Abstract
The majority of meningiomas, the most common primary brain tumor, are considered to
be benign, and characteristic magnetic resonance imaging features allow a preliminary
diagnosis. Meningiomas can be classified in the World Health Organization system as
grade I, II, or III, depending on various histological features. In many cases, observation
is the preferred management option, although this means the absence of a histological
diagnosis. If necessary, standard therapy consists of surgery with or without adjuvant
radiation, depending on the tumor grade and the degree of resection. To date, systemic
therapies are not included in the standard of care. The level of evidence for treatment
recommendations is low, and effective treatment regimens, especially for surgery-refractory
and radiation-refractory meningiomas, are still very limited. Recent studies have
broadened our knowledge of the genetics and pathogenesis of meningiomas and will lead
to new therapeutic options. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathogenesis
and genetics, classification, and diagnosis of meningiomas, as well as management
principles, including promising new avenues of therapy.
Keywords
meningioma - brain tumor - treatment
