Prognostic Factors and Treatment Outcome in Glial Brain Tumors; Data from the Third Neuro-oncology Scientific Club’s Input Forum, 2013, Mashhad, Iran

Management of the central nervous system malignancies are among the evolving areas of research and clinical practice requiring a well-coordinated interdisciplinary approach. The neuro-oncology scientific club (NOSC) has tried to cross the links between various disciplines’ experts involved in brain tumor care in Iran since 2011. The NOSC’s structured collaborative brain tumor registry (BTCR) and the support received from its steering committee and provincial boards have been the key elements for its success and growth so far. This scientific community not only has helped to optimize brain tumor care but provided interdisciplinary research opportunities to its members across Iran. Mashhad’s NOSC has been the pioneer in the above. During the 3rd Mashhad’s NOSC meeting held in November 21st 2013, the interim results from some important local neuro-oncology studies were presented. Some potential opportunities to improve the coordinated interdisciplinary brain tumor care within the province were discussed by neurosurgery, neuroradiology and radiation oncology faculty at this provincial NOSC meeting. Clinical outcome, survival data and prognostic factors in adult and pediatric gliomas over the past several years in Mashhad, the association between methyl guanine methyl transferase (MGMT) methylation status (determined by MSQP or methylation specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction) where among the main studies outlined during this event. We realize that optimized brain tumor management and productive research in neuro-oncology can only be achieved through an integrated approach and strong team work. This is what the NOSC pursues.