Meningioma Research Summary

Meningioma Diagnosis and Treatment

Recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas have focused on improving surgical outcomes and understanding tumor characteristics. A study by Yin introduced a novel method for quantifying meningioma-brain adhesion using MR elastography-based slip interface imaging, which involved a cohort of 47 patients. This method provided normalized octahedral shear strain (NOSS) values, enhancing the visualization of tumor adhesion and potentially guiding surgical approaches (ref: Yin doi.org/10.1007/s00330-021-07918-6/). In terms of survival predictors, Da Broi identified advanced age and a preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) of less than 70 as significant negative predictors for overall survival in patients with subtotally resected WHO Grade I skull base meningiomas, emphasizing the importance of preoperative assessments in surgical planning (ref: Da Broi doi.org/10.3390/cancers13061451/). Furthermore, Song's comparative study on proton versus photon therapy revealed that while proton therapy was linked to higher rates of T1c+T2 changes, both therapies showed comparable survival outcomes, indicating that treatment choice may depend on individual patient factors (ref: Song doi.org/10.1007/s11060-021-03758-y/). Peer’s investigation into multiparametric MRI highlighted its utility in differentiating chordoid meningiomas from other subtypes, with specific imaging metrics showing promising sensitivity and specificity (ref: Peer doi.org/10.1007/s00234-021-02690-2/). Lastly, the study by Unteroberdörster assessed the applicability of the 2016 WHO classification in predicting recurrence risk in atypical meningiomas, revealing a trend towards shorter progression-free survival with increasing histologic criteria (ref: Unteroberdörster doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1720987/).

Neurofibromatosis and Related Tumors

Research on neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2 (NF1 and NF2) has highlighted the complexities of managing associated tumors, particularly meningiomas. Dhaenens conducted a modified Delphi procedure to identify challenges in neurofibromatosis, with patient representatives emphasizing the significant impact of plexiform neurofibromas in NF1 and vestibular schwannomas in NF2 (ref: Dhaenens doi.org/10.1038/s41431-021-00892-z/). Kertels explored peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) as a treatment for NF2 patients with multifocal meningiomas, demonstrating that this systemic therapy could be beneficial, with patients undergoing multiple cycles showing potential for tumor control (ref: Kertels doi.org/10.1097/RLU.0000000000003627/). Additionally, Behling's study on somatostatin receptor expression in meningiomas found that older patients exhibited higher expression levels of certain receptors, which may influence treatment strategies and outcomes (ref: Behling doi.org/10.1007/s10143-021-01552-y/). These findings collectively underscore the need for tailored therapeutic approaches in neurofibromatosis-related tumors, considering both genetic predispositions and tumor biology.

CNS Tumor Epidemiology and Incidence

The epidemiology of central nervous system (CNS) tumors, particularly meningiomas, has been the focus of recent studies aimed at understanding incidence trends and risk factors. Wanis reported on the incidence of major primary brain tumor subtypes in adults in England from 1995 to 2017, providing critical data on demographic variations and morphological subtypes, which can inform public health strategies (ref: Wanis doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). Pettersson-Segerlind investigated the relationship between pregnancy and meningioma incidence, finding no significant increase in cases during or after pregnancy, which challenges previous assumptions about hormonal influences on tumor growth (ref: Pettersson-Segerlind doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88742-2/). Furthermore, Guerrini-Rousseau emphasized the importance of cancer surveillance in patients with Gorlin syndrome, noting the need for regular MRI scans to monitor for meningiomas, thereby highlighting the genetic predisposition to tumor development in this population (ref: Guerrini-Rousseau doi.org/10.1007/s10689-021-00247-z/). Together, these studies contribute to a deeper understanding of the epidemiological landscape of CNS tumors and the factors influencing their incidence.

Radiation Therapy and Effects

The impact of radiation therapy on meningioma treatment and its associated effects has garnered significant attention in recent research. Peer's study on multiparametric MRI provided insights into differentiating meningioma subtypes, which is crucial for tailoring radiation therapy approaches (ref: Peer doi.org/10.1007/s00234-021-02690-2/). Song's comparative analysis of proton and photon therapy revealed that while proton therapy resulted in higher rates of T1c+T2 changes, both modalities had comparable survival outcomes, suggesting that the choice of therapy should be individualized based on patient characteristics and tumor specifics (ref: Song doi.org/10.1007/s11060-021-03758-y/). Additionally, Yoshida's exploration of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) fusion techniques for vascular assessment in skull base meningiomas demonstrated the potential for enhanced surgical planning and outcomes by accurately visualizing tumor vasculature (ref: Yoshida doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2021.04.065/). Collectively, these studies highlight the evolving landscape of radiation therapy in meningioma management, emphasizing the need for precise imaging and individualized treatment strategies.

