Update in the treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer.

Brain metastases from lung cancer represent a prevalent and challenging clinical dilemma. The brain is an extremely common site of failure for non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer, often as a solitary site of disease. Despite steady research developments during recent years, survival rates remain poor. Some research suggests that the outcomes and characteristics of brain metastases that result from lung cancer primary sites are perhaps different than those from other primary sites. Clinical treatment strategies should therefore be adjusted accordingly. This article reviews the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment strategies of brain metastases from lung cancer with a particular emphasis on recent research developments in the field.