Meningioma Research Articles

P18.05.A Bevacizumab in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas: the BEMEN study

Abstract Background meningiomas are the most frequent primary brain tumours. The current standard treatment for atypical and anaplastic meningioma can include surgical resection and radiotherapy. Despite the high rate of relapse no systemic treatment is indicated. Few data are available regarding the effectiveness of bevacizumab (BEV) in this setting. We performed a retrospective analysis investigating the efficacy and safety of BEV in meningioma patients relapsed after receiving surgery and radiotherapy. Gene mutations were also collected Material and Methods we retrospectively analyzed patients treated with off-label BEV at the Veneto Institute of Oncology from July 2019 to February 2022. Major inclusion criteria were histologically-confirmed diagnosis of grade 2-3 meningioma (according to WHO 2016 classification), previous treatment with surgery and radiotherapy, no indication to further surgical reintervention or reirradiation, absence of major contraindications to the use of BEV. Data were estrapolated from local clinical records. Bevacizumab was administered at 10 or 5mg/Kg every 2 weeks (at physician’s discretion) until progressive disease/death or unacceptable toxicity. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the survival rate; CTCAE v 5.0 was used to estimate treatment-related toxicities; RANO criteria were used for radiological assessment; NGS Foundation One panel was used to examine molecular data Results the median follow up was 13 months (3-30 range). 26 patients were enrolled. Median age was 68 ys (29-84); male pts were 16 (61%); 61% (16 pts) with atypical meningioma, 38.5% (10 pts) with anaplastic meningioma; 27% (7 pts) had underwent 2 or more surgeries; 58% had had 2 or more RT treatments; 96.1% (25 pts) received <2 previous lines of systemic treatment. 77% (20 pts) and 23% (6) received BEV 10 and 5mg/Kg every 2 weeks, respectively. For 61% of patients (16 pts), NGS analyses were available; 62% (10 pts) harboured NF2 mutations (1 patient had a confirmed diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2), 23% (6 pts) CDKN2A/2B deletion, 11% (3 pts) PTEN mutation, 8% (2 pts) FGFR mutation, 8% (2 pts) JAK alteration. Overall survival (OS) rate was 82% and 62% at 6 and 12 months respectively; 6 months PFS rate was 83%. 4 patients showed PR, 11 SD, 6 PD, no patient had CR; 5 patients were not evaluable for response. Among evaluable patients the disease control rate (stability+response) was 71% and the objective response rate was 19%. Median PFS and OS were not reached19% (5 pts) experienced CTCAE grade 1 or 2 toxicity, mainly hypertension (4 pts); 1 patient experienced grade 3 hypertension. Conclusion BEV showed very promising activity in recurrent grade 2-3 meningioma. The treatment was well tolerated. BEV should be considered an optimal therapeutic option in this setting of meningioma patients. The NGS results might be useful in identifying targetable mutations in case of further recurrence

P04.02.A Integrated diagnosis and therapeutic decision of pediatric nervous system tumors using a comprehensive genomic profiling test

Abstract Background Nervous system tumors (NST) are one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in children. Next-generation sequencing has enabled the identification of an increasing number of genetic markers, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis, and may help guide clinicians towards a more specific therapeutic approach. Material and Methods Retrospective cohort study of pediatric and young adult patients with NST analyzed with FoundationOneHeme® (FOH) panel from March 2020 to April 2021. This panel was requested, in addition to previously performed pathological reviews and routine genetic tests, in order to obtain more accurate diagnoses and/or possible therapeutic targets. Results Fifty NST were analyzed with FOH panel, corresponding to 49 patients. Median age at NST diagnosis was 13 years (range 0-23 years); 50% were females. Initial diagnoses were: 10 pilocytic astrocytomas, 10 diffuse gliomas, 5 ependymomas, 6 mixed neuronal-glial tumors, 7 embryonal tumors, 3 meningeal tumors, 5 peripheral nervous system tumors (PNST) and 4 other types of tumors. There was a change in the final integrated diagnosis after performing the FOH panel in 10 patients (1 pilocytic astrocytoma, 3 diffuse gliomas, 4 mixed neuronal-glial tumors and 1 PNST). In thirty patients, at least one possible therapeutic target was identified: in 5 patients the target therapies are approved for the patients’ tumor type; in 20 patients, target therapies are approved for the same mutations in other tumor types; and in 30 patients target therapies are still being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials. After the results of the FOH panel were known, the previous therapeutic approach was changed in 15 patients, but in only 4 this was attributed to the new genomic findings. Conclusion Comprehensive genomic profiling tests can improve diagnostic accuracy and allow for a more reliable approach to the management of pediatric patients with nervous system tumors. Although in most patients there was no immediate therapeutic application of the potential targets found, the genomic data obtained could be very useful to patients who may have tumor progressions in the future.

