Targeted Therapy as an Alternative to Whole-Brain Radiotherapy in EGFR-Mutant or ALK-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Brain Metastases.

Martínez, Pablo; Mak, Raymond H; Oxnard, Geoffrey R · JAMA Oncol · 2017

review · Level V

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Abstract

Is up-front whole-brain radiotherapy required to treat multiple brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer when highly active targeted therapies are available? Patients with EGFR-mutant or ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer with brain metastases now have the potential to achieve a prolonged survival. Through use of highly active targeted therapies, whole-brain radiotherapy can be safely postponed, diminishing toxic effects that could impair quality of life.

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