Topic review

Journal of Neuro-Oncology

, Volume 92, Issue 1, pp 1-6

First online:

Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy for recurrent meningiomas

  • Chrissa SiokaAffiliated withNeurosurgical Research Institute, University of Ioannina School of MedicineDepartment of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina Email author 
  • , Athanassios P. KyritsisAffiliated withNeurosurgical Research Institute, University of Ioannina School of MedicineDepartment of Neurology, University Hospital of Ioannina

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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.

Keywords

Chemotherapy Meningioma Progesterone Hydroxyurea Interferon