P18.06.B ETS-Transcription Factor inhibitors are effective inTERT promoter mutated meningioma cells in vitro

Abstract Background TERT promoter mutations in meningiomas were recently found to be strongly prognostic and associated with malignant progression and risk of recurrence. As result, the mutation in the TERT promoter generates a binding site for E twenty-six (ETS) transcription factors. Consequently, ETS-transcription factor inhibition might represent a novel strategy to impede meningioma growth. In a prior study we could demonstrate effectiveness of the ETS-transcription factor inhibitor YK-4-279 in TERT promoter mutant meningiomas. Recently, TK216 the clinical derivative of YK-4-279 was developed. Therefore, we aimed to clarify whether TK216 might have an increased effect as compared to YK-4-279 in TERT promoter mutated meningioma cells in vitro. Methods A meningioma-derived cell line (BTL695) generated from a TERT promoter mutated (C228T) anaplastic meningioma served as cell model for the experiments. BTL695 was characterized by high telomerase activity and TERT mRNA expression as analysed by the TRAP assay and RT-PCR, respectively. Genomic aberrations were verified using Ion Torrent Oncomine Comprehensive Assay v3-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). The sensitivity of BTL695 to YK-4-279 and TK216 was determined using an MTT-based viability assay (EZ4U). To elucidate the effectiveness of TK216 on cell cycle and apoptosis, cells were stained with PI and annexin V, respectively, and measured by flow cytometry. The effect of TK216 on the protein expression of the cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), indicative for apoptosis, was investigated by western blot. Additionally, a TK216-resistant cell model (BTL695res) was generated and analysed by NGS. Results BTL695 was significantly more sensitive to TK216 as compared to YK-4-279 (p<0.0001) characterized by the distinctly lower IC50 value of TK216 exposed cells (0.7 µM TK216; 1.6 µM YK-4-279). Flow cytometry analysis revealed a TK216 induced G2M cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis rate, which was additionally verified by the expression of cleaved PARP-1 expression using western blot. Genomic aberrations were found in 18 genes including NF2, CDKN2A/B, ARID1A and PTEN. Interestingly, although the majority of genomic alterations was persistent in the TK216 resistant cell model, a p53 mutation was newly acquired as compared to the parental cell line. Conclusion In summary, our results indicate that ETS transcription factor inhibition by TK216 exerts antitumour activity in our TERT promoter mutant meningioma cell model. Additionally, the sensitivity against TK216 is superior to YK-4-279 and therefore TK216 may represent a promising new therapeutic option for patients with aggressive, TERT promoter mutated meningioma.

Intracranial meningiomas: clinical, intrascopic and pathomorphological causes of recurrence (literature review)

