Topotecan chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer and brain metastases: results of a pilot study.

Background: Symptomatic brain metastases occur in approximately 10-15% of patients suffering from breast cancer and are linked to a clear deterioration of the patient's condition. Although radiotherapy is recommended as a primary therapy, the optimal management remains controversial. To evaluate the role of topotecan as a primary chemotherapy for brain metastases, we performed a pilot study in patients with metastatic breast cancer.