Molecular and Genetic Profiling of Tumors

Molecular and genetic profiling has emerged as a pivotal area in understanding meningioma behavior and treatment responses. Meta's research highlighted the prognostic value of DNA methylation signatures in classifying meningiomas, demonstrating that these profiles can better stratify patients based on recurrence risk compared to traditional histological methods (ref: Meta doi.org/10.3390/cancers13061262/). Bukva's investigation into serum-derived extracellular vesicles using Raman spectroscopy suggested that these molecular components could serve as non-invasive diagnostic tools for CNS tumors, potentially aiding in early detection and monitoring (ref: Bukva doi.org/10.3390/cancers13061407/). Zima's study on atypical meningiomas found that prior recurrence and extent of resection were significant predictors of local recurrence, emphasizing the importance of thorough surgical intervention and follow-up in managing these tumors (ref: Zima doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4444/). Together, these findings underscore the critical role of molecular profiling in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and informing treatment decisions in meningioma management.

Surgical Approaches and Techniques

Surgical techniques for meningioma resection have evolved, with recent studies providing insights into the effectiveness of various approaches. Lin's analysis of microsurgical treatment for petroclival meningiomas revealed that the Kawase approach yielded higher rates of Simpson grade I resection compared to the retrosigmoid approach, suggesting that specific surgical techniques may influence outcomes (ref: Lin doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.627736/). Barone's retrospective study on Gamma Knife ICON treatment for intracranial meningiomas indicated that targeted radiation therapy could be effective even for larger tumors, with a mean marginal dose of 13 Gy showing promising results (ref: Barone doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11030375/). Additionally, Unteroberdörster's work on the WHO classification of brain tumors highlighted the relevance of histological features in predicting recurrence risk, reinforcing the need for meticulous surgical planning and execution (ref: Unteroberdörster doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1720987/). These studies collectively emphasize the importance of refining surgical techniques and utilizing classification systems to enhance patient outcomes in meningioma treatment.

Postoperative Outcomes and Cognitive Function

The assessment of postoperative outcomes, particularly cognitive function, in patients undergoing meningioma surgery has gained attention in recent studies. Bette's prospective study evaluated cognitive functions in patients with benign intracranial lesions, revealing that extensive cognitive testing is essential for understanding the impact of surgery on attention, memory, and executive functions (ref: Bette doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88061-6/). Passamonti's investigation into extracellular vesicle levels post-surgery aimed to identify patients at risk for postoperative pulmonary embolism, highlighting a potential biomarker for complications in this patient population (ref: Passamonti doi.org/10.1007/s11239-021-02441-3/). These findings underscore the importance of monitoring cognitive and physical outcomes following meningioma surgery, as they can significantly influence patient quality of life and recovery trajectories.

Emerging Diagnostic Techniques

Emerging diagnostic techniques for meningiomas are enhancing the accuracy of tumor characterization and treatment planning. Da Broi's study identified advanced age and preoperative KPS as independent predictors of survival in subtotally resected skull base meningiomas, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preoperative evaluations (ref: Da Broi doi.org/10.3390/cancers13061451/). Kertels explored the application of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in NF2 patients, suggesting that this targeted approach could be beneficial for managing multifocal meningiomas (ref: Kertels doi.org/10.1097/RLU.0000000000003627/). Zhang's application of magnetic resonance fingerprinting demonstrated its potential in differentiating between meningioma subtypes, with high diagnostic efficacy indicated by area under the curve (AUC) values (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.21037/qims-20-732/). These studies highlight the ongoing advancements in diagnostic methodologies, which are crucial for improving patient outcomes and tailoring treatment strategies.

Key Highlights

  • A new method for quantifying meningioma-brain adhesion using MR elastography was developed, enhancing surgical planning (ref: Yin doi.org/10.1007/s00330-021-07918-6/).
  • Advanced age and preoperative KPS < 70 were identified as negative predictors for overall survival in skull base meningiomas (ref: Da Broi doi.org/10.3390/cancers13061451/).
  • Proton therapy showed higher rates of T1c+T2 changes compared to photon therapy, but both had comparable survival outcomes (ref: Song doi.org/10.1007/s11060-021-03758-y/).
  • Multiparametric MRI effectively differentiated chordoid meningiomas from other subtypes with high sensitivity and specificity (ref: Peer doi.org/10.1007/s00234-021-02690-2/).
  • Neurofibromatosis patients showed significant challenges, with PRRT emerging as a potential treatment for multifocal meningiomas (ref: Kertels doi.org/10.1097/RLU.0000000000003627/).
  • The incidence of primary brain tumors in England was comprehensively analyzed, revealing demographic variations (ref: Wanis doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/).
  • Postoperative cognitive function assessments are crucial for understanding the impact of surgery on patients with benign intracranial lesions (ref: Bette doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88061-6/).
  • Magnetic resonance fingerprinting demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy in differentiating meningioma subtypes (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.21037/qims-20-732/).

Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summarization. Please refer to the cited articles before making any clinical or scientific decisions.