Introduction. Meningiomas are the second most common central nervous system (CNS) tumors in adults. most meningiomas are benign tumors. Anaplastic and atypical meningiomas account for 25% and have a high recurrence rate even after radical tumor resection and radiotherapy. The prognosis of patients with anaplastic meningiomas remains disappointing; most of them die within the first 2 to 5 years after surgery. Purpose: to discuss the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of recurrent meningiomas, to identify the causes of tumor progression, and to assess the clinical features and radiographic findings as well as specific pathomorphological and molecular genetic characteristics. material and methods. We searched for publications in the Pubmed, EMBASE, Cohrane Library and eLibrary databases published between January 2000 and January 2019 on the issue of recurrent intracranial meningiomas, in particular atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. Results. The review systematizes data on the prognostic factors for survival, relapse-free period, and disease progression. particular attention was paid to the radical resection of the tumor and the assessment of the grade of anaplasia. The current data on radiotherapy and drug therapy were presented. the controversial issues of approaches to the assessment of morphological prognostic criteria were discussed. The current knowledge on the most common genetic mutations in meningiomas, the prospects for their study and use for targeted therapy were presented. Conclusion. The management of meningioma still presents some unresolved issues. There are no optimal standards for diagnosis and treatment of patients with meningiomas that would take into account biological characteristics, including growth characteristics and molecular genetic profile. There are no clear prognostic criteria for recurrence and continuity in further management after surgical treatment, which affects the mortality rate and quality of life in this category of patients. New fundamental data that will determine a different strategy in the treatment of intracranial meningiomas are needed.

Analysis of clinicopathological features and NAB2-STAT6 fusion variants of meningeal solitary fibrous tumor with ectopic salivary gland components in the cerebellopontine angle.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors that can occur at any location. Since the identification of specific NAB2-STAT6 fusion in SFTs, the fusion gene variants, NAB2 exon 4-STAT6 exon 2/3 and NAB2 exon 5/6/7-STAT6 exon 16/17/18, have been reported to be associated with clinicopathological features, and the latter variant is predominant in meningeal SFTs. SFTs developing in the salivary glands are rare, and more rarely, those involving ectopic salivary glands (ESGs) have been reported in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA); however, their characteristics remain not well understood. In this study, we performed a clinicopathological and molecular analysis of 3 cases of meningeal SFT with ESGs. All cases presented with an extra-axial mass in the CPA, which is a rarer location for intracranial ESGs compared to the sellar region. Histologically, except for the presence of ESGs, there was no significant difference between current cases and ordinary SFTs. The ESGs demonstrated no cellular atypia, and although the spindle tumor cells were immunopositive for STAT6, the ESGs were negative in all cases, supporting that the ESGs are non-neoplastic components. In 1 case, ESGs were found only in the primary tumor and disappeared in recurrence/dissemination. Of note, molecular analysis identified NAB2 exon 4-STAT6 exon 2 in all cases. In conclusion, our results suggest that ESGs particularly in the CPA may be associated with SFTs and that meningeal SFTs with ESGs may be associated with the minor fusion variant of NAB2-STAT6 in the intracranial lesions.

MAC-spinal meningioma score: A proposal for a quick-to-use scoring sheet of the MIB-1 index in sporadic spinal meningiomas.

ObjectiveMIB-1 index is an important predictor of meningioma progression. However, MIB-1 index is not available in the preoperative tailored medical decision-making process. A preoperative scoring sheet independently estimating MIB-1 indices in spinal meningioma (SM) patients has not been investigated so far.MethodsBetween 2000 and 2020, 128 patients with clinical data, tumor imaging data, inflammatory laboratory (plasma fibrinogen, serum C-reactive protein) data, and neuropathological reports (MIB-1, mitotic count, CD68 staining) underwent surgery for spinal WHO grade 1 and 2 meningioma.ResultsAn optimal MIB-1 index cut-off value (≥5/<5) predicting recurrence was calculated by ROC curve analysis (AUC: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.71-0.96). An increased MIB-1 index (≥5%) was observed in 55 patients (43.0%) and multivariable analysis revealed significant associations with baseline Modified McCormick Scale ≥2, age ≥65, and absence of calcification. A four-point scoring sheet (MAC-Spinal Meningioma) based on Modified McCormick, Age, and Calcification facilitates prediction of the MIB-1 index (sensitivity 71.1%, specificity 60.0%). Among those patients with a preoperative MAC-Meningioma Score ≥3, the probability of a MIB-1 index ≥5% was 81.3%.ConclusionThis novel score (MAC-Spinal Meningioma) supports the preoperative estimation of an increased MIB-1 index, which might support preoperative patient-surgeon consultation, surgical decision making and enable a tailored follow-up schedule or an individual watch-and-wait strategy.

