Recent developments in chemotherapy for meningiomas: a review

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Pharmacology
• Medical research

Background:

• Limited medical treatment options are available for refractory, atypical, and anaplastic meningiomas.
• The past decade has seen exploration of novel chemotherapeutic agents for meningioma treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments in chemotherapeutic options for meningiomas.
• To emphasize emerging therapeutic avenues, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects.

Main Methods:

• A literature review was conducted to identify studies on recent medical and chemotherapeutic agents for meningiomas.
• Preclinical and human clinical trial data were reviewed and summarized.

Main Results:

• Current guidelines recommend hydroxyurea, interferon-α 2B, and Sandostatin long-acting release for refractory/high-grade meningiomas.
• New agents include cytotoxic, hormonal, immunomodulatory, and targeted therapies (e.g., PDGF, EGFR, VEGF, mTOR inhibitors).
• Combination therapies targeting multiple molecular pathways show promise for adjuvant treatment.

Conclusions:

• Advances in understanding meningioma molecular mechanisms drive the development of targeted agents.
• These targeted agents offer new therapeutic strategies for non-resectable, aggressive, and malignant meningiomas.