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Brain Metastases: Epidemiology and Pathophysiology

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Brain Metastases

Part of the book series: Cancer Treatment and Research ((CTAR,volume 136))

Abstract

Brain metastases are a devastating complication of systemic cancer. Although they typically occur late in the course of the disease, their symptoms of seizures, paralysis and cognitive failure have a major negative impact on quality of life and, once detected, they portend a poor prognosis. Most patients die within months, either from the brain metastasis itself, or if that can be controlled, from widespread systemic disease. Recent data suggest a rise in the incidence of brain metastases [1], so that clinicians face mounting challenges in caring for these patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Joohee Sul & Jerome B. Posner MD

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  1. Joohee Sul
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  2. Jerome B. Posner MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Feinberg School of Medicine Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Jeffrey J. Raizer MD

  2. Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Lauren E. Abrey MD

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Sul, J., Posner, J.B. (2007). Brain Metastases: Epidemiology and Pathophysiology. In: Raizer, J.J., Abrey, L.E. (eds) Brain Metastases. Cancer Treatment and Research, vol 136. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-69222-7_1

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