Research on meningioma tumors

Genetic and Molecular Insights in Meningiomas

Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic and molecular landscape of meningiomas, particularly focusing on the role of TERT mutations and BAP1 deficiency. One study analyzed TERT expression in meningiomas, revealing that grade 1 tumors with TERT expression had a progression-free survival (PFS) comparable to TERT-negative grade 2 tumors, while grade 2 tumors with TERT expression showed similar PFS to TERT-negative grade 3 tumors (ref: Gui doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(25)00267-0/). Another investigation found that 4.73% of meningiomas were TERTp-mutant, with a median age of 67 years for affected patients, highlighting demographic differences in tumor types (ref: Groff doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(25)00422-X/). Furthermore, BAP1-deficient meningiomas, often associated with a high risk of relapse, were identified through specific methylation classes, indicating the need for careful histomolecular diagnosis (ref: Drabent doi.org/10.1111/nan.70042/). The identification of circRNA and its correlation with clinical features in recurrent grade 2 meningiomas adds another layer to the molecular understanding, suggesting that circPIM1 may play a role in tumor recurrence (ref: Sotera doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178263/). Additionally, NOTCH3's involvement in fatty acid oxidation and ferroptosis resistance in aggressive meningiomas underscores its potential as a therapeutic target (ref: Sadagopan doi.org/10.1007/s11060-025-05208-5/). Lastly, functional connectivity alterations in patients with olfactory groove meningiomas were observed using resting-state fMRI, indicating the broader implications of meningiomas on brain networks (ref: Filimonova doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1644138/).

Clinical Outcomes and Treatment Strategies

Clinical outcomes for meningioma patients have been influenced by various treatment strategies, particularly preoperative embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). A study demonstrated that preoperative embolization significantly improves local control and alters gene expression in atypical WHO grade 2 meningiomas, suggesting a beneficial role in managing this subgroup (ref: Haddad doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). The relative risk of meningioma diagnosis was notably higher in women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, with a calculated relative risk of 2.43, indicating a potential link between hormonal treatments and meningioma incidence (ref: Xiao doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.3011/). A comprehensive analysis of SRS outcomes revealed that primary SRS had a lower progression rate compared to salvage SRS, with 8.33% and 22.5% progression rates, respectively, emphasizing the importance of timing in treatment (ref: Wei doi.org/10.1227/neu.0000000000003759/). Furthermore, radiotherapy was shown to yield favorable outcomes in high-risk meningioma patients, with WHO grade 3 tumors identified as significant adverse prognostic factors (ref: Kim doi.org/10.3857/roj.2025.00248/). The necessity of ICU admission post-surgery was evaluated, leading to a proposed risk-based approach that appears both safe and feasible, potentially optimizing postoperative care (ref: Raclot doi.org/10.1016/j.neuchi.2025.101718/).

Radiological and Imaging Techniques

Innovative imaging techniques have emerged as critical tools for assessing meningiomas, particularly through the application of radiomics and advanced MRI analysis. A study aimed at identifying predictors of tumor growth utilized quantitative radiomics features from MRI data, revealing significant differences in features between growing and non-growing tumors (ref: Oi doi.org/10.1007/s11060-025-05186-8/). The prevalence and surgical outcomes of spinal meningiomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) were also explored, highlighting the longer time to surgery for NF2-related cases compared to sporadic tumors (ref: Deboeuf doi.org/10.1007/s11060-025-05231-6/). Moreover, the integration of Somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-directed PET/CT in radiation therapy planning for low-grade skull base meningiomas was investigated, emphasizing its potential to enhance gross tumor volume delineation (ref: Fuchs doi.org/10.1186/s13014-025-02718-4/). Additionally, non-invasive prediction of tumor grade through shape-based radiomics features was explored, indicating a promising avenue for early identification of aggressive meningiomas (ref: Diebold doi.org/10.1007/s00062-025-01560-1/). These advancements underscore the importance of imaging in guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Epidemiological studies have shed light on the incidence and risk factors associated with meningiomas, revealing significant geographic variations and potential hormonal influences. A county-level analysis indicated that the incidence of nonmalignant meningiomas in the U.S. varied threefold between the highest and lowest incidence states, suggesting that demographic and healthcare factors may play a role in these disparities (ref: Withrow doi.org/10.1002/cncr.70042/). The use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate was linked to a relative risk of 2.43 for meningioma diagnosis, highlighting the need for further investigation into hormonal influences on tumor development (ref: Xiao doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.3011/). Additionally, a Mendelian randomization analysis found that higher genetically predicted fat distribution was associated with decreased risks of meningioma, suggesting a complex interplay between obesity-related factors and tumor risk (ref: Hazelwood doi.org/10.1093/jnci/). These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the multifactorial nature of meningioma risk and the potential for targeted prevention strategies.

