A new review led by Mayo Clinic, published on Apr. 17, is shaping how clinicians diagnose and treat meningioma, the most common primary brain tumor. The review emphasizes a shift toward personalized, patient-centered care using advances in precision oncology.
The topic is important because meningiomas account for about 37% of all central nervous system tumors and can significantly affect neurological function depending on their location. Improving diagnosis and treatment could have a major impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.
The review was published in Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology and brings together global expertise to outline future directions in meningioma care. Gelareh Zadeh, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and senior author of the review, said: "This work synthesizes rapidly evolving science to support more personalized care for patients with meningioma." Zadeh also said: "With insights and technologies emerging quickly, there is an urgent need to translate new knowledge into clinical practice. This review helps care teams make more informed decisions to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients."
Traditionally, treatment decisions have relied mainly on how tumors appear under a microscope. The new approach highlighted by the review involves integrating molecular data, imaging results, and clinical information to tailor treatments for each patient. For some individuals with less aggressive tumors, active surveillance may help avoid unnecessary interventions while preserving quality of life.
For others with more complex or aggressive tumors, advances such as minimally invasive surgery, targeted radiation therapy, immunotherapy drugs, radioligand therapies, and molecular profiling are expanding options for safer and more effective treatments.
Zadeh concluded: "This is about redefining how we care for patients with the most common type of brain tumor. It moves us beyond a one-size-fits-all approach toward more personalized care."
