Year in Review in 2017

Brain tumours encompass a heterogeneous collection of neoplasms, traditionally classified by histopathological criteria. In 2016, the WHO published an updated classification that, for the first time, defines brain tumour types according to integrated histological and molecular parameters. Furthermore, clinical trial results were reported that inform therapeutic decision-making in diffuse gliomas.

In 2016, new highly active treatment options for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) emerged. At the same time, large clinical trials in progressive MS highlighted the limitations of immune-directed therapies, and called for new strategies to treat disease progression in MS.

The past 2 years have seen major breakthroughs in endovascular treatment for acute ischaemic stroke. As highlighted in 2016, we now need to refine the logistics for delivery of this treatment, including patient selection. We should not forget, however, that it is better to prevent strokes in the first place.

In 2016, the literature on neurological infections was, understandably, dominated by Zika virus. However, we should not overlook important publications on the treatment of cryptococcal and bacterial meningitis.

In the field of movement disorders, areas that have seen important advances in 2016 include the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease involving extra-CNS α-synuclein pathology, treatment of hyperkinetic disorders with novel dopamine-depleting drugs, and MRI-guided ultrasound surgery for the treatment of essential tremor.

Investigational treatments to impede the progression of Alzheimer disease (AD) are being evaluated in clinical trials, and biomarkers to detect and track the disease are being developed and deployed. Recent findings underscore the importance of ongoing clinical trials and biomarker developments in the understanding, treatment and prevention of AD.