ABSTRACT
The vast majority of meningiomas are benign neoplasms potentially curable with complete
surgical resection. Radiotherapy is typically the adjuvant therapy of choice, once
surgical options have been depleted, for recurrent or residual meningiomas requiring
further therapy. Unfortunately, some meningiomas, not only atypical and malignant
tumors but also benign tumors, recur despite maximal therapy with surgery and radiation.
Thus, another effective form of adjuvant therapy is required in a small proportion
of meningiomas. The most common chemotherapeutic agents in clinical practice are hormonal
antagonists, targeting receptors known to be expressed by meningiomas, such as mifepristone,
tamoxifen, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), and pegvisomant. More recent evidence
has suggested that hydroxyurea and interferon-α may be more effective therapy than
hormonal antagonists for benign meningiomas. In contrast, malignant meningiomas are
treated more like sarcomas with standard chemotherapeutic agents such as ifosfamide,
doxorubicin, cisplatin, and dacarbazine. This article reviews the chemo- and biotherapeutic
options available in the adjuvant therapy of meningiomas.
KEYWORDS
Meningioma - chemotherapy - adjuvant therapy