Highlights from our 17th COGNO ASM

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2025 COGNO ASM Highlights

The COGNO 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting held September 15th to 16th was a major success with record attendance, reflecting an outstanding scientific program combined with a fantastic location on the Gold Coast. Key highlights from the ASM program from international and local speakers addressing the theme of New Horizons, Novel Therapies included:

Prof Katy Peters outlining the management of IDH mutant Glioma, with an update on current trial evidence including the role of IDH inhibitors and knowledge gaps for future research. Seizure management was a key ASM topic, with practical recommendations for clinical care covered across a range of speakers.

Prof Rakesh Jalali shared the experience of a comprehensive program which has successfully established proton beam radiotherapy, assessing its impact on key outcomes including QOL and neurocognition.

Strategies to address blood-brain barrier penetration was another key theme covered by A/Prof Adam Sonabend and Translational Scientist Dr Thomas Park. A/Prof Sonabend described the use of a cutting-edge implantable ultrasound technique to open the blood-brain barrier as a key mechanism to enhance drug delivery and outcome prediction, the subject of ongoing clinical trials research.

Innovation in trial design including peri-operative trials as a key platform, as well as other novel approaches involving immunotherapy and CAR-T trials were also discussed.

Leading Supportive Care researcher, A/Prof. Karin Piil described their holistic Danish programme which has effectively integrated research and clinical practice into person and family-centred neuro-oncology.

The ASM was filled with many key learnings, networking and future opportunities for neuro-oncology clinical trials and their positive impact on clinical care, all centred on the 2025 theme of New Horizons, Novel Therapies.

It was announced that COGNO ASM 2026 will be held jointly with the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia in late August in Adelaide. Stay tuned for more information.

Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting at the 2025 COGNO ASM

Chaired by Professor Hui Gan, the COGNO Scientific Advisory Committee of 27 multidisciplinary experts in neuro-oncology, alongside distinguished international speakers, met in person at the ASM.

The agenda included updates on trials in development, as well as the presentation and discussion of three new concepts addressing diverse areas of high scientific interest: a novel treatment option for MGMT-methylated glioblastoma, a new radioembolisation approach for recurrent glioma, and a method to enhance communication and support for people with brain cancer and their families.

The session concluded with a review of the SAC’s achievements over the past year, among which the following stand out:

• Reviewed and discussed 14 study concepts—twice the number reviewed compared to the previous year.

• 5 studies were developed into grant applications and submitted.

• 1 study was successfully funded and is now being prepared for initiation.

• 1 Ideas Generation Workshop was held to mentor Early Career Researchers and support the development of their concepts into future COGNO trials.

These outcomes highlight the COGNO SAC’s strong capacity to assess and promote high-quality, innovative trials in neuro-oncology.

Award Winners