Non-malignant brain tumors

Abstract

Non-malignant brain tumors occur at an incidence of 17.9 per 100,000 people in the United States. Low-grade gliomas and benign meningiomas are the most common non-malignant brain tumors in adults. Low-grade gliomas are slow-growing tumors originating from supporting glial cells, while meningiomas grow attached to dural surfaces outside of the brain. Prior radiation exposure is the only known modifiable risk factor. Treatment is focused on decreasing tumor burden, controlling seizures, and decreasing the rate of malignant transformation while preserving neurological function. This is particularly important because patients with non-malignant brain tumors can live for decades with this diagnosis. Surgical resection plays a critical role. Maximal safe resection using techniques such as neuronavigation, functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and direct stimulation mapping allow for preservation of neurological function while reducing tumor burden. Subsequent radiotherapy can improve progression-free survival, particularly for recurrent tumors or residual disease. Targeted chemotherapeutic agents against specific pathways necessary for tumor growth are currently being investigated.