Description

The EORTC Brain Tumor Group (BTG) initiates and conducts academic clinical trials in patients with brain tumours, as well as designing and completing translational research associated with these trials. Its strategy is to challenge, re-define and develop standards of care in all controversial areas of diagnostic and therapeutic Neuro-Oncology, with a focus on diffuse gliomas of adulthood of WHO grades 2 to 4 and, in recent years, also meningioma. The BTG has created several subcommittees that help design and conduct its scientific projects and cover key aspects of all projects such as imaging, translational research, quality of life, and quality assurance. The BTG is open for cooperative projects involving other EORTC groups as well external cooperation, for example with Neuro-Oncology networks in Canada, Australia and the US. The group aims to recruit and mentor junior European colleagues from all involved disciplines who are interested in pursuing an academic career in Neuro-Oncology.

Main Achievements

In 2017, the EORTC 26101 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated that the edition of bevacizumab to CCNU does not prolong overall survival, compared with CCNU alone in glioblastoma at first relapse. Interestingly, these trials results resulted in the continued approval of bevacizumab in this indication in the US and some other countries worldwide, including Switzerland, but not the European union.

In 2018 the EORTC trial, known as TAVAREC, demonstrated that the edition of bevacizumab to temozolomide at first relapse of contrast enhancing lower grade glioma without 1p/19q co-deletion, improved neither progression free survival nor overall survival adding to the accumulating evidence that bevacizumab is not active in IDH-mutant tumors.

In 2020, long-term follow-up of the CATNON trial confirmed the value of maintenance temozolomide treatment in newly diagnosed 1p/19q-non-co-deleted anaplastic gliomas, but still defined no certain role for concomitant temozolomide treatment. In 2022, the EORTC Brain Tumor Group completed the worldwide largest registry study on long-term survival in glioblastoma, enrolling more than 400 patients over several years. This study, known as EORTC 1419 or ETERNITY, will provide a rich source of opportunities to study the mechanisms underline long-term survival glioblastoma.

Related Projects

RP 1230: Pooled prognostic factor analysis of Nordic and NOA-08 data.

RP 1515: CODAGLIO QoL.

RP 1661: Construction of an integrated diagnostic algorithm consisting of consensus histology and molecular parameters using the pathology slides of CATNON and the low-grade glioma study.

RP 1632: Retrospective evaluation of the effect of anticoagulants during initial treatment on survival and safety in glioblastoma patients.

RP 1654: Meta-analysis of the correlation between MGMT promoter methylation data and survival outcome after chemoratiotherapy (TMZ/RT /TMZ) for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

RP 1663: Associate of metformin use with outcome in IDH1-mutant vs IDH1-Wildtype gliomas of WHO Grades II-IV.

RP 1664: Evaluation of temporal muscle thickness as prognostic parameter in glioma patients: retrospective imaging study in TAVAREC 26091 and EORTC 26101.

RP 1665: Effect of antidepressant use on the outcome of patients with glioblastoma.

RP 1719: Treatment-associated myelosuppression and outcome in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

RP 1814: The association of levetiracetam with the tolerability of radiochemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

RP 1831: Retrospective pooled analyses to assess the myelotoxicity after chemotherapy in patients with recurrent glioblastoma treated with lomustine.

RP 1963: ENOQUA Quality assurance.

