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Future Oncology (London, England) Sep 2018Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. Important advances are occurring in meningioma research. These are expected to accelerate, potentially... (Review)
Review
Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. Important advances are occurring in meningioma research. These are expected to accelerate, potentially leading to impactful changes on the management of meningiomas in the near and medium term. This review will cover the histo- and molecular pathology of meningiomas, including recent 2016 updates to the WHO classification of CNS tumors. We will discuss clinical and radiographic presentation and therapeutic management. Surgery and radiotherapy, the two longstanding primary therapeutic modalities, will be discussed at length. In addition, data from prior and ongoing investigations of other treatment modalities, including systemic and targeted therapies, will be covered. This review will quickly update the reader on the contemporary management and future directions in meningiomas. [Formula: see text].
Topics: Animals; Biopsy; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Multimodal Imaging; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Symptom Assessment; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30084265
DOI: 10.2217/fon-2018-0006 -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Sep 2010Although most meningiomas are encapsulated and benign tumors with limited numbers of genetic aberrations, their intracranial location often leads to serious and... (Review)
Review
Although most meningiomas are encapsulated and benign tumors with limited numbers of genetic aberrations, their intracranial location often leads to serious and potentially lethal consequences. They are the most frequently diagnosed primary brain tumor accounting for 33.8% of all primary brain and central nervous system tumors reported in the United States between 2002 and 2006. Inherited susceptibility to meningioma is suggested both by family history and candidate gene studies in DNA repair genes. People with certain mutations in the neurofibromatosis gene (NF2) have a very substantial increased risk for meningioma. High dose ionizing radiation exposure is an established risk factor for meningioma, and lower doses may also increase risk, but which types and doses are controversial or understudied. Because women are twice as likely as men to develop meningiomas and these tumors harbor hormone receptors, an etiologic role for hormones (both endogenous and exogenous) has been hypothesized. The extent to which immunologic factors influence meningioma etiology has been largely unexplored. Growing emphasis on brain tumor research coupled with the advent of new genetic and molecular epidemiologic tools in genetic and molecular epidemiology promise hope for advancing knowledge about the causes of intra-cranial meningioma. In this review, we highlight current knowledge about meningioma epidemiology and etiology and suggest future research directions.
Topics: Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma
PubMed: 20821343
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-010-0386-3 -
Neuro-oncology Nov 2021Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Yet, only few controlled clinical trials have been conducted to guide clinical decision making, resulting in...
Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Yet, only few controlled clinical trials have been conducted to guide clinical decision making, resulting in variations of management approaches across countries and centers. However, recent advances in molecular genetics and clinical trial results help to refine the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to meningioma. Accordingly, the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) updated its recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas. A provisional diagnosis of meningioma is typically made by neuroimaging, mostly magnetic resonance imaging. Such provisional diagnoses may be made incidentally. Accordingly, a significant proportion of meningiomas, notably in patients that are asymptomatic or elderly or both, may be managed by a watch-and-scan strategy. A surgical intervention with tissue, commonly with the goal of gross total resection, is required for the definitive diagnosis according to the WHO classification. A role for molecular profiling including gene panel sequencing and genomic methylation profiling is emerging. A gross total surgical resection including the involved dura is often curative. Inoperable or recurrent tumors requiring treatment can be treated with radiosurgery, if the size or the vicinity of critical structures allows that, or with fractionated radiotherapy (RT). Treatment concepts combining surgery and radiosurgery or fractionated RT are increasingly used, although there remain controversies regard timing, type, and dosing of the various RT approaches. Radionuclide therapy targeting somatostatin receptors is an experimental approach, as are all approaches of systemic pharmacotherapy. The best albeit modest results with pharmacotherapy have been obtained with bevacizumab or multikinase inhibitors targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, but no standard of care systemic treatment has been yet defined.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Radiosurgery; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
PubMed: 34181733
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab150 -
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics Mar 2018With an annual incidence of 5/100,000, meningioma is the most frequent primary tumor of the central nervous system. Risk factors are radiotherapy and hormone intake.... (Review)
Review
With an annual incidence of 5/100,000, meningioma is the most frequent primary tumor of the central nervous system. Risk factors are radiotherapy and hormone intake. Most meningiomas are grade I benign tumors, but up to 15% are atypical and 2% anaplastic according to the WHO 2016 histological criteria. Areas covered: This review details the current standard therapy based on international guidelines and recent literature, and describes new approaches developed to treat refractory cases. First-line treatments are observation and surgery, but adjuvant radiotherapy/radiosurgery is discussed for atypical and indicated for anaplastic meningiomas. The most problematic cases include skull base meningiomas that enclose vasculo-nervous structures and surgery- and radiation-refractory tumors that present with significant morbidity and mortality. The treatment of recurrent tumors is based on radiotherapy and repeated surgery. Systematic therapies are not effective in general but several clinical trials are ongoing. Expert commentary: Molecular characterization of the tumors, based on genetic mutations such as NF2, SMO, TERT, TRAF7, and on the methylation profile are developing, completing the histological classification and giving new insights into prognosis and treatment options.
