Intracranial Meningiomas Decrease in Volume on Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Discontinuing Progestin

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The effect of progestin therapy on meningiomas is not well understood.
• Intracranial meningiomas are tumors that can be influenced by hormonal factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between the growth patterns of intracranial meningiomas and the use of cyproterone acetate (PCA).

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 108 women with 262 intracranial meningiomas, documenting PCA use.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure meningioma volume changes and growth velocities after PCA cessation.

Main Results:

• Ninety-one percent of meningiomas regressed or stabilized after stopping PCA.
• Meningioma growth velocity significantly changed from growth during PCA use (0.25 mm³/day) to shrinkage after withdrawal (-0.54 mm³/day).

Conclusions:

• Intracranial meningiomas in patients using PCA show significant regression or stabilization upon PCA discontinuation.
• PCA significantly impacts meningioma growth kinetics, promoting growth during use and shrinkage after withdrawal.