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Novel Advances in Treatment of Meningiomas: Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications
Gerardo Caruso1, Rosamaria Ferrarotto1, Antonello Curcio1
1Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Unit of Neurosurgery, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
Meningiomas are the most frequent histotypes of tumors of the central nervous system. Their incidence is approximately 35% of all primary brain tumors. Although they have the status of benign lesions, meningiomas are often associated with a decreased quality of life due to focal neurological deficits that may be related. The optimal treatment is total resection. Histological grading is the most important prognostic factor. Recently, molecular alterations have been identified that are specifically related to particular phenotypes and, probably, are also responsible for grading, site, and prognostic trend. Meningiomas recur in 10-25% of cases. In these cases, and in patients with atypical or anaplastic meningiomas, the methods of approach are relatively insufficient. To date, data on the molecular biology, genetics, and epigenetics of meningiomas are insufficient. To achieve an optimal treatment strategy, it is necessary to identify the mechanisms that regulate tumor formation and progression. Combination therapies affecting multiple molecular targets are currently opening up and have significant promise as adjuvant therapeutic options. We review the most recent literature to identify studies investigating recent therapeutic treatments recently used for meningiomas.
Insights
Meningiomas, common brain tumors, often impact quality of life. Research is exploring molecular targets for better treatment strategies and combination therapies for recurrent or aggressive meningiomas.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Meningiomas represent 35% of primary brain tumors, frequently causing neurological deficits and reduced quality of life.
- While often benign, meningiomas can recur in 10-25% of cases, with limited treatment options for atypical, anaplastic, or recurrent forms.
- Current understanding of meningioma molecular biology, genetics, and epigenetics remains insufficient for optimal treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on therapeutic treatments for meningiomas.
- To identify molecular alterations linked to meningioma phenotypes, grading, and prognosis.
- To explore the potential of combination therapies targeting multiple molecular pathways.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent scientific literature on meningioma treatments.
- Analysis of studies investigating molecular alterations in meningiomas.
- Evaluation of emerging combination therapy approaches.
Main Results:
- Molecular alterations are increasingly identified as key factors in meningioma grading, site, and prognosis.
- Combination therapies targeting multiple molecular pathways show promise as adjuvant treatment options.
- Further research into the molecular mechanisms of meningioma formation and progression is necessary.
Conclusions:
- Optimal treatment strategies for meningiomas require a deeper understanding of their molecular underpinnings.
- Emerging molecularly targeted and combination therapies offer new hope for managing recurrent and aggressive meningiomas.
- Continued investigation into meningioma genetics and epigenetics is crucial for advancing patient care.
