Standalone Meningioma Embolization: A Systematic Review.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review assessed standalone embolization—without resection or radiotherapy for at least 2 months—as definitive or palliative treatment for meningioma. It included 121 patients from 34 studies; 67 had long-term follow-up. Among symptomatic patients, 77 ± 6% had reported symptomatic improvement, while radiographic shrinkage was observed in 84 ± 6% and complete resolution in 5%. The major complication rate was 5%. The authors conclude that this approach may be an option for selected patients unsuitable for surgery or refractory to standard treatments, but evidence remains limited and largely retrospective.

Key findings

• Symptomatic improvement was reported in 77 ± 6% of symptomatic patients.
• Radiographic tumor shrinkage occurred in 84 ± 6%; complete resolution was reported in 5%.
• The major complication rate was 5%, compared with 3%-6% for preoperative embolization and 7%-31% for surgical resection.

Why it matters

For patients with meningioma who cannot undergo surgery or have not responded to standard treatments, standalone embolization is a potential treatment avenue. The reported symptom and imaging outcomes provide a rationale for further study, while the complication estimate offers context against established procedures. These findings are not sufficient to establish comparative safety or effectiveness.

What to keep in mind

Evidence was limited and largely retrospective; only 67 of the 121 patients had long-term follow-up.