Functional Outcome in Spinal Meningioma Surgery and Use of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring.

Data on intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) during spinal meningioma (SM) surgery are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the role of IOM and its impact on post-operative functional outcome. Eighty-six consecutive surgically treated SM patients were included. We assessed pre and post-operative Modified McCormick Scale (mMCS), radiological and histopathological data and IOM findings. Degree of cord compression was associated with preoperative mMCS and existence of motor or sensory deficits (p &lt; 0.001). IOM was used in 51 (59.3%) patients (IOM-group). Median pre and post-operative mMCS was II and I, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Fifty-seven (66.3%) patients showed an improvement of at least one grade in the mMCS one year after surgery. In the IOM group, only one patient had worsened neurological status, and this was correctly predicted by alterations in evoked potentials. Analysis of both groups found no significantly better neurological outcome in the IOM group, but IOM led to changes in surgical strategy in complex cases. Resection of SM is safe and leads to improved neurological outcome in most cases. Both complication and tumor recurrence rates were low. We recommend the use of IOM in surgically challenging cases, such as completely ossified or large ventrolateral SM.

Survival Benefit of Prognostic Factors and Treatment in Adult Patients with Recurrent Anaplastic Meningioma: A Retrospective Case Series and Systematic Literature Review

Recurrence rates of anaplastic meningioma (AM) are high even after a complete resection with postoperative radiotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate predictors and treatment affecting survival of recurrent AM based on our series and a systematic literature review (SLR). Our single-institute (SI) data enrolled patients with first recurrent AM, treated in our hospital from 2012 to 2018. We retrieved eligible cases from SLR from 1966 to 2020. Our SI data and pooled data, integrating SI and SLR data, were subject to Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Analysis from SI data (n= 38) showed that second recurrence-free survival (RFS) was associated with intervals (HR [hazard ratio], 0.263; P= 0.002), preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) (HR, 0.450; P= 0.043), radiotherapy (HR, 0.395; P= 0.047), whereas overall survival(OS) was related to preoperative KPS (HR, 0.411; P= 0.037) and tumor size (HR, 3.429; P= 0.007). The pooled data (n= 60) indicated that short intervals (HR, 0.370; P= 0.002) and the use of radiotherapy (HR, 0.318; P= 0.003) improved second RFS and number of resections ≥3 (HR, 0.210; P= 0.002) and radiotherapy (HR, 0.209; P=0.002) prolonged OS. Furthermore, the overall second RFS (P= 0.024) and OS (P= 0.031) stratified by 4 treatment protocols differed significantly. Early managements of patients with AM, before presence of poor preoperative KPS and large tumor size, are critical for survival. For patients with recurrent AM, survival benefits could be obtained from radiotherapy and multiple resections.

Classic Foster Kennedy Syndrome Triggered by Invasive Anaplastic Meningioma: Before and After.

Classic Foster Kennedy Syndrome Triggered by Invasive Anaplastic Meningioma: Before and After.

Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography with &lt;sup&gt;18&lt;/sup&gt;F-fluorodeoxyglucose and &lt;sup&gt;18&lt;/sup&gt;F-сholine in meningeal solitary fibrous tumors: short literature review sample and clinical cases

Solitary fibrous tumors of the cerebral membranes are rare brain tumors. meningeal solitary fibrous tumors often metastasize outside the central nervous system, which significantly reduces the life expectancy of patients, while metastases can appear in a distant period after radical treatment of the primary intracranial tumor. The results of positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-choline in 2 patients with different differentiation of solitary fibrous tumors were analyzed. The presented clinical cases demonstrate that clinical morphological variants of solitary fibrous tumors differ in aggressiveness and clinical course of the disease.

