Work

The current landscape of neuro-oncology clinical trials

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: CNS malignancies, particularly gliomas, are aggressive and often terminal brain tumours in adults. While advances have been made in the understanding of the glioma microenvironment and the molecular genetic pathways that drive gliomagenesis, translation into effective clinical therapies remains challenging. Barriers to therapeutic advancement include intrinsic factors such as the poorly understood blood-brain barrier, glioma heterogeneity, and the immunologically privileged environment of the brain. This review provides an exploration of therapeutic developments in neuro-oncology, namely - immunotherapies, targeted therapies, surgical trials and radiation therapy trials. We address the difficulty of glioma clinical trials designs and lessons from ineffective interventions. We discuss future strategies in improving breakthrough therapies for gliomas such as streamlining clinical trial design, integrating biomarkers and molecular targeting into studies, enhancing the validity and reproducibility of glioma trials.

Source: Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.clinme.2026.100655

Authors: Neelia E. Abadi, Alissa A. Thomas, Oluwatosin O. Akintola

Institutions: University of Vermont Medical Center, University of Vermont

Language: English

Topic: Glioma Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500