Metastatic brain tumors: Challenges and emerging hope

This review is the first to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in metastatic brain tumors. Professor Rongrong Zhou and colleagues not only highlight preclinical progress, such as the development of model systems and exploration of underlying mechanisms, but also offer a thorough summary of the evolution of various clinical therapies and cutting-edge treatments. Additionally, the integration of multi-omics technologies in the modern era is depicted, shedding new light on the intricate landscape of brain metastasis and unveiling its mystery.

This study, led by Professor Rongrong Zhou and Professor Jie Yang (Department of Oncology at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University), aims to advance the understanding of metastatic brain tumors, particularly those arising from lung and breast cancers. By exploring multiple perspectives—such as historical discoveries, current diagnostic and treatment approaches, artificial intelligence and imaging omics, multi-omics research, preclinical model development, tumor microenvironment, and cutting-edge therapies. The first author, Guilong Tanzhu, said, “In the era of multi-omics and artificial intelligence, a comprehensive understanding of metastatic brain tumors, both clinically and preclinically, has significantly advanced diagnosis and treatment”. Metastatic brain tumors are especially common in patients with advanced lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma, with a poor prognosis and a survival period often limited to just a few months. The complexity of brain metastasis, influenced by factors like the blood-brain barrier, unique brain microenvironment, and subtle changes during metastasis, makes it distinct from primary tumors. A deeper understanding of the biological characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of metastatic brain tumors is critical for developing targeted and individualized treatments. While transforming preclinical models into clinical applications remains a challenge, scientific and technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, imaging genomics, and transcriptomics, are shedding new light on metastatic brain tumors.

As diagnostic technology improves and the prognosis for primary tumors like lung and breast cancer continues to improve, the incidence of brain metastasis is rising. Although it remains a significant challenge, curing metastatic brain tumors may be just around the corner.

See the article: 

Metastatic Brain Tumors: from development to cutting-edge treatment

https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70020