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Updated: May 21, 2026
Genetic Profiling and Genome-Scale Dropout Screening to Identify Therapeutic Targets in Mouse Models of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor
Published on: August 25, 2023
Chromosomal alterations, prognostic factors, and targeted molecular therapies for malignant meningiomas
Andrew Yew1, Andy Trang, Daniel T Nagasawa
1UCLA Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1761, USA.
Abstract:
Meningiomas are the second most common intracranial neoplasm in adults and originate from arachnoidal cap cells. Malignant meningiomas are resistant to conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Unlike benign meningiomas, atypical and anaplastic tumors generally display more complex karyotypes associated with aggressive behavior. While these chromosomal anomalies are associated with greater malignancy in meningiomas, the specific genes involved remain unknown. Malignant meningiomas are characterized by increased tumor aggressiveness, rapid recurrence, local invasion, atypical histological appearance, and a high mitotic index. Potential prognostic factors include extent of resection, treatment with radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery, Ki-67/MIB-1 labeling index, p53 overexpression, percentage of tumor cells in the S-phase, telomerase activity, and numerous genetic expression profiles. A greater understanding of prognostic factors and molecular markers involved in critical signaling pathways may aid in the identification of novel therapeutic targets. As such, further studies are needed to establish reliable prognostic factors and develop more effective treatments for malignant meningiomas.
Insights
Malignant meningiomas resist treatment due to unknown genetic factors. Further research is needed to identify prognostic markers and develop effective therapies for these aggressive brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer genetics
Background:
- Meningiomas are common intracranial neoplasms originating from arachnoidal cap cells.
- Malignant meningiomas exhibit resistance to conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
- Atypical and anaplastic meningiomas show complex karyotypes linked to aggressive behavior, but specific genes remain unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in treating malignant meningiomas.
- To underscore the need for understanding genetic factors and prognostic markers.
- To emphasize the necessity for developing novel therapeutic targets and effective treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of meningioma characteristics and treatment resistance.
- Analysis of known prognostic factors and molecular markers.
- Identification of knowledge gaps in specific gene involvement and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Malignant meningiomas display aggressive traits including rapid recurrence and local invasion.
- Several potential prognostic factors are identified, such as tumor resection extent, radiotherapy, and specific molecular markers (e.g., Ki-67, p53).
- The specific genes driving malignancy and aggressive behavior in meningiomas are yet to be fully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of prognostic factors and molecular markers is crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets.
- Further research is essential to establish reliable prognostic factors for malignant meningiomas.
- Development of more effective treatments for malignant meningiomas is a critical unmet need.