A CASE REPORT ON PAPILLARY MENINGIOMA AT RIMS, RANCHI

Papillary meningioma is a rare meningeal tumor classied as Grade III by the World Health Organization. This is a very rare malignant form of meningioma. These are associated with aggressive clinical courses as compared to other meningiomas. Here we report an unusual case of papillary meningioma in a 47 year male. Papillary meningioma has specic clinical and histopathological characteristics.

Effects of Magnesium Sulfate on Intraoperative Blood Loss and Anesthetic Requirement in Meningioma Patients Undergoing Craniotomy with Tumor Removal: A Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract Background Meningioma brain tumor is associated with significant blood loss. Magnesium (Mg), a calcium blocker, can facilitate blood pressure control during surgery. This study aimed to evaluate effects of magnesium on blood loss, anesthetic requirement, and its neuroprotective effect in meningioma patients undergoing craniotomy. Methods Eighty patients aged between 18 and 70, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, diagnosed with meningioma and scheduled for craniotomy tumor removal were randomized into two groups. Group M (Mg) received intravenous magnesium sulfate 40 mg/kg over 30 minutes initiated at skin incision and followed by continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg/h until dura closure. Group N (NSS) received 0.9% NaCl as placebo. Anesthesiologists in charge, surgeons, and patients were all blinded. The assessed outcomes were perioperative blood loss, anesthetic requirement, and pre- and postoperative neurocognitive functions assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results Thirty-eight patients in each group were analyzed. In group M, the intraoperative blood losses were 500 (70, 2300) mL, and 510 (100, 1600) mL in group N (p = 0.315). Patients who received blood within 24 hours were 39.5% in group M and 47.4% in group N (p = 0.644). No differences were observed in anesthetic requirement, intraoperative mean arterial pressure, hypotensive episodes, and vasopressor usages. There were no significant differences in postoperative MoCA score. Magnesium levels did not exceed acceptable levels. Conclusions Magnesium administration in meningioma patients had no significant effects on blood loss, anesthetic requirement, and postoperative cognitive function.

Deep learning for automatic brain tumour segmentation on MRI: evaluation of recommended reporting criteria via a reproduction and replication study

ObjectivesTo determine the reproducibility and replicability of studies that develop and validate segmentation methods for brain tumours on MRI and that follow established reproducibility criteria; and to evaluate whether the...

Characteristics of Patients Selected for Surgical Treatment of Spinal Meningioma

Spinal meningiomas are benign extra-axial tumors that can present with neurological deficits. Treatment partly depends on the degree of disability as there is no agreed-upon patient selection algorithm at present. We aimed to elucidate general patient selection patterns in patients undergoing surgery for spinal meningioma. Data for patients with spinal tumors admitted between 2016 and 2019 were extracted from the U.S. Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We identified patients with a primary diagnosis of spinal meningioma (using International Classification of Disease, 10th revision codes) and divided them into surgical and nonsurgical treatment groups. Patient characteristics were evaluated for intergroup differences. Of 6395 patients with spinal meningioma, 5845 (91.4%) underwent surgery. Advanced age, nonwhite race, obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and anticoagulant/antiplatelet use were less prevalent in the surgical group (all P<0.001). The only positive predictor of surgical treatment was elective admission status (odds ratio, 3.166; P<0.001); negative predictors were low income, Medicaid insurance, anxiety, obesity, and plegia. Patients with bowel-bladder dysfunction, plegia, or radiculopathy were less likely to undergo surgical treatment. The surgery group was less likely to experience certain complications (deep vein thrombosis, P<0.001; pulmonary embolism, P=0.002). Increased total hospital charges were associated with nonwhite race, diabetes, depression, obesity, myelopathy, plegia, and surgery. Patients treated surgically had a decreased incidence of complications, comorbidities, and Medicaid payer status. A pattern of increased utilization of health care resources and spending was also observed in the surgery group. The results indicate a potentially underserved population of patients with spinal meningioma.

