The aim of the study was to determine current U.K. neuro-oncology practice. A questionnaire was sent to all U.K. clinical oncologists who treat primary brain tumours. Results were distributed to these doctors with an invitation to attend a workshop in September 2000 to debate areas of differing practice and to review the existing related evidence. A further workshop was held in May 2002. The questionnaire responses and discussion of controversial areas, including the management of high-grade gliomas, low-grade gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas and multiple-brain metastases are included in this paper.