Evolution of the neurosurgical management of progestin-associated meningiomas: a 23-year single-center experience

Purpose The improving knowledge of interactions between meningiomas and progestin refines the management of this specific condition. We assessed the changes over time of the management of progestin-associated meningiomas. Methods We retrospectively studied consecutive adult patients who had at least one meningioma in the context of progestin intake (October 1995-October 2018) in a tertiary adult Neurosurgical Center. Results 71 adult women with 125 progestin-associated meningiomas were included. The number of progestin-associated meningioma patients increased over time (0.5/year before 2008, 22.0/year after 2017). Progestin treatment was an approved indication in 27.0%. A mean of 1.7 +/- 1.2 meningiomas were discovered per patient (median 1, range 1-6). Surgery was performed on 36 (28.8%) meningiomas and the histopathologic grading was WHO grade 1 in 61.1% and grade 2 in 38.9%. The conservative management of meningiomas increased over time (33.3% before 2008, 64.3% after 2017) and progestin treatment withdrawal increased over time (16.7% before 2008, 95.2% after 2017). Treatment withdrawal varied depending on the progestin derivative used (88.9% with cyproterone acetate, 84.6% with chlormadinone acetate, 28.6% with nomegestrol acetate, 66.7% with progestin derivative combination). The main reason for therapeutic management of meningiomas was the presence of clinical signs. Among the 54 meningiomas managed conservatively for which the progestin had been discontinued, MRI follow-up demonstrated a regression in 29.6%, a stability in 68.5%, and an ongoing growth in 1.9% of cases. Conclusions Conservative management, including progestin treatment discontinuation, has grown over time with promising results in terms of efficacy and safety.

Automated summary

The number of patients with progestin-associated meningiomas has increased over time, with a growing trend towards conservative management and discontinuation of progestin treatment. MRI follow-up has shown promising results in terms of efficacy for conservatively managed meningiomas after discontinuation of progestin treatment.