PIONEER

Prospective Scientific Studies

Prospective studies that compare different treatment options are relatively rare in glioma research but are necessary to improve the treatment for patients. We carry out a number of prospective studies for glioblastoma patients that compare different surgical and non-surgical treatment options: resection (removing the tumor), biopsy (taking a sample of the tumor to determine the diagnosis) and palliative care (focused on comfort, pain alleviation, and end-of-life care). Tumor resection can be performed with or without “mapping” techniques (which means that important brain functions are tested during surgery to prevent damage and neurological complications). A novel technique is “supramaximal” resection (also called “supratotal” or “supramarginal” resection) in which the surgeon removes a larger part of the tumor than what has been done traditionally, with the goal of improving survival.

Currently, there are 6 studies active: 4 for patients with newly diagnosed tumors, and 2 for patients with recurrent tumors. These studies started enrolling patients in January 2022 and are estimated to be completed in January 2027.

The aim of these studies is to assess which surgical treatment is optimal for every individual patient.

  • PROGRAM study (NCT04708171): Awake mapping versus asleep mapping versus no mapping for glioblastoma patients with tumors in or near motor eloquent areas with a KPS of 80 or higher
  • SUPRAMAX study (NCT06118723): Supramaximal versus maximal resection for glioblastoma patients (PIONEER 2201).
    • Three predefined subgroups: MGMT methylated tumors, age 70 and older, multifocal/midline location.
  • RESBIOP study (NCT06146725): Resection versus biopsy for glioblastoma patients (PIONEER 2202).
    • Three predefined subgroups: KPS 70 and lower, age 70 and older, multifocal/midline location.
  • PALSUR study (NCT06146738): Palliative care versus surgery for glioblastoma patients patients (PIONEER 2203)
  • RECSUR-RECMAP study (NCT06283927, NCT06273176): Resection with or without intraoperative mapping versus best oncological treatment for recurrent high-grade glioma patients (PIONEER 2301)

Related publications

Chronologically

Gerritsen JKW, Karschnia P, Young JS, van den Bent MJ, Chang SM, Smith TR, Nahed BV, Rincon-Torroella J, Bettegowda C, Sanai N, Krieg SM, Maruyama T, Schucht P, Broekman MLD, Tonn JC, Wen PY, De Vleesschouwer S, Vincent AJPE, Hervey-Jumper S, Berger MS, Mekary RA, Molinaro AM. Practical and statistical aspects of subgroup analyses in surgical neuro-oncology: A comprehensive review from the PIONEER consortium. Neuro Oncol. 2025. 27:1149-64

Gerritsen JKW, Young JS, Krieg SM, Jungk C, Ille S, Schucht P, Nahed BV, Broekman MLD, Berger MS, De Vleeschouwer S, Vincent AJPE. Resection versus biopsy in patients with glioblastoma (RESBIOP study): study protocol for an international multicentre prospective cohort study. BMJ Open. 2024. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081689

Gerritsen JKW, Young JS, Chang SM, Krieg SM, Jungk C, van den Bent MJ, Satoer DD, Ille S, Schucht P, Nahed BV, Broekman MLD, Berger MS, De Vleeschouwer S, Vincent JPE. SUPRAMAX study: supramaximal resection versus maximal resection for glioblastoma patients: study protocol for an international multicentre prospective cohort study. BMJ Open. 2024. 14:e082274

Gerritsen JKW, Dirven CMF, De Vleeschouwer S, Schucht P, Jungk C, Krieg SM, Nahed BV, Berger MS, Broekman MLD, Vincent AJPE. The PROGRAM study: awake mapping versus asleep mapping versus no mapping for high-grade glioma resections: study protocol for an international multicenter prospective three-arm cohort study. BMJ Open. 2021. 11:e047306.