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, while others require surgery or radiation when they press on brain tissue.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing targeted drugs that block specific mutations found in some meningiomas, radiation techniques that deliver higher doses with less damage to surrounding brain, and drugs that slow tumor growth to delay or avoid surgery. Researchers are also studying how hormones influence meningioma growth and whether specific genetic changes predict which tumors will recur after treatment.

What to know before you search

Eligibility often depends on tumor grade (benign, atypical, or malignant), whether the tumor is newly diagnosed or recurrent, genetic mutations present, and whether surgery is an option.

What types of trials are currently open

• Targeted therapy trials — Testing drugs that block specific mutations in meningioma cells, often for tumors that have recurred after surgery or radiation.
• Radiation trials — Comparing radiation techniques like proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, or fractionated radiation to find the best approach for different tumor locations and sizes.
• Observation studies — Following people with small, slow-growing meningiomas over time to learn which tumors eventually need treatment and which can be safely watched.
• Surgical trials — Testing new surgical techniques or studying whether complete tumor removal prevents recurrence better than partial removal plus radiation.
• Quality of life trials — Testing treatments for symptoms like headaches, seizures, or cognitive changes caused by the tumor or its treatment.