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J Neurol Surg Rep 2014; 75(01): e52-e55
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1359300
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Case of Recurrent Anaplastic Meningioma of the Skull Base with Radiologic Response to Hydroxyurea

Joshua Gurberg
1   Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
,
Nathaniel Bouganim
2   Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
,
George Shenouda
3   Department of Radiation Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
,
Anthony Zeitouni
4   Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

12 April 2013

17 September 2013

Publication Date:
17 April 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Anaplastic meningiomas are rare and aggressive tumors with a high propensity for local recurrence. Surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy are the standard of care for primary disease and local recurrences. Refractory disease is managed with chemotherapy with limited success. A highly efficacious, well-tolerated chemotherapeutic agent has yet to be found for this disease entity. Hydroxyurea is currently receiving renewed attention because of its efficacy in inducing apoptosis of meningioma cells in vitro and its favorable side-effect profile. Thus far, in humans, this agent has only induced stable disease.

We describe the first patient showing a near complete/partial clinical and radiological regression after 5 months of 25 mg/kg of hydroxyurea once daily, given within 1 month after stereotactic fractionated reirradiation of a previously irradiated and operated anaplastic meningioma of the skull base. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a significant and sustained response with tumor shrinkage and cavitation.

Keywords

meningioma - anaplastic meningioma - hydroxyurea - radiotherapy - recurrent - malignant transformation
 

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