Bevacizumab in refractory higher-grade and atypical meningioma: the current state of affairs

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Historically, systemic agents had shown limited efficacy in meningioma, at the expense of significant pharmacologic and/or financial toxicity. As meningiomas are highly vascularized, they might derive benefit from antiangiogenic therapy.

Areas covered: This review summarizes the literature regarding bevacizumab pharmacology, safety and efficacy in patients with refractory meningioma. We have searched PubMed/Medline database for pertinent articles published from inception to 1 September 2018.

Expert commentary: Results of two prospective phase II trials, supported by several retrospective cohorts, suggest a clinical benefit for the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor bevacizumab in meningiomas refractory to surgery and radiation therapy. This agent has a tolerable toxicity profile and seems more effective in higher-grade histologies and atypical meningioma, although responses in low-grade meningiomas have also been documented. Our conclusions are restricted due to a small size and lack of control in the prospective trials as well as the retrospective design of other studies. Further study of bevacizumab in refractory higher-grade meningiomas seems warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Bevacizumab
• meningioma
• vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor (VEGF/R)
• angiogenesis
• refractory

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.