Multidisciplinary Approach and Therapeutic Advances in the Management of Meningioma: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Meningioma, a predominantly benign intracranial neoplasm originating in the meninges, has been the subject of extensive study in the medical community due to its prevalence, clinical diversity, and associated therapeutic challenges. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of current advances in the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas, focusing on the application of multidisciplinary approaches and innovative therapies. Through a detailed exploration of the molecular pathogenesis, updated histopathologic classifications, and varied clinical presentations of meningiomas, an in-depth understanding of the inherent heterogeneity of these neoplasms is sought. The importance of advanced neuroimaging, including diffusion-weighted MRI and positron emission tomography, in the accurate assessment of tumor extent and precise surgical planning will be highlighted. In the therapeutic arena, conventional options, such as surgery and radiation therapy, will be examined in detail and the challenges and limitations associated with these modalities will be discussed. In addition, emerging pharmacologic therapies, such as angiogenesis inhibitors and therapies specifically targeting genetic mutations frequently found in meningiomas, will be reviewed, highlighting their potential to modify the clinical course of the disease. The multidisciplinary approach, involving close collaboration between neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, pathologists and oncologists, will be explored in detail, highlighting its crucial role in informed clinical decision making and optimizing patient outcomes. Finally, future prospects and areas of ongoing research, such as immunotherapy and gene therapy, which promise to further revolutionize the therapeutic paradigm for meningiomas, will be outlined. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of meningiomas, from their molecular basis to state-of-the-art treatment strategies, with the purpose of enriching medical knowledge and fostering a holistic approach in the care of patients affected by this complex pathological entity.