Brain Tumor Clinical Practice Guideline (Webinar & PDF Guideline)-AANN25_Brain Tumor CPG

AANN25_Brain Tumor CPG_FINAL

Pdf Summary

The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses’ 2025 clinical practice guideline summarizes evidence-based considerations for nursing care of adults with brain tumors, from diagnosis through treatment, symptom management, and end-of-life care. It emphasizes individualized, informed support for patients and families across a complex disease course.<br /><br />Nurses should understand tumor molecular profiling, particularly IDH1 status in gliomas, because it informs classification, prognosis, and patient education. Evidence is insufficient to establish mobile-phone use or most environmental exposures as brain-tumor risks. Obesity may be associated with meningioma risk, but evidence is limited; healthy, balanced nutrition is encouraged without tumor-specific dietary prescriptions.<br /><br />The guideline supports awareness of advanced MRI techniques, which may help distinguish tumor recurrence from treatment effects, and formal neuropsychological testing alongside symptom assessment when feasible. During and after radiation, routine monitoring of symptoms, quality of life, and cognition is important. Memantine and hippocampal-avoidance techniques may reduce cognitive decline with whole-brain radiation; exercise may help some patients maintain strength and function.<br /><br />Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols can improve pain and nausea control, shorten hospital stays, and increase satisfaction, although practices such as venous-thromboembolism prevention need further study. Nurses should review complementary therapies regularly for potential benefits, risks, and interactions, and encourage physical activity when appropriate.<br /><br />Care should include standardized symptom screening and attention to tumor- and treatment-related changes. Anticoagulation decisions require individualized balancing of clotting and intracranial-bleeding risks. Nurses should also recognize risk factors for leptomeningeal disease and radiation necrosis and support timely evaluation of new or worsening symptoms.<br /><br />Finally, early, ongoing advance-care planning and referral to palliative care are recommended to address prognosis, goals, symptoms, patient preferences, and caregiver needs. The guideline notes substantial evidence gaps and calls for further research on nursing interventions and care pathways.

Keywords

brain tumors

neuroscience nursing

clinical practice guideline

glioma

IDH1 status

MRI techniques

radiation therapy

cognitive decline

palliative care

advance-care planning