Research Group

Group documents
  • Chair

    Matthias Preusser

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH uniklinieken

    Vienna, Austria

  • Secretary

    Emilie Le Rhun

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich - Neurology Clinic

    Zurich, Switzerland

  • Treasurer

    Giuseppe Minniti

    Policlinico Umberto I

    Rome, Italy

Steering Committee

  • M. Preusser - Vienna, AT

    CHAIR

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH uniklinieken

  • E. Le Rhun - Zurich, CH

    SECRETARY

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich - Neurology Clinic

  • G. Minniti - Rome, IT

    TREASURER

    Policlinico Umberto I

  • M. Weller - Zurich, CH

    Past-Chair

    Universitätsspital Zürich

  • P. Hau - Regensburg, DE

    Chair Quality Assurance committee

    Universitaetskliniken Regensburg

  • M. van den Bent - Rotterdam, NL

    Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam

  • E. Razis - Athens, GR

    Chair Quality Assurance Committee

    Hygeia Hospital

  • P. French - Rotterdam, NL

    Chair Translational Research, Pathology & SPECTA Committee

    Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam

  • M. Smits - Rotterdam, NL

    Chair Imaging Committee

    Erasmus MC Cancer Institute

  • A. Idbaih - Paris, FR

    Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris - La Pitie Salpetriere

  • J. Sepulveda - Madrid, ES

    Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre

  • J. Duerinck - Brussels, BE

    Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel

  • M. Geurts - Rotterdam, NL

    Erasmus MC

  • T. Kazda - Brno, CZ

    Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute

  • J. Koekkoek - Leiden , NL

    Leiden University Medical Centre

  • G. Lombardi - Padova, IT

    IRCCS - Istituto Oncologico Veneto

  • A. Pellerino - Torino, IT

    Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino - Ospedale San Giovanni - Dipartimento Neuroscienze

  • A. Suwala - Heidelberg, DE

    Heidelberg University Hospital

  • E. Tabouret - Marseille, FR

    Hopital de La Timone (APHM)

  • T. Snijders - Utrecht, NL

    Universitair Medisch Centrum - Academisch Ziekenhuis

  • P. Roth - Zurich, CH

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich

  • S. Short - Leeds, GB

    EANO President

    St James's Hospital

  • N. Albert - Munich, DE

    Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Translational Research Committee

  • P. French - Rotterdam, NL

    Chair

    Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam

  • J. Kros - Rotterdam, NL

    Past-Chair

    Erasmus Medical Center

  • M. Hegi - Lausanne, CH

    Past-Chair, SPECTA

    Laboratory of Brain Tumor Biology and Genetics – CHUV

  • A. Berghoff - Medical University Vienna - General Hospital AKH , AT

    Medical University Vienna

  • F. Bielle - Paris, FR

    Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP

  • S. Brandner - London, GB

    National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

  • M. Kouwenhoven - Amsterdam, NL

    Vrije Universiteit Medisch Centrum

  • C. Mawrin - Magdeburg, DE

    Otto-Von-Guericke-Universitaet

  • M. Preusser - Vienna, AT

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH uniklinieken

  • P. Roth - Zurich, CH

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich

  • M. Sanson - Paris, FR

    La Pitie Salpetriere

  • C. Seliger-Behme - Heidelberg, DE

    Universitaetsklinikum Heidelberg

  • M. Touat - Paris, FR

    Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris

  • M. Vieito - Barcelona, ES

    Hospital General Vall D'Hebron

  • T. Weiss - Zurich, CH

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich - Neurology Clinic

  • A. Wöhrer - Vienna, AT

    Medical University Vienna

  • M. Al-Hussaini - Amman, JO

    King Hussein Cancer Center

  • A. Suwala - Heidelberg, DE

    BTG-Y-ECI

    Heidelberg University Hospital

  • M. Geurts - Rotterdam, NL

    BTG-Y-ECI

    Erasmus MC

Quality Assurance Committee

  • E. Razis - Athens, GR

    Chair

    Hygeia Hospital

  • P. Hau - Regensburg, DE

    Past Chair

    Universitaetskliniken Regensburg

  • N. Andratschke - Zurich, CH

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich

  • F. De Vos - Utrecht, NL

    Universitair Medisch Centrum

  • F. Sahm - Heidelberg, DE

    UniversitaetsKlinikum Heidelberg

  • P. Lohmann - Juelich, DE

    Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH

  • J. Gempt - Muenchen , DE

    Technische Universitaet Muenchen - Klinikum Rechts Der Isar

  • M. Magiera - Wola Filipowska, PL

    Hania Magiera Glioma-Center foundation

  • M. Rasschaert - Edegem, BE

    Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen (UZA)

