Abstract

The incidence of central nervous system (CNS) metastases secondary to solid tumors is increasing. As more effective systemic therapy is being used in patients with solid tumors, patients with cancer live longer and are ultimately at higher risk for CNS metastases. However, CNS metastases remain challenging to treat because of limited available therapeutic options. This article reviews mechanisms of CNS metastases, the use of bevacizumab and other angiogenesis inhibitors in the treatment of recurrent and front-line CNS metastases, as well as emerging issues of resistance to antiangiogenic therapy.

Keywords: Angiogenesis, angiogenesis inhibitors, bevacizumab, CNS neoplasm