Meningiomas and Somatostatin Analogs: A Systematic Scoping Review on Current Insights and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Meningioma is the most frequent brain tumor, and the incidence is ever-increasing. Though often benign and slow growth, recurrence rates are substantial and today’s surgical and radiation-based treatment are not without complications. No drugs specific for meningiomas are hitherto approved and patients with inoperable or recurrent meningioma are left with few treatment options. Somatostatin receptors are previously detected in meningiomas and may inhibit growth when stimulated by somatostatin. Hence, somatostatin analogs could provide a targeted drug therapy. The aim of this study was to compile the current insights of somatostatin analogs for patients with meningioma. This paper adheres to the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic search was conducted in the search databases PubMed, Embase via Ovid, and Web of Science. Seventeen papers adhered to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and critical appraisal was conducted. The overall quality of evidence is low, as none of the studies were randomized or controlled. Various efficacy of somatostatin analogs is reported, and adverse effects are sparse. Due to the beneficial effects reported by some studies, somatostatin analogs may offer a novel last-option treatment for severely ill-patients. Nonetheless, only a controlled study, preferably a randomized clinical trial, could clarify the efficacy of somatostatin analogs.

Cytotoxicity on low-grade canine meningioma with the use of somatostatin analog (octreotide): An in vitro study

“…Even though research on potential for treatment of human meningiomas with somatostatin analogs have improved and developed in the last years, the European Association of Neuro-Oncology has not provided guidelines regarding their use yet, 29 and Norwegian guidelines consider somatostatin analogs for experimental treatment alone. 29 …”

“…To this purpose, progression-free survival and partial radiological response on consecutive MRI investigations at a defined time apart in patients with no increased neurological signs or need for corticosteroids should be considered for future studies. 29 Advanced scintigraphic imaging proving the expression of somatostatin receptors by meningioma also in dogs can support novel application of somatostatin preparations in the future. 22 , 30 However, it is necessary to be aware that radiolabeled somatostatin does not definitely provide the functional status of SSTRs and the response to therapy.…”

The Role of Receptor–Ligand Interaction in Somatostatin Signaling Pathways: Implications for Neuroendocrine Tumors

“…This complicates the precise localization of the tumor and the accurate determination of disease extent, which can have significant clinical and therapeutic implications. Additionally, while somatostatin analogs can control symptoms and delay disease progression, their ability to effectively reduce tumor size is limited [ 218 , 219 ]. Only about 30% of patients experience physical tumor shrinkage, emphasizing the need to explore more effective therapies [ 220 , 221 ].…”

A Review of Recurrent Meningiomas with Prolonged Response to Cabozantinib, an Oral Multitarget Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

“…It is essential to note that while designated treatments and immunotherapy show guarantee, their adequacy in meningiomas is yet to be assessed, and further exploration is expected to determine ideal patient determination standards, treatment regimens, and potential mix draws [56]. Moreover, the recognizable proof of extra subatomic adjustments and the advancement of novel designated specialists might provide further opportunities for customized treatment methodologies for meningiomas [57].…”