  • K. Niyazi - Munich, DE

    Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen - Campus Grosshadern

  • J. Daisne - Leuven, BE

    U.Z. Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg

  • A. Pellerino - Torino, IT

    BTG-Y-ECI

    Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino - Ospedale San Giovanni - Dipartimento Neuroscienze

  • G. Minniti - Rome, IT

    Policlinico Umberto I

Quality of Life Committee

  • J. Koekkoek - Leiden , NL

    Chair

    Leiden University Medical Centre

  • C. Panciroli - Barcelona, ES

    Institut Catalá d’Oncologia (ICO Badalona) – Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol

  • C. Seidel - Leipzig, DE

    Universitaetsklinikum Leipzig

  • C. Happold-Hertler - Zurich, CH

    Universitätsspital Zürich

  • K. Oliver - Tadworth, GB

    International Brain Tumour Alliance, IBTA

  • P. Clement - Leuven, BE

    U.Z. Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg

  • A. Pace - Rome, IT

    IRCC Regina Elena national Cancer Center

  • M. Renovanz - Tuebingen, DE

    Univ. Kliniken Tuebingen, Crona kliniken

  • M. Van der Meulen - Twente, NL

    Medisch Spectrum Twente

Imaging Committee

  • M. Smits - Rotterdam, NL

    Chair, Imaging Group liaison

    Erasmus MC Cancer Institute

  • I. Compter - Maastricht , NL

    Imaging Group representative

    Maastro Clinic - Maastricht Radiation Oncology

  • J. Gempt - Muenchen , DE

    Imaging Group representative

    Technische Universitaet Muenchen - Klinikum Rechts Der Isar

  • E. Franceschi - Bologna, IT

    Ospedale Bellaria

  • J. Furtner - Vienna , AT

    Medical University Vienna - General Hospital AKH

  • N. Galldiks - Koeln, DE

    Universitaetsklinikum Koeln

  • P. Vollmuth - Heidelberg, DE

    UniversitaetsKlinikum Heidelberg

  • S. Lukacova - Aarhus , DK

    Aarhus University Hospital

  • T. Snijders - Utrecht, NL

    Universitair Medisch Centrum - Academisch Ziekenhuis

  • E. Tabouret - Marseille, FR

    Hopital de La Timone (APHM)

  • F. Cicone - , IT

    Mater Domini Univ. Hospital

  • P. Lohmann - Juelich, DE

    Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH

Meningioma Committee

  • M. Preusser - Vienna, AT

    Chair

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH uniklinieken

  • E. Le Rhun - Zurich, CH

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich - Neurology Clinic

  • F. Sahm - Heidelberg, DE

    UniversitaetsKlinikum Heidelberg

  • J. Furtner - Vienna , AT

    Medical University Vienna - General Hospital AKH

  • C. Mawrin - Magdeburg, DE

    Otto-Von-Guericke-Universitaet

  • H. Wirsching - Zurich , CH

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich

  • R. Goldbrunner - Koeln, DE

    Universitaetsklinikum Koeln

  • G. Minniti - Rome, IT

    Policlinico Umberto I

  • M. Jenkinson - Liverpool, GB

    The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

  • D. Weber - Villigen, CH

    Paul Scherrer Institute - Center for Proton Therapy (CPT)

  • E. Tabouret - Marseille, FR

    Hopital de La Timone (APHM)

