End points for Phase II trials in recurrent glioblastoma: the cornerstone for a new era.

In recent years, novel approaches have been developed in medical oncology, and antiangiogenic treatments have had a role in the treatment of colorectal, renal and breast cancers. The role of these agents in brain tumors is, however, controversial, since these drugs may induce modifications in neuroradiological patterns without even affecting the real tumor burden. Moreover, despite the intriguing results in terms of progression-free survival and response rate obtained with these agents, data about survival are superimposable with historical controls. Thus, there is a need for solid end points to evaluate the role of these agents in Phase II trials in the field of neuro-oncology.