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Vascular endothelial growth factor and malignant transformation of a meningioma: case report
1Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
Although meningiomas are common benign intracranial tumors which grow slowly, we occasionally encountered aggressive or malignant ones. One of these cases showed an interesting relationship to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A 39-year-old woman underwent resection of a sphenoid ridge meningioma; the residual tumor showed evidence of malignant transformation 14 years later. We immunohistochemically examined six successive surgical specimens plus the autopsy specimen of this patient's tumor for proliferative potential, vascularity, and expression of various growth factors. In the latter stage of clinical courses, proliferative potential and vascularity was seen to increase year by year. Expression of VEGF was upregulated and correlated with vascularity. On the other hand, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were not overexpressed in this tumor. This case suggests that overexpression of VEGF and increased angiogenic potential might be involved in malignant transformation of meningiomas.
Insights
Malignant transformation in meningiomas may involve increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study observed rising VEGF levels and vascularity correlating with tumor aggressiveness over time.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Tumor Biology
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Meningiomas are typically benign intracranial tumors.
- Rarely, meningiomas can exhibit aggressive or malignant behavior.
- Understanding the mechanisms of malignant transformation is crucial.
Observation:
- A case study of a sphenoid ridge meningioma showed malignant transformation 14 years post-resection.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of serial tumor specimens revealed increasing proliferative potential and vascularity over time.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was upregulated in later stages.
Findings:
- VEGF upregulation correlated positively with increased tumor vascularity.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were not overexpressed.
- Increased angiogenic potential, driven by VEGF, appears linked to meningioma malignancy.
Implications:
- VEGF may be a key factor in the malignant progression of meningiomas.
- Targeting VEGF could be a potential therapeutic strategy for aggressive meningiomas.
- Further research into meningioma angiogenesis is warranted.