Incidence, mortality and outcome of meningiomas: A population-based study from Germany

Radiation therapy for atypical and anaplastic meningiomas: an overview of current results and controversial issues

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Most meningiomas are WHO grade 1 tumors whereas less than one-quarter of all meningiomas are classified as atypical (WHO grade 2) and anaplastic (WHO grade 3) tumors, based on local invasiveness and cellular features of atypia. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of meningioma therapy and represents the definitive treatment for the majority of patients; however, grade 2 and grade 3 meningiomas display more aggressive behavior and are difficult to treat. Several retrospective series have shown the efficacy and safety of postoperative adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (RT) for patients with atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. More recently, two phase II prospective trials by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG 0539) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC 2042) have confirmed the potential benefits of fractionated RT for patients with intermediate and high-risk meningiomas; however, several issues remain a matter of debate. Controversial topics include the timing of radiation treatment in patients with totally resected atypical meningiomas, the optimal radiation technique, dose and fractionation, and treatment planning/target delineation. Ongoing randomized trials are evaluating the efficacy of early adjuvant RT over observation in patients undergoing gross total resection.

Five-year cause-specific survival after meningioma surgery. A nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND

Survival after meningioma surgery is often reported with inadequate allowance for competing causes of death.

METHODS

We processed the French administrative medical database (Système National des Données de Santé: SNDS), to retrieve appropriate cases of surgically treated meningioma. Cause-specific survival in meningioma-related death was analyzed with the Fine & Gray (F&G) and cause-specific (CS) Cox models to identify associated factors.

RESULTS

Five-year cumulative incidence was 2.85% for meningioma-related death and 6.3% for unrelated death (P<0.001). In the adjusted F&G and cause-specific Cox regression models for meningioma-related death, gender, age at surgery, co-morbidities, neurofibromatosis type 2, tumor insertion, tumor grade, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion, preoperative embolization and need for redo surgery for recurrence emerged as independent prognostic factors of cause-specific survival (CSS) in meningioma-related death.

CONCLUSION

At 5 years, the risk of meningioma-unrelated death was 2.21-fold greater than the risk of dying from the meningioma disease. Five-year CSS after meningioma surgery was greater in younger adults with benign spinal meningioma with low comorbidity. Those with malignant cranial tumor requiring preoperative embolization or CSF shunting for associated hydrocephalus and with severely degraded overall health status showed a significantly increased risk of meningioma-related death. Redo surgery for recurrence failed to improve the risk of meningioma-related death. We recommend the use of net survival methods such as CSS in meningioma studies where unrelated mortality is predominant, as this approach results in more accurate estimates of disease risk and associated predictors.

Glycation Interferes with the Expression of Sialyltransferases in Meningiomas

Meningiomas are the most common non-malignant intracranial tumors and prefer, like most tumors, anaerobic glycolysis for energy production (Warburg effect). This anaerobic glycolysis leads to an increased synthesis of the metabolite methylglyoxal (MGO) or glyoxal (GO), which is known to react with amino groups of proteins. This reaction is called glycation, thereby building advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In this study, we investigated the influence of glycation on sialylation in two meningioma cell lines, representing the WHO grade I (BEN-MEN-1) and the WHO grade III (IOMM-Lee). In the benign meningioma cell line, glycation led to differences in expression of sialyltransferases (ST3GAL1/2/3/5/6, ST6GAL1/2, ST6GALNAC2/6, and ST8SIA1/2), which are known to play a role in tumor progression. We could show that glycation of BEN-MEN-1 cells led to decreased expression of ST3Gal5. This resulted in decreased synthesis of the ganglioside GM3, the product of ST3Gal5. In the malignant meningioma cell line, we observed changes in expression of sialyltransferases (ST3GAL1/2/3, ST6GALNAC5, and ST8SIA1) after glycation, which correlates with less aggressive behavior.

Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Ponatinib Inhibits Meningioma Growth In Vitro and In Vivo

To date, there is no standard-of-care systemic therapy for the treatment of aggressive meningiomas. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are frequently expressed in aggressive meningiomas and are associated with poor survival. Ponatinib is a FDA- and EMA-approved RTK inhibitor and its efficacy in meningioma has not been studied so far. Therefore, we investigated ponatinib as a potential drug candidate against meningioma. Cell viability and cell proliferation of ponatinib-treated meningioma cells were assessed using crystal violet assay, manual counting and BrdU assay. Treated meningioma cell lines were subjected to flow cytometry to evaluate the effects on cell cycle and apoptosis. Meningioma-bearing mice were treated with ponatinib to examine antitumor effects in vivo. qPCR was performed to assess the mRNA levels of tyrosine kinase receptors after ponatinib treatment. Full-length cDNA sequencing was carried out to assess differential gene expression. IC50 values of ponatinib were between 171.2 and 341.9 nM in three meningioma cell lines. Ponatinib induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and subsequently led to an accumulation of cells in the subG1-phase. A significant induction of apoptosis was observed in vitro. In vivo, ponatinib inhibited meningioma growth by 72.6%. Mechanistically, this was associated with downregulation of PDGFRA/B and FLT3 mRNA levels, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Taken together, ponatinib is a promising candidate for targeted therapy in the treatment of aggressive meningioma.

Consensus core clinical data elements for meningiomas

BACKGROUND

With increasing molecular analyses of meningiomas, there is a need to harmonize language used to capture clinical data across centers to ensure that molecular alterations are appropriately linked to clinical variables of interest. Here the International Consortium on Meningiomas presents a set of core and supplemental meningioma-specific Common Data Elements (CDEs) to facilitate comparative and pooled analyses.

