2010: neuro-oncology is moving!

The first randomized phase III trial in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma was reported for the first time at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and concluded that the omission of whole brain radiotherapy from first-line treatment does not compromise survival. Two randomized trials investigated tailored treatment strategies for elderly patients with glioma and reached opposite conclusions. Novel treatment approaches in recurrent glioblastoma with alternating tumour treatment fields (NovoTTF), or antiangiogenic agents (cilengitide and bevacizumab) have been reported and updated. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor-inhibiting strategies in the management of recurrent glioma remains unclear and controversial.