Dear Colleagues,

Brain metastases (BM) have long been considered an unmet need in oncology. For many decades this cancer complication was invariably associated with limited therapeutic options and a dismal outcome, but this lackluster scenario is now no longer strictly true. Several clinical studies have shown that by exploiting specific molecular traits like sensitivity to immunotherapy or oncogene addiction, it is possible to achieve significant and prolonged clinical responses even in this setting.

At the same time, from a research perspective, the molecular peculiarities of BM and their heterogeneity compared with the matched primary neoplasms it is now well recognized. The unique central nervous system (CNS) microenvironment is now no longer considered a passive bystander, but a key player which can actively shape CNS metastasis development. Blood-brain barrier endothelial cells represent a first obstacle which must be actively tackled by the potential metastatic cells, while astrocytic and even neurons can be coopted to promote CNS metastatization.

These data show that further comprehensive characterization of CNS metastases is not only warranted, but that it can actually improve patients’ outcomes.

The aim of the present issue is thus to collect novel research data and timely reviews regarding this current and quickly evolving topic.

Dr. Luca Bertero
Dr. Alessia Pellerino
Dr. Roberta Rudà
Dr. Paola Cassoni
Guest Editors

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• oncology
• neuro-oncology
• metastasis
• prognosis
• microenvironment
• crosstalk
• central nervous system
• brain
• pathology
• genomics