Refining endpoints in brain tumor clinical trials

J Neurooncol. 2012 Jun;108(2):227-30. doi: 10.1007/s11060-012-0813-8. Epub 2012 Mar 27.

Abstract

As targeted therapies advance treatment for brain tumors, standard clinical trial endpoints of survival, progression free survival and radiographic response have become insufficient to capture clinical benefit. Brain cancer is a malignancy with neurodegenerative features. In this setting prolongation of life and/or radiographic stability are less clinically meaningful if neurocognitive function substantially declines. Hence evaluation of new therapeutic strategies should routinely include periodic assessment of neurocognitive function.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Endpoint Determination*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life*
  • Research Design / standards*