The evolution of RTOG and NRG Oncology CNS tumors clinical trials - Report - MDSpire
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The Development of Clinical Trials for CNS Tumors by RTOG and NRG Oncology

  • By

  • Kavita Sehrawat

  • Mei-Yin C. Polley

  • Michael A. Vogelbaum

  • Mark Gilbert

  • Arnab Chakravarti

  • Daniel P. Cahill

  • Andrew B. Lassman

  • David R. Raleigh

  • Erik P. Sulman

  • Mitch Machtay

  • Quynh Thu Le

  • Walter Curran

  • Vinai Gondi

  • Minesh P. Mehta

  • September 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: The Development of Clinical Trials for CNS Tumors by RTOG and NRG Oncology

Overview

RTOG and NRG Oncology trials have significantly influenced the management of CNS tumors by establishing evidence-based standards of care. These trials have addressed the complexities of CNS tumors, including biological heterogeneity and treatment efficacy.

Background

CNS tumors present unique challenges due to their biological diversity and proximity to critical brain structures, making effective treatment difficult. The establishment of multi-institutional trials by RTOG and NRG Oncology has been crucial in developing standardized treatment protocols.

Data Highlights

RTOG and NRG Oncology have conducted numerous trials that have provided critical insights into the treatment of CNS tumors, including the impact of molecular stratification, the efficacy of combination therapies, and the role of advanced imaging techniques in treatment planning.

Key Findings

  • RTOG trials have demonstrated the clinical significance of molecular stratification in CNS tumors.

  • Incorporating PCV into radiotherapy doubled survival in patients with 1p19q co-deleted, IDH mutant high-grade gliomas.

  • RTOG 0525 found no survival benefit with dose-intensified temozolomide compared to standard dosing.

  • RTOG 0825 showed that adding bevacizumab did not meet survival expectations for glioblastoma.

  • NRG Oncology trials have evolved to include advanced imaging and cognitive-function preservation strategies.

Clinical Implications

The findings from RTOG and NRG trials emphasize the importance of molecular profiling in guiding treatment decisions for CNS tumors.

Conclusion

The evolution of clinical trials by RTOG and NRG Oncology has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of CNS tumor management.

Related Resources & Content

  1. jadpro — Management of Adverse Events in Early Clinical Trials by Advanced Practice Providers in the Outpatient Setting: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Experience

  2. The ASCO Post — Failure of Cilengitide in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma With Methylated MGMT Promoter

  3. The ASCO Post — Expert Point of View: Christina I. Tsien, MD Related Articles

  4. Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Cognitive Effects of Treatment in Glioma Patients Over the Mid-Term

  5. Management of Adverse Events in Early Clinical Trials

  6. Failure of Cilengitide in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma

  7. Expert Point of View: Christina I. Tsien, MD

  8. Cognitive Effects of Treatment in Glioma Patients

  9. ASCO-SNO Guideline Rapid Recommendation Update

  10. ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline

  11. NCI's PDQ on CNS Tumors Treatment

  12. Central Nervous System Tumors Treatment (PDQ®) - PDQ Cancer Information Summaries - NCBI Bookshelf

  13. Hippocampal Avoidance During Whole-Brain Radiotherapy Plus Memantine for Patients With Brain Metastases: Phase III Trial NRG Oncology CC001 - PMC

  14. Long-term Analysis of NRG Oncology RTOG 0539: A Phase II Trial of Observation for Low-Risk Meningioma and Radiotherapy for Intermediate- and High-Risk Meningioma - PMC

  15. Modern molecular profiling recontextualizes the NRG/RTOG 0539 trial and reveals hidden high-risk and radiotherapy-resistant meningiomas | Neuro-Oncology | Oxford Academic

  16. NRG-BN003 - NRG Oncology

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