METHODS

The generation of CDEs followed the four-phase process similar to other National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) CDE projects: discovery, internal validation, external validation, and distribution.

RESULTS

The CDEs were organized into patient- and tumor-level modules. In total, 17 core CDEs (10 patient-level and 7-tumour-level) as well as 14 supplemental CDEs (7 patient-level and 7 tumour-level) were defined and described. These CDEs are now made publicly available for dissemination and adoption.

CONCLUSIONS

CDEs provide a framework for discussion in the neuro-oncology community that will facilitate data sharing for collaborative research projects and aid in developing a common language for comparative and pooled analyses. The meningioma-specific CDEs presented here are intended to be dynamic parameters that evolve with time and The Consortium welcomes international feedback for further refinement and implementation of these CDEs.

Are there predilection sites for intracranial meningioma? A population-based atlas

Meningioma is the most common benign intracranial tumor and is believed to arise from arachnoid cap cells of arachnoid granulations. We sought to develop a population-based atlas from pre-treatment MRIs to explore the distribution of intracranial meningiomas and to explore risk factors for development of intracranial meningiomas in different locations. All adults (≥ 18 years old) diagnosed with intracranial meningiomas and referred to the department of neurosurgery from a defined catchment region between 2006 and 2015 were eligible for inclusion. Pre-treatment T1 contrast-enhanced MRI-weighted brain scans were used for semi-automated tumor segmentation to develop the meningioma atlas. Patient variables used in the statistical analyses included age, gender, tumor locations, WHO grade and tumor volume. A total of 602 patients with intracranial meningiomas were identified for the development of the brain tumor atlas from a wide and defined catchment region. The spatial distribution of meningioma within the brain is not uniform, and there were more tumors in the frontal region, especially parasagittally, along the anterior part of the falx, and on the skull base of the frontal and middle cranial fossa. More than 2/3 meningioma patients were females (p < 0.001) who also were more likely to have multiple meningiomas (p < 0.01), while men more often have supratentorial meningiomas (p < 0.01). Tumor location was not associated with age or WHO grade. The distribution of meningioma exhibits an anterior to posterior gradient in the brain. Distribution of meningiomas in the general population is not dependent on histopathological WHO grade, but may be gender-related.

Overexpression of Hepatocyte growth factor and its soluble receptor (s-cMet) in the serum of patients with different grades of meningioma

OBJECTIVES

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, cMet, were shown to be involved in meningioma. This study was aimed to determine the concentration of HGF and soluble cMet (s-cMet) in the serum of patients with different grades of meningioma.

METHODS

Ninety serum samples from different grades of meningioma patients (42 cases of grade I, 28 grade II, 20 grade III) and 51 controls were included in this study. The serum total protein concentration (TPC) was measured by a Bio-Rad protein assay and serum concentration of HGF and s-cMet by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

No significant change in the serum TPC of patients was seen as compared to controls. We also showed that serum HGF and s-cMet concentration in meningioma patients was higher than in controls. The results showed that starting from grades I to III meningioma, a significant increase in HGF and s-cMet serum concentration was observed (HGF; 380 ± 57.69, 430.27 ± 48.72, 596.36 ± 104.49 pg/ml, respectively, as compared to controls which was 327.72 ± 49.68 pg/ml and for s-cMet was 274.45 ± 45.05, 314.81 ± 38.71, 433.54 ± 51.81 ng/ml, respectively, as compared to controls which was 213.72 ± 29.13 ng/ml). The results showed that a high concentration of HGF and s-cMet is associated with advanced grades of meningioma.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that HGF and s-cMet serum levels increased in meningioma patients and their concentration was significantly higher in more advanced grades of the disease. It is also suggested that HGF/s-cMet might be involved in the progression of meningioma.

Glioma-Targeted Therapeutics: Computer-Aided Drug Design Prospective

Amongst the several types of brain cancers known to humankind, glioma is one of the most severe and life-threatening types of cancer, comprising 40% of all primary brain tumors. Recent reports have shown the incident rate of gliomas to be 6 per 100,000 individuals per year globally. Despite the various therapeutics used in the treatment of glioma, patient survival rate remains at a median of 15 months after undergoing first-line treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with Temozolomide. As such, the discovery of newer and more effective therapeutic agents is imperative for patient survival rate. The advent of computer-aided drug design in the development of drug discovery has emerged as a powerful means to ascertain potential hit compounds with distinctively high therapeutic effectiveness against glioma. This review encompasses the recent advances of bio-computational in-silico modeling that have elicited the discovery of small molecule inhibitors and/or drugs against various therapeutic targets in glioma. The relevant information provided in this report will assist researchers, especially in the drug design domains, to develop more effective therapeutics against this global disease.

Metabolic Tumor Microenvironment Characterization of Contrast Enhancing Brain Tumors Using Physiologic MRI

The tumor microenvironment is a critical regulator of cancer development and progression as well as treatment response and resistance in brain neoplasms. The available techniques for investigation, however, are not well suited for noninvasive in vivo characterization in humans. A total of 120 patients (59 females; 61 males) with newly diagnosed contrast-enhancing brain tumors (64 glioblastoma, 20 brain metastases, 15 primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas (PCNSLs), and 21 meningiomas) were examined with a previously established physiological MRI protocol including quantitative blood-oxygen-level-dependent imaging and vascular architecture mapping. Six MRI biomarker maps for oxygen metabolism and neovascularization were fused for classification of five different tumor microenvironments: glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), hypoxia with/without neovascularization, and necrosis. Glioblastoma showed the highest metabolic heterogeneity followed by brain metastasis with a glycolysis-to-OxPhos ratio of approximately 2:1 in both tumor entities. In addition, glioblastoma revealed a significant higher percentage of hypoxia (24%) compared to all three other brain tumor entities: brain metastasis (7%; p < 0.001), PCNSL (8%; p = 0.001), and meningioma (8%; p = 0.003). A more aggressive biological brain tumor behavior was associated with a higher percentage of hypoxia and necrosis and a lower percentage of remaining vital tumor tissue and aerobic glycolysis. The proportion of oxidative phosphorylation, however, was rather similar (17–26%) for all four brain tumor entities. Tumor microenvironment (TME) mapping provides insights into neurobiological differences of contrast-enhancing brain tumors and deserves further clinical cancer research attention. Although there is a long roadmap ahead, TME mapping may become useful in order to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy and Primary Brain Tumors: An Overview

