[Steroid receptors and atypical histology as prognostic parameters in meningioma]

Cytosolic oestrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR) were determined in 58 primary and 13 recurrent meningiomas and related to their histological and clinical features. ER levels were low or not detectable (range 0-34 fmol/mg prot., median 0 fmol), whereas considerable amounts of PR were found in 69% of primary tumours (range 0-583 fmol/mg prot., median 72 fmol) and in 5/5 long-term recurrences (range 69-505 fmol/mg prot., median 143). Eight tumours recurred within a short-term period (less than 5 years) with a low PR expression (range 0-34 fmol/mg prot., median 0 fmol) and all presented raised cellularity and mitotic rate ("atypical" meningioma) or criteria of definitely malignant meningioma. The primary tumours of the short-term recurrences were not available for receptor analysis; however, they also were either "atypical" or anaplastic meningiomas. Long-term recurrences never displayed other than classical histology. From our results we conclude that polymorphy, as well as a lack of PR are strong indicators for short-term recurrence.