Anaplastic Meningioma Who Grade III: Case Report and Review of Immunohistopathological Characteristics

Introduction: Anaplastic meningiomas constitute about 2% of all intracranial meningiomas and are known to be aggressive with a mean overall survival and mean relapse-free survival of 3.3 years and 2.7 years respectively. We treated a patient with a World Health Organization (WHO) grade III Anaplastic Meningioma, a rare histological variant of convexity meningiomas in which intraoperatively we found the tumor mass was unique of mixed characteristics particularly peritumoral subdural effusion Research Question: We show in this case report that convexity lesions presenting with subdural lesions should be highly suspected for WHO III anaplastic meningiomas backed with the immunohistopathological findings. Material and Methods: Routine computed tomography for patients with neurologic signs and symptoms which reveal a convexity peri-tumoral subdural collection should be suspected for WHO III anaplastic meningiomas. Surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy offered a good clinical outcome. Results: Postoperative the patient described a gradual improvement of the of expressive aphasia, deficits in speech, detectable personality changes or motor/sensory deficits. MRI at the three-month, six-month, one- year and two-year postoperative follow-up, revealed no evidence of residual tumor nor any observed recurrence nor recurrence of pre-operative symptoms. Discussion and Conclusion In this paper, we present the rare radiological presentation and immunohistopathological characteristics of this WHO III Grade III anaplastic meningioma. WHO III anaplastic meningiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracranial tumors which present with peritumoral subdural collection on routine contrast tomography imaging. Our findings may contribute to the literature of the histopathological nature and behavior of this tumor subtype.

Complex Treatment for Analaplastic G3 Meningioma- Clinical Case with Literature Review

Anaplastic meningiomas are rare aggressive brain neoplasms that are followed by recurrences, despite a gross total surgery. We present a 45-year-old woman with an anaplastic meningioma recurrence two years after surgery, which is not followed by postoperative raditherapy. Through this clinical case, we emphasize the required diagnostics and complex treatment in analaplastic meningiomas as well as the current optimization options of imposing surgical intervention, radiotherapy and drug treatment. Тhe standard care is maximum safe resection followed by adjuvant raditherapy (RT) for grade 3 meningiomas. Radiosurgery (RS) is an effective therapeutic alternative for intracranial and spinal meningiomas up to 3.5 cm. Hypofractionated radiosurgery (HFRS) is administered postoperatively in analaplastic meningiomas with a diameter of more than 3.5 cm. After re-operation of recurrences and after 6 months of the previous radiotherapy, it is possible to conduct HFRS re-irradiation, followed by targeted therapy

Doublecortin immunolabeling and lack of neuronal nuclear protein immunolabeling in feline gliomas.

Doublecortin (DCX) and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) can be used as immunomarkers of neuronal progenitor cells and mature neurons, respectively. Increased DCX immunolabeling has been associated with tumor invasion in human gliomas and anaplastic canine meningiomas. These immunomarkers have not been assessed in feline gliomas. Here we characterized the DCX and NeuN immunohistochemistry (IHC) profile in 11 feline gliomas (7 oligodendrogliomas, 4 astrocytomas). Immunolabeling was classified according to intensity (weak, moderate, strong), distribution of neoplastic cell immunolabeling (1 = <30%, 2 = 30-70%, 3 = >70%), and predominant location within the neoplasm (random or at tumor margins). DCX immunolabeling was strong in 6 cases, weak in 4 cases, and moderate in 1 case. The distribution of DCX immunolabeling was characterized as 1 (4 cases), 2 (4 cases), and 3 (3 cases). DCX immunolabeling occurred predominantly in astrocytomas, which had stronger immunostaining at the tumor margins. NeuN immunolabeling was absent in all cases. Our IHC findings are similar to those reported for DCX and NeuN IHC in canine gliomas. The increased DCX immunolabeling at tumor margins is similar to labeling in invasive human gliomas and anaplastic canine meningiomas.

Meningioma with rhabdoid features: Pathologic findings in dogs.

