In adults, primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT) are rare, but they have a 
devastating impact and the chances for survival are limited. UK clinical 
guidance on supportive care for patients with brain and central nervous system 
tumors was published in 2006 and relied on very limited evidence. The current 
article reviews literature from 2005 through 2011 on the psychosocial and 
supportive needs of patients with PMBT and their families or caregivers. 
Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Psychinfo, Cochrane, Scopus, 
ASSIA, and Sciencedirect. The search initially yielded 6220 articles, of which 
60 were found to be eligible (1%). Eleven qualitative and 49 quantitative 
studies are reviewed here and mapped onto the structure of the existing UK 
clinical guidance. Studies suggest rates of depression and anxiety up to 48% in 
patients and up to 40% in caregivers, with many unmet needs and dissatisfaction 
with health care provider communication and information. Cognitive deficits 
increase as the disease progresses, hampering communication and decision-making. 
A range of neurological and physical symptoms at the end of life need 
recognition. Some successful supportive and neuropsychological interventions are 
reported. Although the volume of available studies has increased since UK 
guidance, many remain observational in nature, with few trials of interventions. 
However, this review provides an up to date resource for clinicians involved 
with patients with PMBT, describing current knowledge on patients' psychosocial 
needs, the type of care which has been found to be beneficial, and highlighting 
areas where more research needs to be done.