New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Meningioma

Meningiomas are tumors that grow from the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. They're the most common primary brain tumor in adults, usually slow-growing, and often benign. Many are found incidentally on scans and never need treatment, but some require surgery or radiation, and a small percentage grow aggressively or recur after treatment.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing targeted therapies for meningiomas that can't be safely removed or that come back after surgery. Researchers are studying drugs aimed at specific mutations found in aggressive tumors, radiation techniques that spare healthy tissue, and ways to predict which tumors will grow. There's particular focus on treatment options for people whose tumors recur despite multiple surgeries.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on tumor grade, whether the tumor can be surgically removed, prior treatments, tumor growth on imaging, and specific genetic features of the tumor.

What types of trials are currently open

• Targeted therapy trials — Testing drugs that target specific genetic changes found in meningiomas, particularly for tumors that have recurred or can't be removed surgically.
• Radiation trials — Comparing radiation techniques like stereotactic radiosurgery, proton therapy, or fractionated radiation to find the best approaches for tumor control with fewer side effects.
• Immunotherapy trials — Testing whether drugs that activate the immune system can slow or shrink meningiomas, especially aggressive or recurrent tumors.
• Surgical technique studies — Evaluating surgical approaches and timing to maximize tumor removal while preserving brain function.
• Biomarker studies — Analyzing tumor tissue and imaging to identify which meningiomas are likely to grow or recur, helping guide treatment decisions.