Unresectable Recurrent Multiple Meningioma: A Case Report with Radiological Response to Somatostatin Analogues

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Endocrinology
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Meningiomas are tumors that express somatostatin receptors, making somatostatin analogues a potential treatment option.
• Current treatment for meningiomas is limited to surgery and radiotherapy, with limited success in advanced cases.
• Somatostatin analogues exhibit antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties in vitro.

Observation:

• A 76-year-old male with unresectable meningioma, diagnosed at age 47, experienced disease progression despite multiple surgeries and radiotherapy.
• Octreoscan revealed tumor uptake, leading to treatment with extended-release somatostatin analogues (lanreotide).
• No clinical improvement was noted, but serial MRI scans demonstrated a continuous radiological response.

Findings:

• This case report details the first documented radiological response to somatostatin analogue therapy in a meningioma patient.
• The patient remained progression-free for over two years on continuous lanreotide administration.
• Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a discreet but sustained reduction in tumor size.

Implications:

• Somatostatin analogue therapy may offer a beneficial treatment option for highly selected meningioma cases.
• Treatment duration for somatostatin analogues in meningioma should be extended before assessing response.
• This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies for recurrent or unresectable meningiomas.