Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
Translational Orthotopic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Published on: February 17, 2023
Meningiomas with Rhabdoid or Papillary Components : Prognosis and Comparison with Anaplastic Meningiomas
Jeong-Kwon Kim1, Tae-Young Jung1, Shin Jung1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Abstract:
Papillary and rhabdoid meningiomas are pathologically World Health Organization (WHO) grade III. Any correlation between clinical prognosis and pathologic component is not clear. We analyzed the prognoses of patients with meningiomas with a rhabdoid or papillary component compared to those of patients with anaplastic meningiomas. From 1994 to June 2013, 14 anaplastic meningiomas, 6 meningiomas with a rhabdoid component, and 5 meningiomas with papillary component were pathologically diagnosed. We analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, extent of removal, adjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and pathologic features of 14 anaplastic meningiomas (group A), 5 meningiomas with a predominant (≥50%) papillary or rhabdoid component (group B1), and 6 meningiomas without a predominant (<50%) rhabdoid or papillary component (group B2). Homogeneous enhancement on MRI was associated with improved PFS compared to heterogeneous enhancement (p=0.025). Depending on pathology, the mean PFS was 134.9±31.6 months for group A, 46.6±13.4 months for group B1, and 118.7±19.2 months for group B2. The mean OS was 138.5±24.6 months for group A and 59.7±16.8 months for group B1. All recurrent tumors were of the previously diagnosed pathology, except for one tumor from group B1, which recurred as an atypical meningioma without a papillary component. Group B1 tumors showed a more aggressive behavior than group B2 tumors. In group B2 cases, the pathologic findings of non-rhabdoid/papillary portion could be considered for further adjuvant treatment.
Insights
World Health Organization (WHO) grade III meningiomas with papillary or rhabdoid components show poorer prognosis than anaplastic meningiomas. These aggressive tumors require further investigation for targeted adjuvant treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Papillary and rhabdoid meningiomas are classified as World Health Organization (WHO) grade III, indicating aggressive tumors.
- The clinical prognosis and correlation with specific pathological components in these high-grade meningiomas remain unclear.
- Understanding prognostic factors is crucial for guiding treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical prognosis of World Health Organization (WHO) grade III meningiomas with papillary or rhabdoid components against anaplastic meningiomas.
- To investigate the impact of pathological features and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings on patient outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 14 anaplastic meningiomas (Group A), 5 meningiomas with predominant (≥50%) papillary or rhabdoid components (Group B1), and 6 meningiomas with non-predominant (<50%) rhabdoid or papillary components (Group B2).
- Data collected included MRI findings, extent of surgical removal, adjuvant therapy, PFS, OS, and pathological features.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes between groups.
Main Results:
- Homogeneous enhancement on MRI correlated with improved PFS compared to heterogeneous enhancement (p=0.025).
- Mean PFS was significantly shorter for Group B1 (46.6 months) compared to Group A (134.9 months) and Group B2 (118.7 months).
- Mean OS was also lower for Group B1 (59.7 months) compared to Group A (138.5 months).
Conclusions:
- Meningiomas with predominant papillary or rhabdoid components (Group B1) exhibit more aggressive behavior and poorer prognosis than those with non-predominant components (Group B2).
- The pathological findings of the non-rhabdoid/papillary portion in Group B2 cases may inform decisions regarding further adjuvant treatment.
- Further research into targeted therapies for aggressive meningioma subtypes is warranted.