  • J. Duerinck - Brussels, BE

    Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel

CNS Metastasis Committee

  • E. Le Rhun - Zurich, CH

    Chair

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich - Neurology Clinic

  • M. Bendszus - Heidelberg, DE

    UniversitaetsKlinikum Heidelberg

  • D. Brandsma - Amsterdam, NL

    The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoekziekenhuis

  • F. Dhermain - Villejuif, FR

    Gustave Roussy

  • M. Preusser - Vienna, AT

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH uniklinieken

  • R. Soffietti - Torino, IT

    Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino

  • J. Tonn - Muenchen, DE

    Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen

  • P. Wesseling - Amsterdam, NL

    Amsterdam UMC- Laboratories

  • F. Winkler - Heidelberg, DE

    UniversitaetsKlinikum Heidelberg

  • N. Galldiks - Koeln, DE

    Universitaetsklinikum Koeln

  • G. Minniti - Rome, IT

    Policlinico Umberto I

  • M. Weller - Zurich, CH

    Universitätsspital Zürich

  • L. von Baumgarten - Muenchen, DE

    Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen - Campus Grosshadern

  • G. Lombardi - Padova, IT

    YNO

    IRCCS - Istituto Oncologico Veneto

  • J. Koekkoek - Leiden , NL

    YNO

    Leiden University Medical Centre

  • J. Jongen - Rotterdam, NL

    Erasmus Medisch Centrum

  • A. Pellerino - Torino, IT

    YNO

    Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino - Ospedale San Giovanni - Dipartimento Neuroscienze

Radiotherapy Committee

  • G. Minniti - Rome, IT

    CHAIR

    Policlinico Umberto I

  • S. Lukacova - Aarhus , DK

    Aarhus University Hospital

  • D. Weber - Villigen, CH

    Paul Scherrer Institute - Center for Proton Therapy (CPT)

  • K. Niyazi - Munich, DE

    Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen - Campus Grosshadern

  • T. Kazda - Brno, CZ

    Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute

  • L. Dirven - Leiden, NL

    Leiden University Medical Centre

  • J. Furtner - Vienna , AT

    Medical University Vienna - General Hospital AKH

  • A. Chalmers - , GB

    NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde - Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre - Gartnavel General Hospital

  • F. Pessina - Milano, IT

    Istituto Clinico Humanitas

  • L. Fariselli - Milano, IT

    IRCCS - Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta

  • D. Eekers - Maastricht, NL

    Maastro Clinic - Maastricht Radiation Oncology

  • M. Preusser - Vienna, AT

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH uniklinieken

Clinical Research Committee

  • M. Weller - Zurich, CH

    Chair

    Universitätsspital Zürich

  • E. Le Rhun - Zurich, CH

    UniversitaetsSpital Zurich - Neurology Clinic

  • M. Preusser - Vienna, AT

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH uniklinieken

  • G. Minniti - Rome, IT

    Policlinico Umberto I

Nuclear Medicine Committee

  • N. Albert - Munich, DE

    Chair

    Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

  • N. Galldiks - Koeln, DE

    Universitaetsklinikum Koeln

  • M. Weller - Zurich, CH

    Universitätsspital Zürich

  • M. Preusser - Vienna, AT

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH uniklinieken

  • F. Cicone - , IT

    Mater Domini Univ. Hospital

  • N. Tolboom - Utrecht, NL

    UMC Utrecht

  • A. Verger - Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, FR

    CHRU de Nancy - Hopitaux De Brabois

  • A. Jakola - Gothenburg, SE

    Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset

  • K. Niyazi - Munich, DE

    Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen - Campus Grosshadern

  • M. Smits - Rotterdam, NL

    Erasmus MC Cancer Institute

Neurosurgery Committee

  • J. Duerinck - Brussels, BE

    Chair

    Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel

  • R. Grossman - Haifa, IL

    Rambam Health Care Campus, Oncology Institute

  • P. Karschnia - Munich, DE

    Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen

  • M. Broekman - Leidschendam, NL

    HMC Antoniushove

  • G. Petrescu - Bucarest, RO

    "Bagdasar-Arseni" Emergency Clinical Hospital

  • A. Jakola - Gothenburg, SE

    Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset

  • J. Gempt - Muenchen , DE

    Technische Universitaet Muenchen - Klinikum Rechts Der Isar

  • R. Goldbrunner - Koeln, DE

    Universitaetsklinikum Koeln

  • G. Widhalm - Vienna, AU

    Universitaetsklinikum Wien - AKH unikliniken

  • M. Neidert - St Gallen, CH

    Kantonsspital St Gallen

  • M. Jenkinson - Liverpool, GB

    The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

  • M. Weller - Zurich, CH

    Universitätsspital Zürich

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