The incidence of glioblastoma is increasing. Schering-Plough's temozolomide has gained approval as first line therapy for glioblastoma and has provided some survival benefit. However, median survival is still a modest fifteen months. Thus, the glioblastoma market is characterized by a high level of unmet need and consequently lucrative commercial value.

• Overview of disease including epidemiology, biology of glioma and prognostic variables
• Current treatment options and clinical controversies including comments from opinion leaders
• Key recommendations in the areas of greatest unmet need in glioblastoma patients
• Profiles of agents in late stage development including opinions from glioma specialists

Temozolomide's approval as first line therapy for glioblastoma is a significant advance for these patients. The surge in US sales since its March 2005 approval reflects the current dearth in effective therapy for these patients. Temozolomide has raised the bar for other agents and, as such, physician expectation is now higher

Peregrine's Cotara is in late stage development for glioblastoma. However, Datamonitor believes that Cotara's cumbersome administration and low physician awareness may hinder uptake

Opinion leaders feel the future for glioblastoma treatment will focus on novel targeted treatments. Eli Lilly's enzastaurin has demonstrated a 20% response rate in heavily pre-treated patients in Phase II trials, and may be the most promising early developmental agent at present. Phase III trials are planned combining enzastaurin with temozolomide

• Understand the limitations of current therapy available to glioma patients and the potential of future therapy
• Identify future market opportunities based on opinion leader comments regarding unmet needs, marketed products and those in the pipeline
• Plan new product development based on an understanding of physician expectation for improvements in survival, quality of life and economic constraints