Oestrogen and progesterone sensitivity in cultured meningioma cells

Several studies have detected oestrogen and progesterone receptors in meningioma specimens; recently we have also confirmed the presence of steroid receptors in cultured cells from meningiomas. This paper describes the oestrogen and progesterone receptor assay in cultured cells from 6 meningiomas and the influence of steroid hormones on the cell growth and morphology. Four (66%) of the 6 specimens were positive for both receptors. Growth of cultured cells from tumours without receptors is not appreciably modified by the addition of hormones; the cultured cells from tumours with positive receptors are not essentially influenced by oestrogen, whereas progesterone produces a rapid and marked suppression of the cell growth and modifies their form and adhesivity; also the addition of an oestrogen and progesterone blend produces growth suppression. A similar effect of the progesterone on the cultured cells has also been obtained in a specimen of malignant meningioma. The results of this study suggest that the modulation of progesterone levels may be of therapeutic usefulness, particularly in patients with recurrent malignant meningiomas.