Rimas V. Lukas, MD from Northwestern Medicine speaks about Nonmalignant Brain Tumors.
Link to Abstract:
https://journals.lww.com/continuum/Fulltext/2020/12000/Nonmalignant_Brain_Tumors.6.aspx
SUMMARY:
REVIEW’S OBJECTIVE
Meningioma, pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, and glioneuronal tumors are all discussed in this article, as well as their diagnosis and treatment.
RECENT RESULTS
Meningiomas and pituitary adenomas are two types of brain tumors that are widespread. These lesions are often discovered by chance on imaging as patients are being examined for a variety of symptoms and signs. Despite being non-cancerous, these tumors may cause substantial morbidity due to their location and the resulting secondary symptoms. These tumors may sometimes develop into malignant variants. Surgical techniques allow more complete resections to be performed with fewer complications. Understanding the molecular biology of meningioma is improving, which may lead to more targeted therapies being available, particularly for patients that aren’t candidates for other treatments. Drug treatments for secretory pituitary adenomas are still emerging. Because of their position, craniopharyngiomas are nonmalignant tumors that cause substantial morbidity. There are molecular subtypes that can react to specific agents. Glioneuronal tumors are low-grade neoplasms that can be cured with a gross total resection; however, residual or recurring disease can necessitate further treatment. In more than half of the cases, recent studies have discovered potentially targetable molecular alterations.
SYNOPSIS
Meningiomas and pituitary adenomas are popular in neurologic practice, and a practicing neurologist should be familiar with their appearance and management. Targeted therapies may eventually complement surgical treatment of nonmalignant tumors including craniopharyngiomas, meningiomas, and glioneuronal tumors, which have a high prevalence of potentially actionable genetic alterations.