Topics: Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Mutation; Neoplasm Grading; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Prognosis; Radiosurgery; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Risk Factors; Skull Base Neoplasms
PubMed: 29338455
DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2018.1429920 -
CNS Oncology Jun 2021Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors. The majority of meningiomas are benign, but they can present different grades of dedifferentiation from... (Review)
Review
Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors. The majority of meningiomas are benign, but they can present different grades of dedifferentiation from grade I to grade III (anaplastic/malignant) that are associated with different outcomes. Radiological surveillance is a valid option for low-grade asymptomatic meningiomas. In other cases, the treatment is usually surgical, aimed at achieving a complete resection. The use of adjuvant radiotherapy is the gold standard for grade III, is debated for grade II and is not generally indicated for radically resected grade I meningiomas. The use of systemic treatments is not standardized. Here we report a review of the literature on the clinical, radiological and molecular characteristics of meningiomas, available treatment strategies and ongoing clinical trials.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Child; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
PubMed: 34015955
DOI: 10.2217/cns-2021-0003 -
The Lancet. Oncology Sep 2016Although meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumours, the level of evidence to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas is low... (Review)
Review
Although meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumours, the level of evidence to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas is low compared with other tumours such as high-grade gliomas. The meningioma task force of the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) assessed the scientific literature and composed a framework of the best possible evidence-based recommendations for health professionals. The provisional diagnosis of meningioma is mainly made by MRI. Definitive diagnosis, including histological classification, grading, and molecular profiling, requires a surgical procedure to obtain tumour tissue. Therefore, in many elderly patients, observation is the best therapeutic option. If therapy is deemed necessary, the standard treatment is gross total surgical resection including the involved dura. As an alternative, radiosurgery can be done for small tumours, or fractionated radiotherapy in large or previously treated tumours. Treatment concepts combining surgery and radiosurgery or fractionated radiotherapy, which enable treatment of the complete tumour volume with low morbidity, are being developed. Pharmacotherapy for meningiomas has remained largely experimental. However, antiangiogenic drugs, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and targeted agents are promising candidates for future pharmacological approaches to treat refractory meningiomas across all WHO grades.
Topics: Europe; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 27599143
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(16)30321-7 -
Neuroendocrinology 2020Parasellar spaces remain particularly singular, comprising the most important neurovascular structures such as the internal carotid artery and optic, oculomotor, and... (Review)
Review
Parasellar spaces remain particularly singular, comprising the most important neurovascular structures such as the internal carotid artery and optic, oculomotor, and trigeminal nerves. Meningiomas are one of the most frequent tumors arising from parasellar spaces. In this location, meningiomas remain mostly benign tumors with WHO grade I and a meningothelial subtype. Progestin intake should be investigated and leads mostly to conservative strategies. In the case of benign nonsymptomatic tumors, observation should be proposed. Tumor growth will lead to the proposition of surgery or radiosurgery. In the case of an uncertain diagnosis and an aggressive pattern, a precise diagnosis is required. For cavernous sinus and Meckel's cave lesions, complete removal is rarely considered, leading to the proposition of an endoscopic endonasal or transcranial biopsy. Optic nerve decompression could also be proposed via these approaches. A case-by-case discussion about the best approach is recommended. A transcranial approach remains necessary for tumor removal in most cases. Vascular injury could lead to severe complications. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, venous sacrifice, visual impairment, and cranial nerve palsies are more frequent complications. Pituitary dysfunctions are rare in preoperative assessment and in postoperative follow-up but should be assessed in the case of meningiomas located close to the pituitary axis. Long-term follow-up is required given the frequent incomplete tumor removal and the risk of delayed recurrence. Radiosurgery is relevant for small and well-limited meningiomas or intra-cavernous sinus postoperative residue, whereas radiation therapy and proton beam therapy are indicated for large, extended, nonoperable meningiomas. The place of the peptide receptor radionuclide therapyneeds to be defined. Targeted therapy should be considered in rare, recurrent, and aggressive parasellar meningiomas.