Rhabdoid meningioma is a rare type of meningeal neoplasm in humans. This study reports the clinical, pathological, and ultrastructural features of 4 cases of canine meningioma with rhabdoid features. The cases were female and 8 to 12 years of age. Biopsies from complete surgical resections were examined for all cases. The whole brain with tumor recurrence was collected at necropsy in 2 dogs. Histologically, the tumors consisted of discohesive sheets of oval-polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and occasional paranuclear hyaline-like inclusions. Cells were intensely immunopositive for vimentin, negative for melan A and S100 protein in all cases, and showed variable immunolabeling for cytokeratin in 2 cases. Focal glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunopositive cells were present in 1 case. Ultrastructurally, the rhabdoid cells in case 1 contained prominent cytoplasmic whorls of intermediate filaments, recapitulating the ultrastructural features of rhabdoid meningioma in humans. In cases 2 and 3, the meningioma cells contained interdigitating cell processes folded in a maze-like fashion resembling rhabdoid-like meningioma in humans. In case 4, the voluminous cytoplasm contained many round-to-flattened mitochondria admixed with rough endoplasmic reticulum, indicating a predominant oncocytic differentiation and not the rhabdoid differentiation suggested by light microscopy. Thus, rhabdoid morphology occurs in different types of meningiomas, and ultrastructural findings are essential for a correct diagnosis.

Functional Outcome after Spinal Meningioma Surgery.

A multicenter cross-sectional analytical retrospective study. To assess functional outcome (FO) after a spinal meningioma (SM) surgery. All studies report functional improvement after SM removal. We performed an analytical retrospective cohort study at five different institutions. All patients with a diagnosis of SM were included in this study, including those with recurrent tumors. Meningiomas of the foramen magnum were excluded. Useful histopathological characteristics were separately extracted. Surgical resection was evaluated according to the Simpson grading scale. Patient outcomes and clinical states were assessed with the help of their medical records using four different scales: the modified Ranawat score, the Nurick scale, the Prolo score, the Frankel grade, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-World Health Organization- Zubrod score. Between 1991 and 2018, 417 patients were identified, of which 85.8% were female. The median age at surgery was 67.2 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56.7-76.5). The lesion was located in the thoracic region in 77.9% of the patients, cervical region in 16.8%, and lumbar region in 4.1%. Surgical resection was complete in 95.5% of the cases. Only 0.96% of the patients died within the first postoperative month. Neurological status, which improved in 76.9% of the patients, was unchanged in 17.5% and even worsened in 4.4%. Functional status was assessed using the Ranawat score and Nurick scale, with scores of 1 (IQR, 0-2) (i.e., hyperreflexia and asymptomatic; mean, 1.3±1.3) and 1 (IQR, 0-2) (i.e., signs of spinal cord disease, but no difficulty in walking; mean, 1.2±1.4), respectively. Approximately 10.1% of the patients were not ambulant at the last neurosurgical follow-up visit. Older age at surgery was not significantly associated with a chair-bound status (p =0.427). This large series confirms the favorable FO after spinal meningioma surgery even in the case of seriously impaired preoperative status. A validated scale is needed to assess the factors predicting a worsening of the functional status and guide the management of patients.

OTHR-02. Ways to lower anxiety and influence pain perception by reducing stress hormones and impacting the neurochemicals of patients

Abstract In this session, you will learn how things in everyday life such as music, laughter, gratitude, acts of kindness and pets can take the edge off a patient’s experience by affecting them physically. The speaker can describe these things first hand by sharing what she experienced through her meningioma brain tumor scare and the corresponding radiation treatments. She can also speak to the benefits of “salient stimulus,” whereby patients who listen to music that is relevant to them during radiation treatments are more apt to be less stressed than other patients because the songs that have meaning can increase dopamine levels. The same can be said for people with dementia who listen to their favorite songs. The balance and stride length of people who have Parkinson’s disease can improve as well when they dance to music that has meaning for them and dopamine levels are influenced along the way. Promoting such things in a hospital setting can benefit the underlying patient and their caregivers, e.g., their families and the people who help them at the hospital. The hospital itself has the potential to benefit too through lower turn over rates with staff and lower sedation rates of patients. Great reminder that even though we can’t control the quantity of life, we can still influence the quality of it, regardless of who you are or where you’re from.