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Lovin BD, Nader ME, Qing Y, Hernandez M, Raza S, DeMonte F, Gidley PW. Losartan May Not Prevent Vestibular Schwannoma Growth or Related Hearing Loss During Observation. Otol Neurotol 2024; 45:690-695. [PMID: 38865728 PMCID: PMC11178252 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000004214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of losartan on vestibular schwannoma (VS) growth and related hearing loss during observation. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Sporadic VS patients undergoing initial observation with at least two magnetic resonance imaging and audiologic examinations. INTERVENTION Losartan. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Endpoints included VS growth, quantitative audiologic changes, survival free of tumor growth, and survival free of nonserviceable hearing. Patient characteristics and endpoints were compared by losartan use. RESULTS Seventy-nine patients were included, of which 33% were taking losartan. Tumor growth was observed in 50% of patients in the losartan group and 36% in the non-losartan group (p = 0.329). Survival analysis failed to show a significant difference in the hazard rate of VS growth between groups (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-2.70; p = 0.346). Throughout observation, mean decreases in normalized pure-tone average were 5.5 and 9.3 dB in the losartan and non-losartan groups, respectively (p = 0.908). Mean decreases in normalized word recognition score were 11.0 and 16.6% in the losartan and non-losartan groups, respectively (p = 0.757). Nonserviceable hearing developed in 19% of patients in the losartan group and 28% in the non-losartan group (p = 0.734). Survival analysis did not demonstrate a significant difference in the hazard rate of developing nonserviceable hearing between groups (hazard ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-5.21; p = 0.337). CONCLUSIONS Losartan use may not reduce the risk of VS growth or hearing loss during observation. A randomized trial would be ideal to further identify the true effect on growth and hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc-Elie Nader
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Yun Qing
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Mike Hernandez
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Shaan Raza
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Franco DeMonte
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Paul W Gidley
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Adelhoefer SJ, Feghali J, Rajan S, Eberhart CG, Staedtke V, Cohen AR. An unusual finding of an anaplastic meningioma in NF2-related schwannomatosis. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:2209-2214. [PMID: 38451298 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06350-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) is a rare autosomal-dominant genetic disorder characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas and multiple meningiomas. This case report presents the extremely rare occurrence of an anaplastic meningioma in a 12-year-old male with previously undiagnosed NF2. The patient presented with a history of abdominal pain and episodic emesis, gait unsteadiness, right upper and lower extremity weakness, and facial weakness. He had sensorineural hearing loss and wore bilateral hearing aids. MR imaging revealed a sizable left frontoparietal, dural-based meningioma with heterogeneous enhancement with mass effect on the brain and midline shift. Multiple additional CNS lesions were noted including a homogenous lesion at the level of T5 indicative of compression of the spinal cord. The patient underwent a frontotemporoparietal craniotomy for the removal of his large dural-based meningioma, utilizing neuronavigation and transdural ultrasonography for precise en bloc resection of the mass. Histopathology revealed an anaplastic meningioma, WHO grade 3, characterized by brisk mitotic activity, small-cell changes, high Ki-67 proliferation rate, and significant loss of P16. We report an anaplastic meningioma associated with an underlying diagnosis of NF2 for which we describe clinical and histopathological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siegfried J Adelhoefer
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Faculty of Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - James Feghali
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sharika Rajan
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Verena Staedtke
- Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Center, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alan R Cohen
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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3
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Nickl V, Fakler J, Ziebolz D, Rumpel C, Stabenow L, Bernhagen J, Rampeltshammer E, Ernestus RI, Löhr M, Gugel I, Matthies C, Monoranu CM, Hagemann C, Breun M. Development of a vestibular schwannoma tumor slice model for pharmacological testing. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 405:110082. [PMID: 38387803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our goal was to develop a 3D tumor slice model, replicating the individual tumor microenvironment and for individual pharmaceutical testing in vestibular schwannomas with and without relation to NF2. METHODS Tissue samples from 16 VS patients (14 sporadic, 2 NF2-related) were prospectively analyzed. Slices of 350 µm thickness were cultured in vitro, and the 3D tumor slice model underwent thorough evaluation for culturing time, microenvironment characteristics, morphology, apoptosis, and proliferation rates. Common drugs - Lapatinib (10 µM), Nilotinib (20 µM), and Bevacizumab (10 µg/ml) - known for their responses in VS were used for treatment. Treatment responses were assessed using CC3 as an apoptosis marker and Ki67 as a proliferation marker. Standard 2D cell culture models of the same tumors served as controls. RESULTS The 3D tumor slice model accurately mimicked VS ex vivo, maintaining stability for three months. Cell count within the model was approximately tenfold higher than in standard cell culture, and the tumor microenvironment remained stable for 46 days. Pharmacological testing was feasible for up to three weeks, revealing interindividual differences in treatment response to Lapatinib and intraindividual variability in response to Lapatinib and Nilotinib. The observed effects were less pronounced in tumor slices than in standard cell culture, indicating the model's proximity to in vivo tumor biology and enhanced realism. Bevacizumab had limited impact in both models. CONCLUSION This study introduces a 3D tumor slice model for sporadic and NF2-related VS, demonstrating stability for up to 3 months, replication of the schwannoma microenvironment, and utility for individualized pharmacological testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Nickl
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Jonathan Fakler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Ziebolz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Rumpel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Linus Stabenow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Bernhagen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Rampeltshammer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf-Ingo Ernestus
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Löhr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Gugel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Centre of Neurofibromatosis and Rare Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Cordula Matthies
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Camelia M Monoranu
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Neuropathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Hagemann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maria Breun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Welling DB. Targeted Therapies in the Treatment of Vestibular Schwannomas: Current State and New Horizons. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2023; 56:543-556. [PMID: 37024334 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas continue to cause hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, imbalance, and tinnitus. These symptoms are compounded by germline neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene loss and multiple intracranial and spinal cord tumors associated with NF2-related schwannomatosis. The current treatments of observation, microsurgical resection, or stereotactic radiation may prevent catastrophic brainstem compression but are all associated with the loss of cranial nerve function, particularly hearing loss. Novel targeted treatment options to stop tumor progression include small molecule inhibitors, immunotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, radio-sensitizing and sclerosing agents, and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bradley Welling
- Harvard Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Massachusetts General Hospital.
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5
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Xu HY, Sun YJ, Sun YY, Wu YJ, Xu MY, Chen LP, Zhu L. Lapatinib alleviates TOCP-induced axonal damage in the spinal cord of mouse. Neuropharmacology 2021; 189:108535. [PMID: 33766630 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), a family of EGF-like factors that activates ErbB receptors, can regulate the proliferation, migration, and myelinating of Schwann cells. We previously reported that NRG1/ErbB signal is responsible for organophosphate (OP)-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) in hens, a susceptive animal model to neuropathic organophosphorous compounds. Our previous study discovered that a neuropathic OP, tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) activated NRG1/ErbB signaling pathway in both spinal cord and sciatic nerves of hens during the formation of OPIDN and lapatinib, a non-selective antagonist of ErbB1 and ErbB2 receptors, alleviated the toxicity. In this study, we intended to further look into the potential role of NRG1 in the pathogenesis of TOCP-induced axon damage in spinal cord and sciatic nerves and whether lapatinib could also rescue this damage in mice, an OPIDN-resistant animal model. The results revealed that no obvious toxic signs were observed after single TOCP exposure. However, slight histopathological wreck in lumbar spinal cord and sciatic nerves was found following TOCP intoxication, and the damage in sciatic nerves was characterized by axon degeneration of myelin sheath but not the loss of neural skeleton. Only histopathological damage induced by TOCP in spinal cord could be prevented by lapatinib. The translational expression of NRG1/ErbB signaling molecules was analyzed by both in vivo and in vitro studies. In general, NRG1/ErbB pathway was activated by TOCP while combined treatment with lapatinib attenuated TOCP-induced NRG1/ErbB signaling cascade. The results implied that NRG1/ErbB system may predominately play functional role in spinal cord (central nervous system) but not in sciatic nerves (peripheral nervous system) of mouse subjected to neurotoxic OP, which was confirmed by the study in vitro that lapatinib was not able to attenuate TOCP-induced neurotoxicity in rodent Schwann cell line RSC 96 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yang Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Ying-Jian Sun
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Yan-Yan Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Yi-Jun Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China.
