Introduction, rationale, and methodology

This series of guidelines was constructed primarily to assess the currently existing evidence for management of progressive glioblastoma in a manner that sets a benchmark for further improvement in this task. Only by designing future investigations in a high quality manner that recognizes and overcomes prior weaknesses and limitations noted in these guidelines will advancement toward a remedy of this disease be achieved. Secondarily, the suggestions provided are set forth for conscientious use by the practicing physician who must take into account all of the unique individual conditions in the guidance of a given patient during his or her illness. The application of published guidelines information is an activity that results in strong and often polarized opinions. The guidelines presented in this current project are not meant to resolve these issues and it is unlikely that any could accomplish such a goal. Fortunately new research is constantly underway and these guidelines are meant to be improved as this new evidence matures and is published. © Springer Science+Business Media 2014.