Primary brain tumors (PBTs) are some of the most difficult types of cancer to treat, and despite advancements in surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, new strategies for the treatment of PBTs are needed, especially for those with poor prognosis such as inoperable/difficult-to-reach lesions or relapsing disease. In regard to the last point, malignant primary brain tumors remain some of the most lethal types of cancer. Nuclear medicine may provide exciting new weapons and significant contributions in the treatment of PBTs. In this review, we performed literature research in order to highlight the possible role of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in the treatment of PBTs with radiolabeled molecules that bind with high-affinity transmembrane receptors such as somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), neurokinin type-1 receptor and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). These receptors are overexpressed in some cancer types such as gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumors and medulloblastomas. A comprehensive overview of possible applications in this field will be shown, providing knowledge about benefits, feasibility, developments and limitations of PRRT in this type of tumor, also revealing new advantages in the management of the disease.

[Meningiomas: A review of current knowledge]

Meningiomas are the most frequent among intracranial tumors, and represent more than 30% of primitive central nervous system neoplasms. Arising from the meninges, they are generally benign lesions and can be treated by either radio-clinical follow-up or surgical resection with excellent outcome. However, more than 20% of meningiomas harbor atypical or malignant features and represent challenges for both prognostic evaluation and therapeutic strategy. The discovery of the genetic and epigenetic landscapes of meningiomas enabled the identification of new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for refractory meningiomas. This review summarizes current epidemiology, histological and molecular characteristics, diagnosis and treatments for meningiomas, and highlights the close relationship between the development of meningiomas and hormonal intake, as illustrated by recent recommendations of the "Agence Nationale de Securité du Medicament", the French national drug safety agency.

Value of MRI Radiomics Based on Enhanced T1WI Images in Prediction of Meningiomas Grade

OBJECTIVE

Different grades of meningiomas require different treatment strategies and have a different prognosis; thus, the noninvasive classification of meningiomas before surgery is of great importance. The purpose of this study was to explore the application value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics based on enhanced-T1-weighted (T1WI) images in the prediction of meningiomas grade.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 98 patients with meningiomas who were confirmed by surgical pathology and underwent preoperative routine MRI between January 2017 and December 2019 were analyzed. There were 82 cases of low-grade meningiomas (WHO grade I) and 16 cases of high-grade meningiomas (7 cases of WHO grade II and 9 cases of WHO grade III). These patients were randomly divided into a training group and test group according to 7:3 ratio. The lesions were manually delineated using ITK-SNAP software, and radiomics analysis were performed using the Analysis Kit (AK) software. A total of 396 tumor texture features were extracted. Subsequently, the LASSO algorithm was used to reduce the feature dimensions. Next, a prediction model was constructed using the Logistic Regression method and receiver operator characteristic was used to evaluate the prediction performance of the model.

RESULTS

A radiomics prediction model was constructed based on the selected nine characteristic parameters, which performed well in predicting the meningiomas grade. The accuracy rates in the training group and the test group were respectively 94.3% and 92.9%, the sensitivities were respectively 94.8%, and 91.7%, the specificities were respectively 91.7% and 100%, and the area under the curve values were respectively 0.958 and 0.948.

CONCLUSION

The MRI radiomics method based on enhanced-T1WI images has a good predictive effect on the classification of meningiomas and can provide a basis for planning clinical treatment protocols.

Proton therapy: A therapeutic opportunity for aggressive pediatric meningioma

Meningiomas are an extremely rare histology among pediatric brain tumors, and there is a shortage of literature on their management. Proton therapy is currently used safely and effectively for many types of both pediatric and adult cancer, and its main advantage is the sparing of healthy tissues from radiation, which could translate in the reduction of late side effects. We review the literature on radiotherapy and proton therapy for pediatric meningiomas and report clinical outcomes for two aggressive pediatric meningiomas we treated with protons. Proton therapy might be a safe and effective therapeutic option for this rare subgroup of tumors.

Are the clinical manifestations of CT scan and location associated with World Health Organization histopathological grades of meningioma?: A retrospective study

Introduction

meningioma is the most common intracranial tumor. CT scan is a common method for diagnosis. WHO classified meningioma into 3 histological grades? This study aims to evaluate the relation of different meningioma signs on CT and tumor distribution regard to WHO histological types.

Methods

In this single-center observational retrospective study, authors reviewed data of 75 meningioma patients confirmed by the WHO histological grades (WHO I/II/III) which were underwent CT scans from January 1, 2005 to December 30, 2019 at a teaching hospital, in XXXX. Data collected using patients medical records. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 and P less than 0.05 was assumed as significant.

Result

Our study confirmed that only edema (P = 0.005) and heterogeneity (P = 0.014) had a significant association with malignant histological types. Other signs were not statistically different among WHO histology types (p > 0.05). On the subject of tumor location, atypical/malignant meningioma was significantly more common in parasagittal (P = 0.031) and front-parietal (P = 0.035) regions.

