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Meningioma: A Pathology Perspective.
Angus Toland1, Kristin Huntoon2, Sonika M Dahiya3
1Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Neurosurgery
|February 15, 2021
Summary
Meningiomas, common brain tumors, are increasingly understood through genetic and epigenetic factors. Research highlights mutations and DNA methylation for better tumor grading and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Meningiomas are common intracranial neoplasms, predominantly affecting females and classified by the World Health Organization into three grades.
- While most meningiomas are low-grade, 15-20% exhibit aggressive behavior, posing significant clinical challenges.
- Genetic factors, including neurofibromatosis type 2 mutations and germline mutations in genes like SMARCE1, SUFU, PTEN, and BAP1, are implicated in approximately 80% of tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations in meningioma classification and prognosis.
- To investigate the potential of deoxyribonucleic acid methylation as an objective measure for meningioma grading.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on meningioma genetics and epigenetics.
- Analysis of World Health Organization classification criteria for meningiomas.
Main Results:
- Approximately 80% of meningiomas are associated with specific genetic mutations.
- Germline mutations in SMARCE1, SUFU, PTEN, and BAP1 are identified in familial cases.
- Epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, are emerging as valuable prognostic indicators.
Conclusions:
- Genetic and epigenetic factors play a crucial role in meningioma development and behavior.
- Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation analysis may offer an objective approach to complement current subjective meningioma grading systems.
- Further research into these molecular markers could improve patient stratification and treatment strategies for meningiomas.
