Meningioma Research Summary

Epidemiology and Incidence of Meningiomas

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors, accounting for approximately 39% of all central nervous system tumors. The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate for all malignant and non-malignant brain tumors is reported at 24.83 per 100,000 population, with malignant tumors at 6.94 and non-malignant at 17.88. In pediatric populations (ages 0-19), the incidence rate is notably lower at 6.13 per 100,000. Survival rates vary significantly between malignant and non-malignant cases, with a five-year relative survival rate of 35.7% for malignant tumors and 91.8% for non-malignant tumors (ref: Ostrom doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). Recent studies have identified genetic and molecular factors contributing to meningioma development, including the activation of Hedgehog signaling in 6.5% of cases, often linked to mutations in pathway mediators like SMO. Notably, 35.6% of meningiomas without known drivers exhibit structural variations on chromosomes 2q35 and 7q36.3, indicating a complex genetic landscape (ref: Youngblood doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41926-y/). Furthermore, a multicenter cohort study on grade 3 meningiomas has provided insights into survival and recurrence outcomes, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive data on this rare subtype (ref: Tosefsky doi.org/10.3171/2023.6.JNS23465/).

Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms in Meningiomas

The molecular landscape of meningiomas has been significantly elucidated through recent studies, particularly focusing on DNA methylation and chromosomal alterations. A comprehensive analysis of patients undergoing high-dose radiotherapy revealed that loss of chromosome 1p and specific DNA methylation classes serve as independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival in WHO grade 2 and 3 meningiomas (ref: Maas doi.org/10.1007/s00401-023-02642-5/). Additionally, the development of deep learning models for predicting tumor grades and pathologic marker expression has shown promise in enhancing preoperative decision-making, indicating a shift towards more personalized approaches in meningioma management (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1007/s00330-023-10258-2/). A systematic review of meningioma animal models has also highlighted the variability in tumor take rates and the methodological quality of studies, underscoring the need for standardized models to better understand tumor biology and treatment responses (ref: Andersen doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04620-7/).

Treatment Approaches and Outcomes for Meningiomas

Treatment strategies for meningiomas vary widely, with surgical resection being the primary approach, often supplemented by radiotherapy. A systematic review of single-fraction and hypofractionated radiosurgery for perioptic meningiomas reported a visual stability rate of 90.4%, with significant improvements in visual outcomes for a subset of patients (ref: Peters doi.org/10.1007/s10143-023-02197-9/). Furthermore, the impact of tumor location on the development of radiation necrosis has been explored, revealing that skull base tumors are more prone to this complication, which complicates treatment outcomes (ref: Demetz doi.org/10.3390/cancers15194760/). In a comparative study of surgical versus stereotactic radiotherapy in cats, surgery was associated with longer median survival times, suggesting that surgical intervention may be more effective in certain cases (ref: Tichenor doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.02.0083/). These findings emphasize the importance of tailoring treatment approaches based on individual tumor characteristics and patient factors.

Radiotherapy and Imaging Techniques in Meningioma Management

Advancements in imaging techniques and radiotherapy have significantly influenced the management of meningiomas. A study investigating the use of tranexamic acid during meningioma resection found that while it reduces intraoperative blood loss, it may increase the risk of thromboembolic complications (ref: Nguyen doi.org/10.3171/2023.7.JNS23849/). Additionally, changes in radiomic features post-radiation therapy have been analyzed, revealing that specific radiomic characteristics can provide insights into treatment efficacy and tumor behavior (ref: Jo doi.org/10.1186/s12880-023-01116-0/). The establishment of a public dataset for grade 1 and 2 meningioma MRIs aims to enhance reproducibility in radiomics research, which is crucial for developing predictive models in clinical practice (ref: Vassantachart doi.org/10.1002/mp.16763/). These studies collectively highlight the evolving role of imaging and radiotherapy in optimizing meningioma treatment and monitoring.

Seizure Management and Neurological Outcomes

Seizures are a common complication associated with meningiomas, and recent studies have focused on identifying predictors for seizure outcomes post-resection. A study indicated that preoperative seizures significantly increase the likelihood of remaining on antiseizure medication at six months post-surgery, with specific tumor characteristics such as location and calcifications also influencing outcomes (ref: Ellis doi.org/10.1007/s11060-023-04481-6/). Another investigation into the role of mechano-gated potassium channels suggested that variations in potassium channel expression levels in cortical tissue could be linked to seizure activity, providing potential targets for therapeutic intervention (ref: Bogdanović doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20761/). Furthermore, a clinical-radiomics model was developed to predict meningioma subtype based on MRI features, which may aid in preoperative planning and seizure management (ref: Han doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2023.09.119/). These findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing seizures and improving neurological outcomes for patients with meningiomas.

Animal Models and Preclinical Studies of Meningiomas

Animal models play a crucial role in understanding meningioma biology and testing new therapeutic strategies. A systematic review highlighted the diversity of meningioma model types and conducted a meta-analysis on tumor take rates, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies to enhance the reliability of preclinical findings (ref: Andersen doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04620-7/). Additionally, studies on feline meningiomas have provided insights into treatment outcomes, revealing that surgical intervention leads to significantly longer median survival times compared to stereotactic radiotherapy (ref: Tichenor doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.02.0083/). The evaluation of radiomic features in meningiomas post-radiation therapy has also been initiated, which may pave the way for more personalized treatment approaches based on tumor characteristics (ref: Jo doi.org/10.1186/s12880-023-01116-0/). These findings collectively highlight the importance of animal models in bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application in meningioma treatment.

Clinical and Surgical Considerations in Meningioma Treatment

Clinical and surgical considerations are paramount in the management of meningiomas, particularly regarding surgical approaches and postoperative outcomes. The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for tuberculum sellae meningiomas has been shown to be effective, promoting gross-total resection while preserving optic apparatus vascularization, which is critical for visual outcomes (ref: Bove doi.org/10.3171/2023.7.JNS23437/). Intraventricular meningiomas present unique surgical challenges, with studies indicating that visual field deficits can arise both preoperatively and postoperatively, necessitating careful surgical planning (ref: Andrews doi.org/10.3171/2023.7.JNS23680/). Furthermore, the influence of facility type on treatment outcomes has been examined, revealing disparities in overall survival based on the type of healthcare facility, which underscores the importance of access to specialized care in improving patient outcomes (ref: Brown doi.org/10.3171/2023.6.JNS231145/). These insights emphasize the need for a tailored approach to surgical management and the consideration of facility capabilities in optimizing treatment strategies.

Key Highlights

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