Discussion

meningiomas with Edema, heterogeneity on CT, and tumors located in parasagittal and frontoparietal regions are related to malignant histology and should be evaluated and treated more precisely.

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CT scan is a common method for diagnosis of meningioma.

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In This retrospective study 75 meningioma patients' data reviewed.

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CT scan signs of edema and heterogeneity had a significant association with malignant histological types.

Demographic and socioeconomic disparities of benign cerebral meningiomas in the United States

Epidemiology provides an avenue for deciphering disease pathogenesis. By determining incidence across socioeconomic and demographic variables in the context of benign cerebral meningiomas (BCM), epidemiologic data may aid in elucidating and addressing healthcare inequalities. To investigate BCM incidence (per 100,000) with respect to sex, age, income, residence, and race/ethnicity, we queried the largest United States (US) administrative dataset (1997-2016), the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS), which surveys 20% of US discharges. Annual national BCM incidence was 5.01. Females had an incidence of 6.78, higher (p = 0.0000038) than males at 3.14. Amongst age groups incidence varied (p = 1.65 × 10^-11) and was highest amongst those 65-84 (16.71) and 85+ (18.32). Individuals with middle/high income had an incidence of 5.27, higher (p = 0.024) than the 4.91 of low income patients. Depending on whether patients lived in urban, suburban, or rural communities, incidence varied (χ² = 8.22, p = 0.016) as follows, respectively: 5.23; 4.96; 5.51. Amongst race/ethnicity (p = 8.15 × 10^-14), incidence for Whites, Blacks, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and Native Americans were as follows, respectively: 5.05; 4.59; 4.22; 2.99; 0.55. In the US, BCM annual incidence exhibited disparities amongst socioeconomic and demographic subsets. Disproportionately, incidence was greatest for patients who were White, Black, female, 65 and older, and middle/high income.

Glycation of benign meningioma cells leads to increased invasion

Meningiomas are the most common non-malignant intracranial tumors. Like most tumors, meningiomas prefer anaerobic glycolysis for energy production (Warburg effect). This leads to an increased synthesis of the metabolite methylglyoxal (MGO). This metabolite is known to react with amino groups of proteins. This reaction is called glycation, thereby building advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). In this study, we investigated the influence of glycation on two meningioma cell lines, representing the WHO grade I (BEN-MEN-1) and the WHO grade III (IOMM-Lee). Increasing MGO concentrations led to the formation of AGEs and decreased growth in both cell lines. When analyzing the influence of glycation on adhesion, chemotaxis and invasion, we could show that the glycation of meningioma cells resulted in increased invasive potential of the benign meningioma cell line, whereas the invasive potential of the malignant cell line was reduced. In addition, glycation increased the E-cadherin- and decreased the N-cadherin-expression in BEN-MEN-1 cells, but did not affect the cadherin-expression in IOMM-Lee cells.

Molecular alterations in meningioma: prognostic and therapeutic perspectives

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss recent advances in the meningioma biology and their clinical implications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor. Mostly benign, 20% of cases display an aggressive behavior despite best standard of care. The genetic landscape of meningiomas is divided according to NF2 mutational status. Although about 60% of meningiomas display NF2 mutations, the other share is more heterogenous. Mutations in TRAF7, SMO, v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1), PI3KCA and KLF4 are seen mostly in WHO grade 1 meningiomas. In higher grade meningiomas, mutations of the TERT promoter and deletions of CDKN2A/B emerge and have prognostic value. Moreover, mutations in DMD, BAP1 and PBRM1 have recently been discovered and are being further explored. DNA methylation subgroups offer valuable insight into meningioma prognosis and its implementation in clinical setting is under evaluation. Moreover, the study of distinct meningioma populations such as radiation-induced meningioma and progestin-associated meningioma may provide further insight into meningioma oncogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

SUMMARY

The mutational landscape of meningioma has expanded following the use of the new genetic sequencing approaches. Novel mutations have been characterized and reveal their prognostic and therapeutic applications. This improved understanding of meningioma biology has promising implications for novel treatment strategies.

Rapid Intraoperative Diagnosis of Meningiomas using Stimulated Raman Histology

BACKGROUND

Frozen section is a time- and labor-intensive method for intraoperative pathologic diagnosis. As a result, there exists a need to expedite and streamline the acquisition and interpretation of diagnostic histologic data to inform surgical decision making. Stimulated Raman histology (SRH) is an emerging technology that may serve to expedite the acquisition and interpretation of histologic data in the operating room.

METHODS

A blinded, prospective cohort study of 82 patients undergoing resection for tumors of the central nervous system was performed. Twenty-six patients with diagnoses of meningioma on SRH, frozen, or permanent section were included in this subanalysis. Diagnostic time and accuracy of stimulated SRH histology images were compared with the gold standard (frozen section). Agreement of SRH and frozen section diagnosis with permanent section (true) diagnosis was also compared.

RESULTS

Mean time-to-diagnosis was significantly shorter for SRH-mediated diagnosis compared with frozen section (9.2 vs. 35.8, P < 0.0001). Diagnostic accuracy was not significantly different between methods (P = 0.15). Diagnostic agreement was not significantly different between SRH versus frozen, SRH versus permanent, or frozen versus permanent section methods (P = 0.5, P = 0.5, P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

SRH is a promising adjuvant technology that may expedite intraoperative neuropathologic consult without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.

KIF11 inhibitors filanesib and ispinesib inhibit meningioma growth in vitro and in vivo

Treatment of aggressive meningiomas remains challenging due to a high rate of recurrence in higher-grade meningiomas, frequent subtotal resections, and the lack of effective systemic treatments. Substantial overexpression associated with a poor prognosis has been demonstrated for kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) in high-grade meningiomas. Due to anti-tumor activity for KIF11 inhibitors (KIF11i) filanesib and ispinesib in other cancer types, we sought to investigate their mode of action and efficacy for the treatment of aggressive meningiomas. Dose curve analysis of both KIF11i revealed IC50 values of less than 1 nM in anaplastic and benign meningioma cell lines. Both compounds induced G2/M arrest and subsequent subG1 increase in all cell lines. Profound induction of apoptosis was detected in the anaplastic cell lines determined by annexin V staining. KIF11i significantly inhibited meningioma growth in xenotransplanted mice by up to 83%. Furthermore, both drugs induced minor hematological side effects, which were less pronounced for filanesib. We identified substantial in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of the KIF11 inhibitors filanesib and ispinesib, with filanesib demonstrating better tolerability, suggesting future use of filanesib for the treatment of aggressive meningioma.

Nation-wide Brain Tumor Registry-based Study of Intracranial Meningioma in Japan: Analysis of Surgery-related Risks

Although surgical resection is the most preferred treatment for intracranial meningiomas, a detailed analysis of the surgery-related risks based on large population data has not been conducted to date. In this study, we analyzed the nation-wide brain tumor registry to assess the surgical risk factors for intracranial meningiomas to provide information for an optimal treatment strategy. Data of 4081 meningioma patients who underwent initial resection between 2001 and 2008 were extracted from the Brain Tumor Registry of Japan (BTRJ) database and reviewed for postoperative mortality, aggravation of Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), and complications. The total in-hospital mortality rate was 0.59%. Male sex and tumor size ≥30 mm were independent risk factors for mortality. Among 4081 cases, 4.4% of patients had KPS that were lowered by 20 or more points at the time of discharge after surgery. Age ≥65 years, higher WHO grading, tumor location at the skull base, tumor size ≥30 mm, and non-gross total resections were associated with lowering of KPS scores by 20 or more points. The overall incidence of surgical complications was 19.3%. The rate of occurrence of new postoperative seizure in patients with supratentorial meningioma was 10.9%. All complications except for vascular complications occurred with significantly lower frequencies in asymptomatic patients than in symptomatic patients. Our results provide useful information regarding the surgical risks when surgical intervention is being considered for intracranial meningiomas. Surgery is an important option for asymptomatic meningiomas as the mortality rate and complication rate in the current study were sufficiently low.

A nationwide population-based study on overall survival after meningioma surgery

BACKGROUND

There are very few nationwide studies on meningioma outcome, the most common primary intracranial tumour.

METHODS

We processed the French Système National des Données de Santé (SNDS) database using an algorithm combining the type of surgical procedure and the International Classification of Diseases to retrieve all cases of meningiomas operated between 2007 and 2017. A survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

This nationwide study found 28 773 patients of which 75 % were female. Median age at surgery was 59 years, IQR[49-68]. Cranial convexity (24.4 %) and middle skull base (21.7 %) were the most common locations. 91.3 % of the tumours were benign and 2.6 % malignant.7.5 % of the patients underwent redo surgery, 9.1 % radiotherapy (RT) and 3.2 % stereotactic radiosurgery for recurrence. Median follow-up was 5.3 years 95 % CI [5.24-5.35]. 0.64 % of the patients died within a month of surgery and 2.1 % within a year. Overall survival (OS) rates at 5 and 10 years respectively were: 92.6 %, 95 %CI[92.3, 93] and 85 %, 95 %CI[84.3, 85.8]. In the multivariable analysis, female gender (HR = 0.64, 95 %CI[0.59, 0.69], p < 0.001), older age at surgery (HR= 1.07, 95 %CI[1.06, 1.07], p < 0.001), type 2 neurofibromatosis (HR= 3.89, 95 %CI[2.62, 5.76], p < 0.001), parasagittal (HR= 1.2, 95 %CI[1.05, 1.37], p = 0.00944) or falx cerebri location (HR= 1.18, 95 %CI[1.01, 1.37], p = 0.0343), atypical or (HR= 1.34, 95 %CI[1.15, 1.56], p < 0.001) malignant histology (HR= 2.34, 95 %CI[2.01, 2.73], p < 0.001), redo surgery (HR=1.81, 95 %CI[1.6, 2.04], p < 0.001), progressing meningioma (HR=1.34, 95 %CI[1.05, 1.71], p = 0.0175) or RT for recurrence (HR=2.17, 95 %CI[1.95, 2.4], p < 0.001) were established as independent prognostic factors of the OS.

CONCLUSION

In this registry-based study, OS after meningioma surgery is good and is even better in women, younger adults and those with convexity and benign tumour. We also found that NF2 patients and those required redo surgery or additional treatment for uncontrolled meningioma disease are further at risk of death.

Sex-specific aspects of epidemiology, molecular genetics and outcome: primary brain tumours

Recent years have seen a great interest in sex-specific aspects of many diseases, including cancer, in part because of the assumption that females have often not been adequately represented in early drug development and determination of safety, tolerability and efficacy in clinical trials. Brain tumours represent a highly heterogeneous group of neoplastic diseases with strong variation of incidence by age, but partly also by sex. Most gliomas are more common in men whereas meningiomas, the most common primary intracranial tumours, are more common in females. Potential sex-specific genetic risk factors and specific sex biology have been reported in a tumour-specific manner. Several small studies have indicated differences in tolerability and safety of, as well as benefit from, treatment by sex, but no conclusive data have been generated. Exploring sex-specific aspects of neuro-oncology should be studied more systematically and in more depth in order to uncover the biological reasons for known sex differences in this disease.

