Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
09:53
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Skull-Base Plasmacytomas: A Systematic Review on Therapeutic Trends
Francisco Call-Orellana1, Kishore Balasubramanian2,3, Hanyu Qiu3
1Department of Neurosurgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Cancers
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Skull base plasmacytomas are rare tumors with consistent symptoms, but management varies. Multiple myeloma status significantly impacts survival, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Skull base plasmacytomas are rare plasma cell neoplasms.
- They originate from the clivus, sphenoid bone, and petrous apex.
- These tumors present with cranial neuropathies and risk progression to multiple myeloma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of skull base plasmacytomas.
- To identify evolving trends in the literature for these rare tumors.
- To provide insights for optimizing individualized care.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases.
- Analysis of 92 studies encompassing 118 patients.
- Extraction and analysis of data on demographics, symptoms, imaging, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Median age was 56 years; visual disturbances and headache were common symptoms.
- Middle and posterior cranial fossae were most involved, with cranial nerve VI most affected.
- Surgery was performed in 63.6% of cases; multiple myeloma status was the only independent predictor of survival.
Conclusions:
- Skull base plasmacytomas exhibit consistent clinical patterns but variable management.
- Surgical utilization is increasing, but survival benefit needs further clarification.
- Prospective multicenter studies are essential for optimizing patient care.
