What follow-up protocols should be in place for patients treated for brain tumours to monitor for recurrence?

Follow-up protocols for patients treated for brain tumours should include regular clinical reviews and appropriate imaging to monitor for recurrence ¹.

For glioma, regular clinical review should be based on residual tumour, life expectancy, patient preferences, previous treatments, and tumour subtype, with more frequent follow-up (every 3 to 6 months) in the first years and then annually or less frequently thereafter ¹.

Routine imaging, such as MRI, should be performed at intervals determined by tumour type and residual disease, with specific schedules for meningioma (e.g., at 3 months, then annually or every 2 years depending on grade) and for incidental meningioma, a scan at 12 months with consideration of discharge if no change ¹.

In cases of suspected recurrence, arrange a clinical review including appropriate imaging, and consider advanced MRI techniques if findings are unclear ¹.

Patients should be informed about the potential for late effects and the importance of ongoing monitoring, especially if they have residual tumour or are at risk of recurrence ¹.