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Published on: October 20, 2017
Definitive embolization of meningiomas. A review
B T Bateman1, E Lin, J Pile-Spellman
1College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University.
Summary
Definitive embolization shows promise as a primary treatment for intracranial meningiomas. Further trials are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness compared to surgery or radiosurgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Surgery and radiosurgery are standard treatments for intracranial meningiomas.
- These treatments carry significant risks, including perioperative mortality and new neurological deficits.
- Radiosurgery complications range from 2-16%, with delayed symptom improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of definitive embolization as a primary therapy for intracranial meningiomas.
- To compare embolization with current standards of care (surgery, radiosurgery).
- To highlight the need for further research into embolization's efficacy and safety.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on embolization for meningiomas.
- Analysis of reported outcomes and complications from embolization studies.
- Comparison of risks associated with surgery, radiosurgery, and embolization.
Main Results:
- Limited studies suggest promising initial results for embolization as a standalone treatment.
- Embolization may offer an alternative with potentially lower risks than surgery or radiosurgery.
- Current data is based on small patient cohorts with short follow-up periods.
Conclusions:
- Definitive embolization warrants investigation as a primary treatment for intracranial meningiomas.
- Prospective trials are essential to establish the safety and efficacy of embolization.
- Embolization could offer a viable alternative to conventional therapies given their inherent risks.