Histological classification and molecular genetics of meningiomas

Meningiomas account for up to 30% of all primary intracranial tumours. They are histologically classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumours of the nervous system. Most meningiomas are benign lesions of WHO grade I, whereas some meningioma variants correspond with WHO grades II and III and are associated with a higher risk of recurrence and shorter survival times. Mutations in the NF2 gene and loss of chromosome 22q are the most common genetic alterations associated with the initiation of meningiomas. With increase in tumour grade, additional progression-associated molecular aberrations can be found; however, most of the relevant genes are yet to be identified. High-throughput techniques of global genome and transcriptome analyses and new meningioma models provide increasing insight into meningioma biology and will help to identify common pathogenic pathways that may be targeted by new therapeutic approaches.