both first-line and second-line settings. It appears that in trials addressing the duration of first-line therapy, this survival and palliative benefit occurs early, and prolonged therapy is not indicated. Therapy in this setting is cost-effective, and there are several regimens that can be considered to be "standard-of-care" options. Physicians involved in the diagnosis of these patients should be aware of the potential benefits of chemotherapy, allowing them to give recommendations to patients that are based on data derived from clinical trials. In addition, this awareness will allow them to make referrals, when appropriate, to physicians who are trained in the administration of chemotherapy and the management of patients undergoing such therapy.

Phase II randomized trial of temozolomide and concurrent radiotherapy in patients with brain metastases

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of concurrent temozolomide and radiotherapy in patients with previously untreated brain metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-two patients with brain metastases from solid tumors were randomized to oral temozolomide (75 mg/m(2)/d) concurrent with 40-Gy fractionated conventional external-beam radiotherapy (2 Gy, 5 d/wk) for 4 weeks versus 40-Gy radiotherapy alone. The group receiving temozolomide and radiotherapy continued temozolomide therapy (200 mg/m(2)/d) for 5 days every 28 days for an additional six cycles. The primary end points were radiologic response and neurologic symptom evaluation.

RESULTS

The objective response rate was significantly (P =.017) improved in patients receiving temozolomide and radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone. Among 24 patients assessable for response in the temozolomide group, 23 (96%) of 24 responded, including nine (38%) patients with a complete response and 14 (58%) patients with a partial response. With radiotherapy alone, 14 (67%) of 21 assessable patients responded, including seven (33%) complete responses and seven (33%) partial responses. There was marked neurologic improvement in the group receiving temozolomide, and the proportion of patients requiring corticosteroids 2 months after treatment was lower in the temozolomide group compared with radiotherapy alone (67% v 91%, respectively). Daily temozolomide concurrent with radiotherapy was generally well tolerated; however, grade >or= 2 nausea (48% v 13%, P =.13) and vomiting (32% v 0%, P =.004) were significantly increased in the temozolomide group. Hematologic toxicity was predictable and reversible.

CONCLUSION

Temozolomide is safe, and a significant improvement in response rate was observed when administered in combination with radiotherapy in patients with previously untreated brain metastases. A larger randomized trial is warranted to verify these results.

First-line chemotherapy with vinorelbine, gemcitabine, and carboplatin in the treatment of brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer: a phase II study

On the basis of the hypothesis that responsiveness of brain metastases (BM) to chemotherapy is primarily determined by the chemosensitivity of primary tumor, rather than the ability of cytotoxic agents to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, we addressed the role of a new combination regimen with Vinorelbine (VNR), Gemcitabine (GEM), and Carboplatin (CBDCA) as a primary treatment modality in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with BM. Twenty-two consecutive chemotherapy-naïve patients with documented BM from NSCLC and at least 1 evaluable extracerebral lesion were enrolled in this phase II study. Vinorelbine (25 mg/m2) and GEM (1000 mg/m2) were given on day 1, combined with a fixed daily dose of CBDCA at AUC = 5.0 for three consecutive days. The cycle was repeated every three weeks in an outpatient setting. A total of 116 cycles was given (median 4, range 3-9 per patient). Specific evaluation of BM by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed an overall response rate of 45% in 20 evaluable patients (95% confidence interval, 26-66%), with 3 (15%) complete and 6 (30%) partial remissions; in addition, three minor regressions, five disease stabilizations, and three progressions were found. Patients who responded for the brain also had a response at the extracerebral sites, and a benefit by a remission of symptoms and improvement of performance index was observed in 77% of the whole group. Median time to response was 10 weeks (range 6-12 weeks) and median response duration was 25 weeks (range 12-32 weeks). Median survival time was 33 weeks (range 18-62 + weeks) in the whole group and 48 weeks in responders (range 26-62 + weeks). The adopted schedule was well tolerated and easy to use in the outpatient setting, with good patient compliance. Our results, which are consistent with the study hypothesis, suggest that BM respond to chemotherapy in the same way as systemic disease and primary tumor, and further support the need for reconsideration of the role of chemotherapy in such a clinical setting. Controlled trials comparing chemotherapy with radiotherapy or concomitant sequential chemo-radiotherapy would be appropriate.