Development of new models
Meningiomas are the second most common central nervous system tumor, accounting for approximately 20% of all primary adult intracranial tumors. The vast majority occurs in patients between 50 and 60 years of age, with a two fold higher incidence in women. Surgery is the treatment of choice for tumors causing impairment of bodily function(s), seizures, and/or pain. At five year, after complete removal, recurrence rates for benign meningiomas range from only 2-3% but for atypical or anaplastic meningiomas they range from 50 to 78%, respectively.
Current animal models of meningiomas have relied on implantation of human meningioma cells in mice lacking a healthy immune system. These models have many limitations and a more favorable model would be the formation of meningiomas from normal mouse cells. Michel Kalamarides in Marco Giovannini's lab in Paris , France , has created the first mouse model giving rise to sporadic meningiomas that do not arise from implanted human meningioma cells. In this model, 30% of the animals develop small meningiomas. With the support of the Brain Science Foundation, we are working closely with Dr. Kalamarides to increase the incidence of these tumors and decrease the current required time to develop. In addition, we are using MRI to screen the animals for tumors at an early stage of development. This research will lead to the development of a powerful tool to study meningioma formation and progression, and to evaluate new therapeutic agents. Furthermore, Theresa Cargioli and Hasan Ugur a neurosurgeon from Turkey are taking a different approach to this problem by immortalizing human meningiomas in culture, thus allowing these cells to grow for an extended period of time and facilitating their observation and experimental use. Overall, we are working to improve the understanding of meningioma growth and to uncover potential treatments by first conducting studies in the mouse model that will eventually lead to innovative treatments for meningiomas affecting humans.
