RECURRENT-GB
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RECURRENT-GB Trial: Repeat ExCision Upon Recurrence: REthinking Neurosurgical Treatment of GlioBlastoma
IRAS ID
358925
Contact name
Puneet Plaha
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN12749687
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common type of brain cancer in adults, with around 3,200 new cases in the UK each year. Without treatment, average survival is less than 6 months. With surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (temozolomide), survival can extend to 14–16 months. Despite this, the tumour inevitably grows back and is called a ‘recurrent GB’. It is unclear what the most appropriate treatment is. As a result, there is wide variation in UK practice regarding repeat surgery versus non-surgical treatments.
WHAT THIS TRIAL DOES: We aim to determine if repeat surgery when GB grows back, before further chemotherapy or radiotherapy, improves quality of life and survival. The trial is co-designed with UK-wide patient and relative advisory groups and specialist nurses.
WHO CAN TAKE PART: Adults aged 18+ who previously had GB surgery and are now diagnosed with recurrent GB.
HOW THE TRIAL WILL WORK: Patients with recurrent GB will be discussed in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting. If both repeat surgery and second-line chemotherapy are considered reasonable, the patient will be invited to participate. If they agree, they will be randomly assigned to:
Group 1: Repeat surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy
Group 2: Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy without repeat surgery
Participants will be followed up weekly with three health and quality of life questions, plus additional questionnaires every 6 weeks, and every 3 months. Responses can be submitted via app, online form, text link, or phone. A nominated proxy (e.g. carer) may also complete questionnaires at the same intervals with an additional questionnaire every 6 months. Follow-up lasts up to 12 months.DISSEMINATION:PPI partners will lead dissemination. Results will be shared with participants, families, the UK brain tumour community, and through peer-reviewed articles and animations.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
26/WA/0086
Date of REC Opinion
28 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion