Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy for recurrent meningiomas

J Neurooncol. 2009 Mar;92(1):1-6. doi: 10.1007/s11060-008-9734-y. Epub 2008 Nov 21.

Abstract

Meningioma is a common intracranial tumor, originating from the meninges of the skull or spinal canal. Most meningiomas are benign tumors, however atypical or anaplastic tumors can be found in 6% of cases. Patients with asymptomatic small benign meningiomas can be followed without therapy, but in symptomatic patients complete surgical resection should be performed. For recurrent previously resected tumors re-resection is recommended followed by radiotherapy in selected cases. Antiprogesterone treatment can also be considered in recurrent benign meningiomas. Immunotherapy with interferon-alpha and chemotherapy should be reserved for all cases of recurrent meningiomas (benign, atypical, and malignant) when all the standard therapies have failed or contraindicated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Meningioma / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal