An ageing population as well as improved diagnostics, monitoring and treatment mean that an increasing incidence of brain metastases can be expected. Patients with brain metastases were previously regarded as a homogenous group with a very poor prognosis. However, the current picture is more complex. The development of new treatment methods, better molecular understanding and personalised medicine require a focus on multidisciplinary collaboration to provide optimal treatment for individual patients. This clinical review article provides an overview of important factors related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with brain metastases.