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Published on: January 17, 2018
Meningioma and hormonal influences
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, UK.
Summary
Meningiomas, slow-growing brain tumors, are linked to hormones. Progesterone may drive tumor growth, suggesting progesterone antagonists could be a treatment. Hormone replacement therapy remains controversial.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Meningiomas are typically benign, slow-growing brain tumors with largely unknown causes.
- Hormonal influences, particularly gender-specific hormones, are implicated in meningioma pathogenesis.
- Risk factors include adiposity and a positive association with breast cancer, while menopause and oophorectomy appear protective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of gender-specific hormones in meningioma development and growth.
- To investigate the potential of hormonal therapies, such as progesterone antagonists, for meningioma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of observational data linking hormonal status, pregnancy, menses, menopause, and oophorectomy to meningioma risk and growth.
- Analysis of gonadal steroid receptor expression in meningiomas, focusing on progesterone and estrogen receptors.
Main Results:
- Meningiomas show increased growth during pregnancy and menstrual cycles.
- Progesterone receptors are highly expressed (approx. 70%) in meningiomas, while estrogen receptors are less common (approx. 31%).
- Menopause and oophorectomy are associated with reduced meningioma risk.
Conclusions:
- Progesterone appears to significantly influence meningioma tumor growth.
- Progesterone antagonists, like mifepristone, may represent a viable therapeutic strategy.
- The use of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with meningioma requires further investigation due to controversy.
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