Intracranial Meningiomas, WHO Grade Il : Prognostic Implications of Clinicopathologic Features

Hyung-Sik Moon1, Shin Jung, Woo-Youl Jang

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital & Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.

Abstract

Insights

Complete resection is the most crucial factor for preventing recurrence in World Health Organization (WHO) grade II meningiomas. Post-operative radiotherapy did not significantly impact tumor recurrence rates in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Intracranial meningiomas are typically benign but WHO grade II meningiomas, though rare, present higher recurrence and mortality risks.
  • Understanding prognostic factors for WHO grade II meningiomas is critical for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the recurrence rate of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II meningiomas.
  • To identify significant prognostic factors influencing recurrence in WHO grade II meningiomas.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 55 patients diagnosed with WHO grade II meningiomas between 1993 and 2005.
  • Comparison of WHO grade II meningiomas with WHO grades I (n=373) and III (n=20) tumors.
  • Analysis of prognostic factors including extent of resection and post-operative radiotherapy.

Main Results:

  • The extent of tumor resection was the only significant prognostic factor for recurrence in WHO grade II meningiomas.
  • Incomplete resection, particularly Simpson grade III or IV, was associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence (RR=37%) compared to complete resection (RR=14%).
  • Post-operative radiotherapy did not demonstrate a significant influence on tumor recurrence (p=0.053).

Conclusions:

  • Complete surgical resection is the most powerful independent predictor of recurrence for WHO grade II meningiomas.
  • Adjuvant post-operative radiotherapy was not found to be a significant factor in preventing recurrence in this patient cohort.

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