Molecular pathways regulate tumor metastasis generally or in a site specific manner. Brain metastases are widespread but most prevalent in lung and breast cancers, and melanoma. They are increasing in incidence as a "sanctuary" site as systemic therapy improves. This session will address advances in our understanding of this niche site, including the brain microenvironment and the blood-brain barrier, as well as new therapeutic options in radiation and surgery.




New Concepts in Organ Site Research: Invading the Sanctuary: New Approaches to Brain Metastases

Introduction: Importance of brain metastasis; Henry Brem. Johns Hopkins Univ. School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

Patient advocate presentation; Musa Mayer. FDA-Patient Advocate, New York, NY

The role of surgery; Raymond Sawaya. UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Ctr., Houston, TX

The role of radiation; Minesh P. Mehta. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Molecular biology of breast cancer metastasis to the brain; Patricia S. Steeg. National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD

The significant role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of brain metastasis; Isaiah J. Fidler. UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Ctr., Houston, TX,