Question
What causes the brown spots on the leaf growth to turn brown?  Can this orchid be saved?

Answer
Most likely this is a fungus.  This is a very common affliction of cymbidiums.  You should use a copper-based fungicide-- several different brands and types are available at your garden center.  The fungicide will not help with already damaged and infected leaf tissue but it should prevent it from happening on new growth.  I would remove the worst of the infected leaf tissue and spray the plant with the fungicide every copule of weeks during the growing season. Also try to avoid getting the leaves wet as much as possible.  The plant can be saved as long as you have healthy root tissue.  Your plant should be in active growth producing new leaf tissue now and you may want to consider repotting it if it hasn't been repotted in the past year or two. Repotting should include a careful examination of the roots and removal of any roots that seem "mushy".  Good roots are firm.  Use an orchid potting mix.