Meningiomas are among the most common primary brain tumors, accounting for approximately one-third of all intracranial neoplasms. Effective management of meningiomas requires a multidisciplinary approach informed by evidence-based guidelines. The European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) has developed comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals and patients alike. In this article, we explore the EANO guidelines for meningiomas, covering key aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies.
Diagnosis of Meningiomas
The accurate diagnosis of meningiomas relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, neuroimaging studies, and histopathological analysis. The EANO guidelines emphasize the following diagnostic considerations:
1. Clinical Evaluation
Patients with suspected meningiomas should undergo a thorough neurological examination to assess symptoms, including headache, seizures, focal deficits, and changes in cognitive function. Clinical features may vary depending on the location, size, and growth rate of the tumor.
2. Neuroimaging Studies
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast enhancement is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating suspected meningiomas. MRI allows for precise characterization of tumor location, size, extent of infiltration, and relationship to surrounding structures, facilitating treatment planning and prognostication.
3. Histopathological Analysis
Tissue biopsy or surgical resection is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis of meningioma and determine histological subtype and grade. Histopathological analysis provides critical information for guiding treatment decisions and predicting prognosis, with meningiomas classified based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.
Treatment Strategies for Meningiomas
The management of meningiomas depends on various factors, including tumor size, location, histological grade, and patient’s overall health and preferences. The EANO guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for treatment strategies, which may include the following:
1. Observation and Surveillance
Small, asymptomatic meningiomas with low growth rates may be managed conservatively through observation and surveillance with regular neuroimaging studies. Close monitoring allows for timely intervention if tumor progression or symptoms develop.
2. Surgery
Surgical resection remains the primary treatment modality for symptomatic or enlarging meningiomas, aiming for maximal safe resection while preserving neurological function. The extent of surgical resection depends on tumor location, size, and relationship to critical structures, with the goal of achieving complete or gross total resection whenever feasible.
3. Adjuvant Therapies
Adjuvant therapies, including radiation therapy and medical therapy, may be considered for meningiomas with high-risk features, residual disease after surgery, or recurrence. Radiation therapy, including stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated radiotherapy, is often employed to control tumor growth and improve local tumor control rates.
4. Medical Therapy
Medical therapy options for meningiomas are limited, with few systemic agents demonstrating efficacy in advanced or recurrent disease. Hormonal therapies, including somatostatin analogs and progesterone receptor antagonists, may be considered for select patients with hormone receptor-positive meningiomas.
5. Palliative Care
Palliative care plays a crucial role in the management of advanced or recurrent meningiomas, focusing on symptom management, supportive care, and quality of life preservation. Multidisciplinary palliative care teams provide comprehensive support to patients and their families throughout the disease trajectory.
Follow-Up and Surveillance
After initial treatment for meningiomas, close follow-up and surveillance are essential to monitor for tumor recurrence, progression, or treatment-related complications. The EANO guidelines recommend regular neuroimaging studies, clinical assessments, and multidisciplinary tumor board reviews to evaluate treatment response, detect recurrence, and adjust management strategies as needed.
The EANO guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas provide valuable evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with this challenging disease. By following these guidelines, clinicians can optimize diagnostic evaluation, treatment selection, and long-term management strategies, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with meningiomas. Additionally, ongoing research and collaborative efforts are essential for advancing our understanding of meningioma biology and developing novel therapeutic approaches to further enhance patient care.