Translational gap in glioma research

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Clinical trial design
• Cancer biology

Background:

• Malignant gliomas have a poor patient prognosis despite decades of research.
• Numerous clinical trials have failed to significantly improve outcomes for glioma patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review Phase II clinical trials for malignant gliomas published in 2011.
• To identify potential reasons for the clinical failure of these trials.
• To investigate the concept of a translational gap in cancer research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of Phase II clinical trials.
• Literature search of PubMed for trials published in 2011.
• Analysis of trial designs and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Despite numerous clinical trials, significant improvements in malignant glioma prognosis have not been achieved.
• A review of 2011 trials indicates a consistent pattern of clinical failure.

Conclusions:

• A significant 'translational gap' exists between basic cancer research and clinical trial design.
• This gap, representing a failure to effectively translate research findings into clinical applications, may be a key reason for poor outcomes in malignant glioma trials.