Brain metastases in HER2 positive breast cancer: the next hurdle

Advances in our understanding of the biological subtypes of breast cancer have revolutionized its treatment landscape and prognosis. This is particularly so in the field of HER2 positive tumours, where targeted therapy with anti-HER2 agents such as trastuzumab and lapatinib, are now approved options. Since the introduction of trastuzumab, patients with HER2 positive breast cancers are experiencing longer disease- and progression-free intervals as well as better overall survival. Paralleling the problems with an ageing population, the increasing life expectancy of such patients have resulted in a new set of medical issues that oncologists and palliative physicians have to grapple with, such as brain metastases.