WHO classification of meningiomas-A single institutional experience

INTRODUCTION

Meningiomas are among the most common intracranial neoplasms worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the neoplasm into three grades with each grade having several histological variants. Several studies done in blacks have shown differences with Caucasian populations regarding the occurrence of histological variants. Our study sought to examine the histological variants of meningioma seen in a predominantly black population using the WHO grading system.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of all meningiomas seen in our hospital facility for over twenty years. An analysis of data from all the patients diagnosed with meningioma, who also had surgical biopsies taken, was done. The meningiomas were graded using the WHO grading system and also classified into different histological variants within each grade as described by the WHO study group.

RESULTS

The study included a total number of 163 biopsies. There were more females diagnosed with meningiomas with a female to male ratio of 1.4. Most of the tumors were grade one, however, there were more males with malignant meningiomas. Transitional meningiomas were the most commonly seen variants among the grade one tumors while atypical and anaplastic were most common in grades two and three, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A larger population-based study is needed to provide epidemiological data on the occurrence of meningiomas in blacks.

Cause-Specific Survival After Meningioma Surgery: A Nationwide Population-Based Competing Risk Study

BACKGROUND

Survival after meningioma surgery often is reported with inadequate allowance for competing causes of death.

METHODS

We processed the French Système National des Données de Santé database using an algorithm combining the type of surgical procedure and the International Classification of Diseases to retrieve appropriate cases of meningiomas. The cumulative incidence of meningioma-related death was the primary end point. A competing risk analysis was performed to identify factors associated with meningioma-specific death of patients who underwent meningioma surgery.

RESULTS

The risk of meningioma-related death at 1, 2, and 3 years respectively was 2.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2-2.7; 3%, 95% CI 2.6-3.4; and 3.1%, 95% CI 2.7-3.6. In the adjusted Fine-Gray competing risk regression for meningioma cause-specific survival, age at surgery (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.09, P < 0.001), mortality-related morbidity index (SHR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07-2.63, P = 0.025), expenditure-related morbidity index (SHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09, P < 0.001), spinal location (SHR 0.2, 95% CI 0.08-0.47, P < 0.001), cerebrospinal fluid shunt (SHR 3.13, 95% CI 1.9-5.16, P < 0.001), grade (SHR 1.88, 95% CI 1.13-3.14, P = 0.015) redo surgery for recurrence (SHR 1.6, 95% CI 1.01-2.51, P = 0.043), and progressing meningioma (SHR 2.87, 95% CI 1.23-6.68, P = 0.015) were established as independent prognostic factors of meningioma-related death.

CONCLUSIONS

Cause-specific survival after meningioma surgery is greater in younger, low-comorbidity adults with spinal and benign meningioma. Those with an intracranial, progressing malignant tumor requiring cerebrospinal fluid shunting and having a severe global health-state have a significant increased risk of meningioma-related death. Redo surgery failed to improve the outcome. We recommend the use of competing risk model in meningioma studies in which unrelated mortality may be substantial, as this approach results in more accurate estimates of disease risk and associated predictors.

Multi-Omics Analysis in Initiation and Progression of Meningiomas: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis

Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors that can be cured by surgical resection in most cases. However, the most disconcerting is high-grade meningiomas, which frequently recur despite initial successful treatment, eventually conferring poor prognosis. Therefore, the early diagnosis and classification of meningioma is necessary for the subsequent intervention and an improved prognosis. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the potential of multi-omics study (including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics) for meningioma diagnosis and mechanistic links to potential pathological mechanism. This thesis addresses a neglected aspect of recent advances in the field of meningiomas at multiple omics levels, highlighting that the integration of multi-omics can reveal the mechanism of meningiomas, which provides a timely and necessary scientific basis for the treatment of meningiomas.

Intracranial Meningiomas in the Elderly: Clinical, Surgical and Economic Evaluation. A Multicentric Experience

Simple Summary

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Given the increase in life expectancy and the widespread access and use of brain imaging, the incidence in the elderly population (≥65 years) is continuously increasing. The risk/benefit ratio of surgery in elderly patients with intracranial meningioma has not been clearly defined because of the lack of objective measurement tools. The aim of our work to understand the risk factors associated with postsurgical outcomes and how these risk factors affected postsurgical outcomes in elderly patients with intracranial meningioma.

Abstract

Meningioma is one of the most common intracranial tumors. It is benign and slow growing in the majority of cases. Given the increase in life expectancy and the number of radiological tests performed, the incidence in the elderly population (≥65 years) is continuously increasing. The surgical outcomes and prognostic factors in this age group are unclear. A retrospective analysis of all the patients treated for intracranial meningiomas in two different Italian institutions was performed. The clinical, radiological, surgical and follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed to identify relationships between factors and outcomes. We also carried out an economic analysis. We analyzed 321 patients with intracranial meningioma. The mean age was 72.6 years (range, 65–90), with a female predominance (F/M, 1.41). Pre-operative deficits, cognitive impairment and seizures (p < 0.001) were associated with a worse post-operative Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score (<80). A high pre-operative KPS score was associated with a good clinical and neurological outcome (p < 0.001). Being aged between 65 and 74 years, low surgical timing and Simpson removal grades of I and II were associated with a good outcome (p < 0.001). The length of hospitalization was significantly related to the outcome (p < 0.001). The complication rate was 14.3%. At 6-month follow-up, the mortality rate was 2.5%. The average cost was higher in patients with a pre-operative KPS score lower than 80. The outcome of intracranial-meningioma resection in elderly individuals is favorable when the pre-operative KPS score is >80. Treatment should be patient-specific, and additional factors should be considered. Patients with poor pre-operative clinical conditions might benefit from a combined strategy with partial resection and radiosurgery in order to reduce surgical timing and the complication rate.

