Current treatments for patients with multiple brain metastases focusing on electrochemotherapy

Authors

  • Julie Gehl M.D., Dr. Med. Sci., Consultant, Oncology Clinical Associate Research Professor Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen
  • Mette Linnert M.D., Ph.d.-student
  • Helle K Iversen M.D., Dr. Med. Sci.

Abstract

Due to the advanced oncological treatments of cancer, an overall increase in cancer incidence, and better diagnostic tools, the incidence of brain metastases is on the rise. This review addresses the current treatment options for patients with multiple brain metastases with focus on electrochemotherapy as one of the new experimental treatments for this group of patients.

Neurosurgery, stereotactic surgery, and whole-brain radiotherapy are the evidence-based treatments that can be applied for patients with multiple brain metastases. Treatment with chemotherapy and molecularly targeted agents may also be warranted. Several experimental treatments are emerging, one of which is electrochemotherapy (ECT), an effective cancer treatment comprising of electric pulses given by electrodes in the tumor tissue, causing electroporation of the cell membrane, and thereby augmenting uptake and the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic drug bleomycin by 300 times.

Preclinical data is promising and the first patient has been treated in an ongoing clinical trial for patients with brain metastases, making the perspectives for ECT in the brain numerous.

Author Biographies

Mette Linnert, M.D., Ph.d.-student

Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev

Helle K Iversen, M.D., Dr. Med. Sci.

Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Glostrup

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Published

2013-01-06

How to Cite

Gehl, J., Linnert, M., & Iversen, H. K. (2013). Current treatments for patients with multiple brain metastases focusing on electrochemotherapy. Radiology and Oncology, 46(4). Retrieved from https://radioloncol.com/index.php/ro/article/view/789

Issue

Section

Review