Breast Cancer in the Central Nervous System: Multidisciplinary Considerations and Management

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second most common primary tumor associated with central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Patients with metastatic HER2-positive or triple-negative (estrogen receptor (ER)–negative, progesterone receptor (PR)–negative, HER2-negative) breast cancer are at the highest risk of developing parenchymal brain metastases. Leptomeningeal disease is less frequent but is distributed across breast cancer subtypes, including lobular breast cancer. Initial treatment strategies can include surgery, radiation, intravenous or intrathecal chemotherapy, and/or targeted approaches. In this article, we review the epidemiology of breast cancer brain metastases, differences in clinical behavior and natural history by tumor subtype, and important considerations in the multidisciplinary treatment of these patients. We will highlight new findings that impact current standards of care, clinical controversies, and notable investigational approaches in clinical testing.