Identification of novel fusion transcripts in meningioma

INTRODUCTION

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. Recent next generation sequencing analyses have elaborated the molecular drivers of this disease. We aimed to identify and characterize novel fusion genes in meningiomas.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of our RNA sequencing data of 145 primary meningioma from 140 patients to detect fusion genes. Semi-quantitative rt-PCR was performed to confirm transcription of the fusion genes in the original tumors. Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify copy number variations within each tumor sample. Comparative RNA seq analysis was performed to assess the clonality of the fusion constructs within the tumor.

RESULTS

We detected six fusion events (NOTCH3-SETBP1, NF2-SPATA13, SLC6A3-AGBL3, PHF19-FOXP2 in two patients, and ITPK1-FBP2) in five out of 145 tumor samples. All but one event (NF2-SPATA13) led to extremely short reading frames, making these events de facto null alleles. Three of the five patients had a history of childhood radiation. Four out of six fusion events were detected in expression type C tumors, which represent the most aggressive meningioma. We validated the presence of the RNA transcripts in the tumor tissue by semi-quantitative RT PCR. All but the two PHF19-FOXP2 fusions demonstrated high degrees of clonality.

CONCLUSIONS

Fusion genes occur infrequently in meningiomas and are more likely to be found in tumors with greater degree of genomic instability (expression type C) or in patients with history of cranial irradiation.

Fibrous Meningioma in a Patient with Encephalocraniocutaneous Lipomatosis: A Rare Case with Unique Features

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis “ECCL” is a rare, sporadic neurocutaneous disorder that results from a lethal autosomal mutation surviving by somatic mosaicism. It is characterized by unilateral involvement of skin, eyes and central nervous system in addition to a propensity for mesenchymal tumors. A 30-year-old male with previously controlled epilepsy presented with recurrent seizures. Brain imaging revealed a left parietal parasagittal enhancing tumor, in addition to left sided gyriform calcifications, and bilateral cerebral atrophy and ventricular dilatation more prominent on the left side. He also presented multiple left sided sebaceous nevi and abundant subcutaneous lipomas in addition to left mandibular condylar cysts. The brain tumor was excised, and cytopathology revealed a WHO grade I fibrous meningioma. After a thorough evaluation and exclusion of alternative diagnoses, the patient was diagnosed with definite encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis as per Moog’s criteria. Several cases of ECCL recently presented with different intracranial neoplasms. Here we report the first case of ECCL in association with meningioma.

Characterization and comparison of genomic profiles between primary cancer cell lines and parent atypical meningioma tumors

Background

Meningiomas are the second most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. However, there is a paucity of data on meningioma biology due to the lack of suitable preclinical in vitro and in vivo models. In this study, we report the establishment and characterization of patient-derived, spontaneously immortalized cancer cell lines derived from World Health Organization (WHO) grade I and atypical WHO grade II meningiomas.

Methods

We evaluated high-resolution 3T MRI neuroimaging findings in meningioma patients which were followed by histological analysis. RT-qPCR and immunostaining analyses were performed to determine the expression levels of meningioma-related factors. Additionally, flow cytometry and sorting assays were conducted to investigate and isolate the CD133 and CD44 positive cells from primary atypical meningioma cells. Further, we compared the gene expression profiles of meningiomas and cell lines derived from them by performing whole-exome sequencing of the blood and tumor samples from the patients, and the primary cancer cell lines established from the meningioma tumor.

Results

Our results were consistent with earlier studies that reported mutations in NF2, SMO, and AKT1 genes in atypical meningiomas, and we also observed mutations in MYBL2, a gene that was recently discovered. Significantly, the genomic signature was consistent between the atypical meningioma cancer cell lines and the tumor and blood samples from the patient.

Conclusion

Our results lead us to conclude that established meningioma cell lines with a genomic signature identical to tumors might be a valuable tool for understanding meningioma tumor biology, and for screening therapeutic agents to treat recurrent meningiomas.

Meningiomas: An Overview of the Landscape of Copy Number Alterations in Samples from an Admixed Population

Meningiomas are considered the most common intracranial tumors, affecting mainly women. Studies in mixed populations can be of great importance to clarify issues related to the genetic diversity of tumors and their development. Considering that data obtained from analyses of the profile of copy number alterations (CNA) have been a useful diagnostic indicator for many types of tumors and that meningiomas show a complex pattern of gains and losses in the number of copies, our objective was to analyze the CNA profile in 33 samples of meningiomas of different histological grades (WHO Grade I-III) from patients in a city located in the Amazon region of Brazil, using aCGH. We found that the female to male ratio was 3 : 1. The aCGH analysis revealed a total of 2304 CNA, with an average of 69.8 ± 57.4 per case, of which 1197 were gains (52%), 926 were losses (40.2%), 105 were amplifications (4. 5%), and 76 were deletions (3.3%). A significant relationship was observed between the type of CNA and the degree of the tumor (chi-square test: χ 2 = 65,844; p < 0.0001; contingency coefficient: C = 0.1772; p < 0.0001). Evaluating the recurrent changes in at least 50% of the samples, we observe as the most frequent losses of the segments 22q13.1-q13.2 (82%), 1p35.3 (76%), and 14q13.1-q13.2 (67%), involving all histopathological grades. The analysis of these regions showed the inclusion of genes with functions such as regulation, maintenance of cell survival, reorganization of the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and DNA repair, among others. However, overall, the profiles observed in meningiomas of this admixed population were very similar to the ones observed in Caucasian groups. An interesting finding was a recurrent gain of 8p22 observed only in grade I meningiomas, a region which includes DLC1, a suppressor candidate gene probably implicated in the developments or progression of meningiomas, usually found deleted, when related to CNAs.

