Abstract

Novel clinical trials in neuro-oncology

Author(s): Aaron G Mammoser, David E Blas-Boria1 & Mark R Gilbert

Clinical research within neuro-oncology is complicated by several factors, including complex tumor biology and a variable impact on patients, as a consequence both of disease location and degree of malignancy. Clinical studies are complicated by these factors as well as issues of determining optimal clinical end points. This review highlights relevant aspects of neurooncologic diseases, including treatment, gliomagenesis and prognostic and predictive markers of gliomas. These factors are discussed in the context of clinical trial design and the challenges of using novel designs that strive to maximize efficiency and minimize patient exposure to ineffective treatments.