njliu
Posts:142

I wonder if there is any indication that the new PD1/PDL1 drugs have better efficacy on brain mets as compared to Alimta or EGFR TKIs like Tarceva or Afatinib. Thanks for any input.

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Reply # - June 12, 2015, 06:20 PM

catdander
Posts:

I've not been able to find any new information on the subject so I'll ask a faculty to comment.

I hope your wife is feeling alright and living life.

Janine

Reply # - June 12, 2015, 09:40 PM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

At this time, there is very little information about the activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating brain metastases. There is some evidence that there can be responses in the brain, but it is far too early to try to compare the activity of these agents with others that we have been using for years. I think it is fair to say that patients who demonstrate very good responses in the body can also demonstrate responses in the brain, but these agents are not going to serve as a good substitute for radiation-based techniques, which have a much stronger track record in this setting.

Good luck.

-Dr. West

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