Total DNA methylation as a biomarker of DNA damage and tumor malignancy in intracranial meningiomas

Background

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in adults. They are initially detected with neuroimaging techniques, but definite histological diagnosis requires tumor surgery to collect tumor tissue. Gross total resection is an optimal and final treatment for the majority of patients, followed by radiotherapy in malignant or refractory cases. However, there are a lot of uncertainties about i.a. the need for intervention in incidental cases, estimation of growth kinetics, risk of malignant transformation, or response to radiotherapy. Therefore a new diagnostic approach is needed. It has already been shown that epigenetics plays a crucial role in cancer biology, development, and progression. DNA methylation, the presence of 5-methylcytosine in DNA, is one of the main elements of a broad epigenetic program in a eukaryotic cell, with superior regulatory significance. Therefore, we decided to look at meningioma through changes of 5-methylcytosine.

Methods

We performed an analysis of the total amount of 5-methylcytosine in DNA isolated from intracranial meningioma tissues and peripheral blood samples of the same patients. The separation and identification of radioactively labeled nucleotides were performed using thin-layer chromatography.

Results

We found that the 5-methylcytosine level in DNA from intracranial meningiomas is inversely proportional to the malignancy grade. The higher the tumor WHO grade is, the lower the total DNA methylation. The amount of 5-methylcytosine in tumor tissue and peripheral blood is almost identical.

Conclusions

We conclude that the total DNA methylation can be a useful marker for brain meningioma detection, differentiation, and monitoring. It correlates with tumor WHO grade, and the 5-methylcytosine level in peripheral blood reflects that in tumor tissue. Therefore it’s applicable for liquid biopsy.

Our study creates a scope for further research on epigenetic mechanisms in neurooncology and can lead to the development of new diagnostic methods in clinical practice.

Subcutaneous Metastasis of Atypical Meningioma: Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Meningioma, a neoplasm of the meninges, is usually a benign localized tumor. Extraneural metastasis is an extremely rare complication of meningiomas, and only a few cases have been reported to date. The present study reports a case of scalp metastasis of an atypical meningioma and discusses the types of atypical meningiomas and their management options.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 69-year-old man presented with scalp metastasis of an atypical meningioma. Six years after the right frontoparietal meningioma lesion was completely resected, an isolated subcutaneous metastasis developed at the right frontal region of the scalp, originating at the scar left by the first surgery. Postoperative histologic examination of the subcutaneous tumor revealed the features of an atypical meningioma.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights that resection of meningiomas is still associated with a risk of iatrogenic metastasis. Surgeons should carefully wash out the operative field and change surgical tools frequently to avoid the potential risk of metastasis.

Long-term outcomes of multimodality management for parasagittal meningiomas

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the clinical characteristics of a large cohort of parasagittal meningioma (PM) and to evaluate the patients' outcomes and best treatment strategies based on tumor features.

METHODS

To minimize selection bias we performed a single-institutional review of PM with restricted criteria. One hundred and ninety-two consecutive patients who met criteria for inclusion were reviewed from 2003 to 2011 in our general hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 131 cases (68.2%) were with WHO grade I, while grade II and grade III PMs constituted 40 (20.8%) and 21 cases (10.9%). Higher histological grade was associated with loss of trimethylation of H3K27 (P = 0.000). For WHO grade I PMs, GTR was significantly associated with a better PFS (P = 0.023); however, adjuvant radiotherapy did not benefit patients with STR (P = 0.215). For de novo high-grade (WHO grade II and III) PMs (n = 37), adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with a significantly longer OS (P = 0.013), while no difference was observed between GTR and STR (P = 0.654). In recurrent high-grade PM patients (n = 24), GTR combined with adjuvant radiotherapy increased PFS (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that PMs were a heterogeneous group of tumors with a high proportion of high-grade tumors that often displayed aggressive clinical behaviors. Low-grade PM benefited from radical resection, whereas high-grade de novo PM did not. Adjuvant radiotherapy significantly prolonged OS for high-grade primary PM, but did not impact survival of patients with subtotally resected low-grade tumors. Long-term outcome of high-grade recurrent PMs was dismal. We thus show that extent of tumor resection, tumor grade and tumor recurrent status inform therapeutic decisions for PMs.

The Loss of 1p as a Reliable Marker of Progression in a Child with Aggressive Meningioma: A 16-Year Follow-Up Case Report

BACKGROUND

Here, we present the case of a 32-year-old female with a progressing history of meningioma for 16 years starting with an ethmoidal lesion in 2002. The initial tumor specimen of this patient showed a deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 through a translocation between chromosomes 1 and 11 (t[1; 11]) as well as additional chromosomal aberrations, including partial or complete monosomy of chromosomes 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, and 22. These molecular characteristics were already known to be associated with an aggressive course of the disease, and the patient was, therefore, included in a strict follow-up regime. From 2003 to 2019, the patient suffered multiple relapses and consecutive tumor resections.

METHODS

Tumor specimen from 2017 was examined using a genome-wide methylation analysis as well as a whole-genome sequencing.

RESULTS

These analyses confirmed the findings of 2002 and proved genetic alteration in the meningioma to be very stable over the time. Yet SMO and AKT1 mutations, which have been described to be paradigmatic in frontobasal meningioma, could not be found.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic characteristics seem to be very stable during progression of the disease. The loss of 1p represents to be a potential marker for the poor clinical course of our child meningioma. In 2019, our patient passed away due to the progress of her meningioma disease.