Meningioma, Sphenoid Wing Medication
- Author: Sally B Zachariah, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD more...
Medication Summary
Anecdotal reports exist in the literature regarding the usage of antihormonal agents in the treatment of meningiomas. Medical treatment is reserved for the following: atypical and malignant meningiomas as an adjunct to surgery, partially resected benign meningiomas, and recurrence of meningiomas after a surgical resection.
Tamoxifen, an antiestrogen hormone, has been reported in a handful of patients with refractory or unresectable meningiomas; in one study, usage of this agent resulted in stabilization of 6 out of 9 cases.
Estrogen antagonists
Class Summary
Inhibit effects of estrogen by competitively binding to estrogen receptor.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Competitively binds to estrogen receptor, producing a nuclear complex that decreases DNA synthesis and inhibits estrogen effects.
Progesterone antagonists
Class Summary
RU-486 has been used experimentally in the treatment of this medical condition.
Mifepristone, RU-486 (Mifeprex)
Experimental antiprogesterone agent. Used in patients with recurrent benign meningiomas; in one study of 14 patients, tumor regression was reported in 5 of 14 patients.
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