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Published on: May 26, 2023
Longitudinal experience with WHO Grade III (anaplastic) meningiomas at a single institution
Suresh K Balasubramanian1,2, Mayur Sharma2,3, Danilo Silva2,3
1Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Abstract:
To retrospectively analyze and assess the outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with anaplastic meningioma (AM) (WHO Grade III). Clinical data and outcome [overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival] from 18 patients with Grade III meningioma (AM, based on World Health Organization 2016 definition) initially treated between March 2000 and June 2015 were analyzed. Eleven patients (61%) were male, median age at diagnosis was 63 (range 48-86), and 55% (10/18 patients) had good performance status (KPS ≥ 80). Eight patients (45%) had lower grade disease (Grade I-n = 2; Grade II-n = 6) prior to being upgraded to AM. Ten patients had fractionated radiation after primary surgery, eight patients had salvage fractionated RT, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) boost along with primary RT in 1 patient, and salvage SRS to 18 separate areas in 14 patients. Salvage chemotherapy was mainly considered in third or fourth recurrences. 13 (72%) patients recurred and 10 (56%) have died. Median PFS was 14.5 months (95% CI 6.9-22.2). The 5-year survival rate was 40 ± 15% and median OS was 55.8 months (95% CI 27.7-80.3). Of all factors examined, only Karnofsky performance status (KPS) affected outcome (PFS p = 0.0003; OS p = 0.0003). With median OS of 55 months (4.6 years) our results are consistent with existing reports of the poor outcomes for AM patients. From the available data, surgical resection followed by RT and salvage radiosurgery and/or chemotherapy can lead to extended survival; however the benefit may decrease with successive treatments.
Insights
Anaplastic meningioma (WHO Grade III) has poor outcomes, with a median overall survival of 55.8 months. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) is the only significant prognostic factor for survival in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Anaplastic meningioma (AM), classified as WHO Grade III, represents an aggressive subtype of meningioma.
- AM is associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with AM.
- To evaluate the impact of various treatment modalities on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 18 patients diagnosed with AM (WHO 2016 definition).
- Patients were treated between March 2000 and June 2015.
- Outcomes including OS and PFS were assessed, and prognostic factors were examined.
Main Results:
- The median PFS was 14.5 months, and the median OS was 55.8 months.
- A 5-year survival rate of 40% was observed.
- Only Karnofsky performance status (KPS ≥ 80) significantly impacted both PFS and OS (p < 0.0003).
Conclusions:
- Anaplastic meningioma (WHO Grade III) is associated with poor outcomes, consistent with existing literature.
- While surgical resection followed by radiation therapy (RT), radiosurgery, and chemotherapy may extend survival, benefits may diminish with repeated treatments.
- Karnofsky performance status (KPS) is a critical prognostic indicator for AM patients.

