Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
09:53

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

A review of malignant meningiomas: diagnosis, characteristics, and treatment

Simon Hanft1, Peter Canoll, Jeffrey N Bruce

  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA. sihanft@gmail.com

Journal of Neuro-Oncology
|August 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Malignant meningiomas (WHO Grade III) are rare, aggressive brain tumors. This review details their genetics, histology, and current/future treatment strategies for these understudied lesions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Pathology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Anaplastic or malignant meningiomas (WHO Grade III) are rare, aggressive intracranial tumors, comprising 1-3% of all meningiomas.
  • Their rarity has led to limited research, highlighting a need for improved understanding and clinical management strategies.
  • Existing knowledge of genetic and histologic features is growing, but therapeutic approaches require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of malignant meningiomas.
  • To detail genetic alterations and histologic markers specific to these aggressive tumors.
  • To discuss current therapeutic strategies and future directions for managing malignant meningiomas.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on genetic alterations, histologic markers, and treatment strategies for malignant meningiomas.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge regarding the pathophysiology and clinical management of WHO Grade III meningiomas.

Main Results:

  • Malignant meningiomas exhibit distinct genetic alterations and histologic features compared to lower-grade subtypes.
  • Current management involves a multimodal approach, but optimal treatment protocols are still evolving.
  • Significant advancements in understanding these tumors offer potential for improved therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into the unique characteristics of malignant meningiomas is crucial for advancing patient care.
  • Developing targeted therapies based on genetic and histologic profiles holds promise for improved outcomes.
  • Continued investigation into novel treatment strategies is essential for addressing the aggressive nature of these rare brain tumors.

More Related Videos

Combination Radiotherapy in an Orthotopic Mouse Brain Tumor Model08:02

Combination Radiotherapy in an Orthotopic Mouse Brain Tumor Model

Published on: March 6, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...