Recent research has significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of meningiomas, particularly focusing on specific genetic variants and their clinical implications. A study by Castilla-Vallmanya et al. explored the phenotypic spectrum and transcriptomic profiles associated with germline variants in TRAF7, revealing that these variants are linked to developmental syndromes characterized by various anomalies. The study provided a comprehensive analysis of the clinical and mutational spectrum associated with TRAF7, highlighting its role in meningioma pathogenesis (ref: Castilla-Vallmanya doi.org/10.1038/s41436-020-0792-7/). Additionally, Ahrendsen et al. identified multiple whole chromosomal gains that define angiomatous meningiomas, differentiating them from nonangiomatous variants through advanced chromosomal analysis techniques. This distinction is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning (ref: Ahrendsen doi.org/10.1093/jnen/). Furthermore, the study by Gauchotte et al. emphasized the prognostic value of histopathological features, particularly the loss of H3K27me3 immunolabeling in anaplastic meningiomas, indicating that patients with high mitotic indices have significantly shorter overall survival compared to those with atypical meningiomas (ref: Gauchotte doi.org/10.1093/jnen/). Collectively, these studies underscore the importance of genetic and molecular analyses in understanding meningioma biology and improving patient outcomes.

Innovative surgical techniques are transforming the management of meningiomas, particularly those located in challenging anatomical regions. Guo et al. demonstrated the utility of 3D-printed models in skull base meningioma surgeries, which enhance anatomical visualization and assist in surgical planning, ultimately leading to improved surgical outcomes (ref: Guo doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.28/). Snyderman et al. introduced the endoscopic contralateral transmaxillary approach, which optimizes access to the petroclival region, allowing for better tumor resection while minimizing risks to critical structures such as the internal carotid artery (ref: Snyderman doi.org/10.1002/lary.28740/). Moreover, Deng et al. identified significant risk factors for postoperative pneumonia in patients undergoing microsurgery for posterior fossa meningiomas, emphasizing the need for careful preoperative assessment and management strategies to mitigate these risks (ref: Deng doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03880/). These advancements highlight the ongoing evolution of surgical techniques aimed at enhancing the safety and efficacy of meningioma treatment.

Understanding prognostic factors is crucial for predicting clinical outcomes in meningioma patients. Ukai et al. found that a recurrence interval of less than one year significantly correlates with increased mortality in patients with grade 2 meningiomas, underscoring the importance of timely intervention and monitoring (ref: Ukai doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.05.145/). Yu et al. investigated the origins of pineal meningiomas, revealing distinct clinical features and surgical outcomes that could inform treatment strategies (ref: Yu doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-01783-4/). Additionally, Soni et al. provided insights into clear cell meningiomas, demonstrating that adjuvant radiotherapy and gross total resection are associated with improved progression-free survival, although not overall survival (ref: Soni doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.05.120/). These findings collectively emphasize the need for personalized treatment approaches based on individual prognostic factors and tumor characteristics.

Radiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the management of meningiomas, particularly in recurrent or refractory cases. Fabiano et al. explored the optimization of combined proton-photon treatments, demonstrating that limited proton fractions can be effectively utilized in multimodal therapies, enhancing treatment robustness against uncertainties in proton range (ref: Fabiano doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.04.029/). Hrachova et al. conducted a retrospective study on the safety and efficacy of Sandostatin LAR for recurrent meningiomas, revealing that patients with small skull-based tumors had favorable progression-free survival outcomes (ref: Hrachova doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00373/). Furthermore, Zhang et al. identified differentially expressed microRNAs in radioresistant and radiosensitive atypical meningiomas, providing potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.00501/). These studies highlight the critical role of radiotherapy and the need for ongoing research to refine treatment strategies for meningioma patients.

The histopathological characteristics of meningiomas are essential for diagnosis and treatment planning. Chu et al. developed a radiomics prediction model based on MRI enhanced T1-weighted images, which effectively classified meningioma grades, thereby aiding in preoperative decision-making (ref: Chu doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2020.03.034/). Di Carlo et al. conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on petroclival meningiomas, revealing a 68% complete resection rate and highlighting the risk of postoperative cranial nerve deficits associated with different surgical approaches (ref: Di Carlo doi.org/10.1007/s00701-020-04395-6/). Ye et al. examined factors related to postoperative recurrence in atypical meningiomas, finding that the extent of resection significantly influences recurrence rates (ref: Ye doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.00503/). These findings underscore the importance of histopathological assessment and imaging techniques in guiding treatment and predicting outcomes for meningioma patients.

Recent studies have shed light on the immunological aspects of meningiomas, revealing the impact of immune cell infiltration on patient prognosis. Chen et al. utilized a metagene approach to analyze tumor-infiltrating immune cells, identifying 22 distinct immune cell types and their correlation with survival outcomes in meningioma patients (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1042/BSR20200538/). Portet et al. investigated hormonal receptor expression in meningiomas, finding a high prevalence of androgen receptors, particularly in spinal meningiomas, which may have implications for targeted therapies (ref: Portet doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.04.168/). Additionally, Pranckeviciene et al. explored the relationship between preoperative cognitive functioning and inflammatory markers in glioma and meningioma patients, suggesting that cardiovascular comorbidities may influence cognitive outcomes (ref: Pranckeviciene doi.org/10.1155/2020/). These studies highlight the complex interplay between the immune system and meningioma biology, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Advancements in diagnostic imaging and biomarker identification are enhancing the management of meningiomas. Deng et al. identified key risk factors for postoperative pneumonia in patients with posterior fossa meningiomas, emphasizing the importance of preoperative assessments to mitigate complications (ref: Deng doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03880/). Dotto et al. assessed visual function in patients with orbital and intracranial tumors using visually evoked potentials, providing insights into the functional impact of these tumors on patients (ref: Dotto doi.org/10.1177/1120672120925643/). Zhang et al. also contributed to the field by identifying differentially expressed microRNAs in atypical meningiomas, which may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.00501/). These findings underscore the critical role of imaging and biomarker research in improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for meningioma patients.

The impact of treatment on patient outcomes and quality of life following meningioma management is a crucial area of research. Snyderman et al. highlighted the benefits of the endoscopic contralateral transmaxillary approach in improving surgical outcomes for skull base tumors, which may enhance patients' quality of life post-surgery (ref: Snyderman doi.org/10.1002/lary.28740/). Esmaeilzadeh et al. discussed the challenges of managing intracranial emergencies during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment approaches that consider both maternal and fetal health (ref: Esmaeilzadeh doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105905/). Furthermore, Pranckeviciene et al. explored the relationship between preoperative cognitive functioning and inflammatory markers, suggesting that addressing cardiovascular comorbidities may improve cognitive outcomes in meningioma patients (ref: Pranckeviciene doi.org/10.1155/2020/). These studies collectively underscore the importance of considering patient-centered outcomes in the management of meningiomas.