| | - Ming-Yuan Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Li-Ping Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Li Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
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Hintelmann K, Kriegs M, Rothkamm K, Rieckmann T. Improving the Efficacy of Tumor Radiosensitization Through Combined Molecular Targeting. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1260. [PMID: 32903756 PMCID: PMC7438822 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoradiation, either alone or in combination with surgery or induction chemotherapy, is the current standard of care for most locally advanced solid tumors. Though chemoradiation is usually performed at the maximum tolerated doses of both chemotherapy and radiation, current cure rates are not satisfactory for many tumor entities, since tumor heterogeneity and plasticity result in chemo- and radioresistance. Advances in the understanding of tumor biology, a rapidly growing number of molecular targeting agents and novel technologies enabling the in-depth characterization of individual tumors, have fuelled the hope of entering an era of precision oncology, where each tumor will be treated according to its individual characteristics and weaknesses. At present though, molecular targeting approaches in combination with radiotherapy or chemoradiation have not yet proven to be beneficial over standard chemoradiation treatment in the clinical setting. A promising approach to improve efficacy is the combined usage of two targeting agents in order to inhibit backup pathways or achieve a more complete pathway inhibition. Here we review preclinical attempts to utilize such dual targeting strategies for future tumor radiosensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hintelmann
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Kriegs
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kai Rothkamm
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Rieckmann
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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7
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Franceschi E, Frappaz D, Rudà R, Hau P, Preusser M, Houillier C, Lombardi G, Asioli S, Dehais C, Bielle F, Di Nunno V, van den Bent M, Brandes AA, Idbaih A. Rare Primary Central Nervous System Tumors in Adults: An Overview. Front Oncol 2020; 10:996. [PMID: 32676456 PMCID: PMC7333775 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Overall, tumors of primary central nervous system (CNS) are quite common in adults with an incidence rate close to 30 new cases/100,000 inhabitants per year. Significant clinical and biological advances have been accomplished in the most common adult primary CNS tumors (i.e., diffuse gliomas). However, most CNS tumor subtypes are rare with an incidence rate below the threshold defining rare disease of 6.0 new cases/100,000 inhabitants per year. Close to 150 entities of primary CNS tumors have now been identified by the novel integrated histomolecular classification published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its updates by the c-IMPACT NOW consortium (the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy). While these entities can be better classified into smaller groups either by their histomolecular features and/or by their location, assessing their treatment by clinical trials and improving the survival of patients remain challenging. Despite these tumors are rare, research, and advances remain slower compared to diffuse gliomas for instance. In some cases (i.e., ependymoma, medulloblastoma) the understanding is high because single or few driver mutations have been defined. The European Union has launched European Reference Networks (ERNs) dedicated to support advances on the clinical side of rare diseases including rare cancers. The ERN for rare solid adult tumors is termed EURACAN. Within EURACAN, Domain 10 brings together the European patient advocacy groups (ePAGs) and physicians dedicated to improving outcomes in rare primary CNS tumors and also aims at supporting research, care and teaching in the field. In this review, we discuss the relevant biological and clinical characteristics, clinical management of patients, and research directions for the following types of rare primary CNS tumors: medulloblastoma, pineal region tumors, glioneuronal and rare glial tumors, ependymal tumors, grade III meningioma and mesenchymal tumors, primary central nervous system lymphoma, germ cell tumors, spinal cord tumors and rare pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Franceschi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL/IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Didier Frappaz
- Department of Neuro-Oncology and Institut d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Pédiatrique, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Roberta Rudà
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, City of Health and Science and University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Peter Hau
- Wilhelm Sander NeuroOncology-Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Houillier
- Sorbonne Université, IHU, ICM, Service de Neurologie 2-Mazarin, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Giuseppe Lombardi
- Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Asioli
- Section of Anatomic Pathology "M. Malpighi", Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Caroline Dehais
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires La Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, Service de Neurologie 2-Mazarin, Paris, France
| | - Franck Bielle
- Department of Neuropathology, Hôpitaux Universitaires La Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, SIRIC Curamus, Paris, France
| | - Vincenzo Di Nunno
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL/IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martin van den Bent
- The Brain Tumor Center at Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alba A Brandes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda USL/IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ahmed Idbaih
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires La Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, Service de Neurologie 2-Mazarin, Paris, France
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8
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Coy S, Rashid R, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Santagata S. An update on the CNS manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 2. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 139:643-665. [PMID: 31161239 PMCID: PMC7038792 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) is a tumor predisposition syndrome characterized by the development of distinctive nervous system lesions. NF2 results from loss-of-function alterations in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, with resultant dysfunction of its protein product merlin. NF2 is most commonly associated with the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas; however, patients also have a predisposition to development of other tumors including meningiomas, ependymomas, and peripheral, spinal, and cranial nerve schwannomas. Patients may also develop other characteristic manifestations such as ocular lesions, neuropathies, meningioangiomatosis, and glial hamartia. NF2 has a highly variable clinical course, with some patients exhibiting a severe phenotype and development of multiple tumors at an early age, while others may be nearly asymptomatic throughout their lifetime. Despite the high morbidity associated with NF2 in severe cases, management of NF2-associated lesions primarily consists of surgical resection and treatment of symptoms, and there are currently no FDA-approved systemic therapies that address the underlying biology of the syndrome. Refinements to the diagnostic criteria of NF2 have been proposed over time due to increasing understanding of clinical and molecular data. Large-population studies have demonstrated that some features such as the development of gliomas and neurofibromas, currently included as diagnostic criteria, may require further clarification and modification. Meanwhile, burgeoning insights into the molecular biology of NF2 have shed light on the etiology and highly variable severity of the disease and suggested numerous putative molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review the clinicopathologic features of NF2, current understanding of the molecular biology of NF2, particularly with regard to central nervous system lesions, ongoing therapeutic studies, and avenues for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Coy
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, BTM8002P, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rumana Rashid
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, BTM8002P, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Laboratory for Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anat Stemmer-Rachamimov
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandro Santagata
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, BTM8002P, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Laboratory for Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Boston, MA, USA.
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Boston, MA, USA.
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