Topics: Cavernous Sinus; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Skull Base Neoplasms
PubMed: 32492684
DOI: 10.1159/000509090 -
BioMed Research International 2015Meningiomas account for one-third of all adult central nervous system tumours and are divided into three WHO grades. In contrast to the relatively well characterized... (Review)
Review
Meningiomas account for one-third of all adult central nervous system tumours and are divided into three WHO grades. In contrast to the relatively well characterized genetic alterations, our current understanding of epigenetic modifications involved in the meningioma-genesis and progression is rather incomplete. Contrary to genetic alterations, epigenetic changes do not alter the primary DNA sequence and their reversible nature serves as an excellent basis for prevention and development of novel personalised tumour therapies. Indeed, growing body of evidence suggests that disturbed epigenetic regulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of meningiomas. Altered DNA methylation, microRNA expression, histone, and chromatin modifications are frequently noted in meningiomas bearing prognostic and therapeutic relevance. In this review we provide an overview on recently identified epigenetic alterations in meningiomas and discuss their role in tumour initiation, progression, and recurrence.
Topics: Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Humans; Meningioma; MicroRNAs; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 26101774
DOI: 10.1155/2015/532451 -
Neuro-oncology Nov 2017Advances in molecular profiling and the application of advanced imaging techniques are currently refreshing diagnostic considerations in meningioma patients. Not only... (Review)
Review
Advances in molecular profiling and the application of advanced imaging techniques are currently refreshing diagnostic considerations in meningioma patients. Not only technical refinements but also sophisticated histopathological and molecular studies have the potential to overcome some of the challenges during meningioma management. Exact tumor delineation, assessment of tumor growth, and pathophysiological parameters were recently addressed by "advanced" MRI and PET. In the field of neuropathology, high-throughput sequencing and DNA methylation analysis of meningioma tissue has greatly advanced the knowledge of molecular aberrations in meningioma patients. These techniques allow for more reliable prediction of the biological behavior and clinical course of meningiomas and subsequently have the potential to guide individualized meningioma therapy. However, higher costs and longer duration of full molecular work-up compared with histological assessment may delay the implementation into clinical routine.This review highlights the diagnostic challenges of meningiomas from both the neuroimaging as well as the neuropathological side and presents the latest scientific achievements and studies potentially helping in overcoming these challenges. It complements the recently proposed European Association of Neuro-Oncology guidelines on treatment and diagnosis of meningiomas by integrating data on nonstandard imaging and molecular assessments most likely impacting the future.
Topics: Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma
PubMed: 28531331
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox101 -
Chinese Clinical Oncology Jul 2017Meningiomas are frequent intracranial and intraspinal tumors. They are tumors of the elderly, and meningioma growth at certain localizations, as well as recurrent tumors... (Review)
Review
Meningiomas are frequent intracranial and intraspinal tumors. They are tumors of the elderly, and meningioma growth at certain localizations, as well as recurrent tumors or primary aggressive biology may pose a therapeutic challenge. To understand the growth characteristics of meningiomas, animal models can provide insights both from a biological and therapeutical point of view. Using genetically-engineered mouse models (GEMM), it has been proven that alterations of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene are key steps for benign meningioma development. Aggressive meningiomas can be induced by simultaneous activation of Nf2 and the PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)/-PDGF-Receptor (R) system, or inactivation of Tp53 and cdkn2ab in mice. However, mechanisms acting in NF2 wild-type meningiomas are poorly understood so far, because appropriate models are lacking. Xenograft models have been used either by implantation of primary cultures derived from human meningiomas, or immortalized human cell lines, respectively. While the value of primary cells is limited due to low rate of overall tumor growth and slow proliferation, xenograft approaches have been shown to be helpful for the evaluation of potential medical treatment options. Future studies must incorporate new molecular meningioma tumor drivers, as well as potential treatment options based on recurrent genetic alterations into the generation of meningioma models.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Genes, Neurofibromatosis 2; Heterografts; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Mice; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 28595424
DOI: 10.21037/cco.2017.05.03