Histopathology and Tumor Characteristics

Histopathological studies have provided insights into the characteristics and prognostic factors of meningiomas, particularly focusing on surface marker patterns and architectural features. One study analyzed the correlation between surface marker expression and clinical outcomes, finding no significant links to recurrence but a notable negative correlation between progesterone receptor expression and mortality related to the tumor (ref: Blum doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111603/). The trabecular architecture of meningiomas was identified as a potential indicator of BAP1 deficiency, which is associated with poor prognosis, underscoring the importance of histological evaluation in predicting patient outcomes (ref: Okuno doi.org/10.1007/s10014-025-00516-0/). Furthermore, alterations in brain network connectivity were observed in patients with olfactory groove meningiomas, suggesting that tumor location may influence functional outcomes (ref: Filimonova doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1644138/). These findings highlight the significance of histopathological characteristics in guiding clinical management and prognostication.

Surgical Techniques and Postoperative Care

Surgical techniques and postoperative care strategies for meningioma patients have evolved, focusing on minimizing complications and optimizing recovery. A study evaluating dural repair techniques after intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks found that multilayer closure methods were effective, with 87 patients included in the analysis (ref: Reyes Medina doi.org/10.1007/s10143-025-03831-4/). The outcomes of transorbital endoscopic skull base surgery were also assessed, revealing trends toward improvement in ophthalmic outcomes, although statistical significance was not achieved (ref: Austria doi.org/10.1097/IOP.0000000000003091/). Additionally, a risk-based approach to ICU admission following intracranial meningioma surgery was proposed, demonstrating safety and feasibility in managing postoperative care (ref: Raclot doi.org/10.1016/j.neuchi.2025.101718/). The association between postoperative anti-NMDAR encephalitis and meningioma resection was highlighted in a case report, emphasizing the need for awareness of potential autoimmune complications in the postoperative period (ref: Xie doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000011902/). These advancements reflect a growing emphasis on tailored surgical approaches and careful postoperative monitoring to enhance patient outcomes.

Innovative Therapeutic Approaches

Innovative therapeutic approaches for meningiomas have emerged, focusing on hormonal treatments and surgical interventions. A study on the volumetric changes of osteomeningiomas after the withdrawal of cyproterone acetate revealed differential responses in the meningeal and intraosseous components, suggesting that hormonal influences may affect tumor dynamics (ref: Constanthin doi.org/10.3171/2025.4.JNS25252/). The prevalence and surgical outcomes of spinal meningiomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 were evaluated, indicating longer times to surgery for NF2-related cases compared to sporadic tumors (ref: Deboeuf doi.org/10.1007/s11060-025-05231-6/). Furthermore, a retrospective cohort study assessed the surgical outcomes of ventrally located cervical spinal meningiomas, highlighting the challenges posed by their proximity to critical neural structures (ref: Nishiyama doi.org/10.1038/s41393-025-01118-5/). Additionally, a unique case of a giant thrombosed middle meningeal artery aneurysm mimicking a meningioma was reported, emphasizing the importance of differential diagnosis in surgical planning (ref: Guerrero-Ocampo doi.org/10.1016/j.neuchi.2025.101723/). These findings underscore the need for continued exploration of innovative treatment strategies to improve outcomes for meningioma patients.

Neuroimaging and Biomarkers

Neuroimaging and biomarker research has advanced the understanding of meningiomas, particularly in non-invasive assessment and surgical outcomes. The potential for non-invasive prediction of tumor grade through shape-based radiomics features was explored, indicating that these imaging biomarkers could aid in early identification of aggressive meningiomas (ref: Diebold doi.org/10.1007/s00062-025-01560-1/). Additionally, the ophthalmic outcomes of transorbital endoscopic skull base surgery were assessed, revealing trends toward improvement in visual function, although statistical significance was not reached (ref: Austria doi.org/10.1097/IOP.0000000000003091/). These studies highlight the importance of integrating advanced imaging techniques into clinical practice to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for meningioma patients.

Key Highlights

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