Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of meningiomas, particularly focusing on clear cell meningioma (CCM) and its association with SMARCE1 deficiency. St Pierre et al. demonstrated that the loss of SMARCE1, a crucial component of the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, leads to a dependency on the canonical BAF complex, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for CCM (ref: St Pierre doi.org/10.1038/s41588-022-01077-0/). Furthermore, Ferreyra Vega et al. highlighted the intratumor genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity in both diffuse gliomas and meningiomas, emphasizing the need for tailored clinical diagnostics that consider this variability (ref: Ferreyra Vega doi.org/10.1038/s41379-022-01113-8/). Walsh et al. explored genetic pleiotropy, identifying a meningioma risk locus on chromosome 10p12 that overlaps with loci associated with breast and ovarian cancers, indicating shared hormonal risk factors among these tumor types (ref: Walsh doi.org/10.1093/noajnl/). Additionally, Fu et al. investigated the role of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes in promoting meningioma progression, revealing a novel pathway that underscores the importance of the tumor microenvironment in meningioma biology (ref: Fu doi.org/10.1155/2022/). Lastly, a scoping review by Palmisciano et al. examined the use of cesium-131 brachytherapy in brain tumors, including meningiomas, highlighting its potential to minimize complications while maximizing treatment efficacy (ref: Palmisciano doi.org/10.1007/s11060-022-04050-3/).

The investigation into environmental and risk factors associated with brain tumors has yielded critical insights, particularly regarding radon exposure and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Palmer et al. found a significant association between high residential radon and particulate pollution exposure with increased incidence rates of non-malignant tumors, including meningiomas, suggesting that environmental factors may play a crucial role in tumor development (ref: Palmer doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). In contrast, Shah et al. conducted a systematic review examining the relationship between TBI and subsequent brain tumor development, revealing ongoing debate in the literature about this potential link. Their findings indicate that while some studies suggest a correlation, the evidence remains inconclusive and warrants further investigation (ref: Shah doi.org/10.1007/s10143-022-01819-y/). Together, these studies underscore the complexity of environmental and lifestyle factors in the etiology of brain tumors, highlighting the need for comprehensive epidemiological research to clarify these associations.

Surgical techniques for meningioma treatment have evolved, with recent studies focusing on the efficacy of various approaches. Wijaya et al. conducted a systematic review on the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in managing petroclival meningiomas, concluding that SRS can be a viable treatment option, particularly for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery (ref: Wijaya doi.org/10.1007/s11060-022-04041-4/). Sykopetrites et al. reported on the otologic approach for posterior petrous surface meningiomas, finding that tumor involvement with the internal auditory canal significantly correlated with postoperative facial nerve function and hearing outcomes, emphasizing the importance of preoperative imaging in surgical planning (ref: Sykopetrites doi.org/10.1007/s00405-022-07442-3/). Starnoni et al. introduced a novel technique involving chiasmopexy for clinoidal meningiomas with cavernous sinus extension, which may improve surgical outcomes by protecting critical neurovascular structures (ref: Starnoni doi.org/10.1007/s00701-022-05281-z/). Additionally, Fitzgerald et al. explored the use of stimulated Raman histology for rapid intra-operative diagnosis, demonstrating its potential to enhance surgical decision-making in real-time (ref: Fitzgerald doi.org/10.1002/lary.30233/). These advancements reflect a trend towards more precise and less invasive surgical strategies in meningioma management.

Advancements in imaging techniques have significantly improved the diagnosis and management of brain tumors, particularly meningiomas. Zhang et al. evaluated the performance of compressed SENSE for 3D amide proton transfer weighted imaging, finding that while image quality was compromised at higher acceleration factors, it still provided valuable diagnostic information (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.876587/). Another study by Zhang et al. focused on differentiating meningiomas from gliomas using amide proton transfer imaging, suggesting that this technique could enhance the evaluation of tumor invasiveness and aid in treatment planning (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.886968/). Furthermore, Shono et al. introduced a segmentation workflow called threshold field painting, which significantly reduces the time required to segment fine structures such as cerebral arteries from MRI, potentially streamlining preoperative planning (ref: Shono doi.org/10.1007/s11548-022-02682-4/). These studies collectively highlight the ongoing evolution of imaging modalities that enhance the accuracy of brain tumor characterization and treatment strategies.

Research into the tumor microenvironment has revealed critical insights into meningioma progression and associated complications. El-Hajj et al. proposed a systematic review protocol to summarize current knowledge on spinal meningiomas, aiming to provide a structured evidence base for treatment strategies (ref: El-Hajj doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061614/). Kim et al. evaluated the incidence of symptomatic communicating hydrocephalus in patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors, finding that schwannoma patients had a significantly higher risk compared to those with meningiomas, suggesting differing tumor biology and microenvironmental interactions (ref: Kim doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2022.06.088/). Schiavolin et al. emphasized the need for standardized outcome measures in vascular and brain tumor surgery, proposing a minimum set of cognitive and patient-reported outcomes to improve comparability across studies (ref: Schiavolin doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-06162-0/). These findings underscore the importance of understanding the tumor microenvironment in developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

The exploration of prognostic factors and treatment strategies for meningiomas has yielded important findings that can guide clinical decision-making. Feng et al. conducted a population-based study to identify prognostic factors in elderly patients with malignant meningioma, revealing that gross total resection (GTR) significantly improves cancer-specific survival compared to biopsy, while subtotal resection (STR) showed no significant benefit (ref: Feng doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.913254/). Kent et al. reported long-term outcomes for patients with atypical and malignant meningiomas, noting that a higher Ki-67 index was associated with worse progression-free survival, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of this biomarker (ref: Kent doi.org/10.1016/j.adro.2021.100878/). Ryba et al. identified larger tumor size, older age, necrosis, and higher MIB-1 as independent risk factors for recurrence in atypical meningiomas, suggesting that these parameters should be considered when developing treatment plans (ref: Ryba doi.org/10.23736/S0390-5616.22.05741-1/). Collectively, these studies emphasize the importance of individualized treatment strategies based on prognostic factors to optimize outcomes for meningioma patients.

Innovative therapies and treatment modalities for meningiomas are gaining traction, with recent studies exploring novel approaches to enhance treatment efficacy. Palmisciano et al. reviewed the role of cesium-131 brachytherapy, highlighting its potential to minimize radiation-induced complications while maximizing clinical outcomes in brain tumor treatment (ref: Palmisciano doi.org/10.1007/s11060-022-04050-3/). Speckter et al. investigated the predictive value of MRI radiomics in assessing volumetric responses in meningiomas following gamma knife radiosurgery, marking a significant step towards personalized treatment strategies based on imaging biomarkers (ref: Speckter doi.org/10.1007/s11060-022-04063-y/). Additionally, Li et al. analyzed treatment outcomes for intracranial solitary fibrous tumors, finding that GTR significantly reduced recurrence rates compared to STR, underscoring the importance of surgical intervention in managing these tumors (ref: Li doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2022.06.089/). These findings reflect a growing emphasis on integrating innovative therapies and personalized approaches to improve treatment outcomes for patients with meningiomas.