DNA Methyl Transferase Inhibition in Meningiomas

Objective: Meningiomas are common, comprising 33.8% of primary brain neoplasms. Historically, meningiomas were once considered a benign tumor; however, recent epidemiologic studies now categorize 20 to 35% of meningiomas as higher-grade, exhibiting malignant characteristics and poor prognosis. Additionally, lower-grade meningiomas are known to cause long-term neurological deficits and reduced overall survival. Given the prevalence and poor outcomes for these tumors, pharmacotherapies need to be identified for their treatment. One potential avenue could be targeting DNA methylation, which has been previously identified as an important indicator of meningioma prognosis and outcome, and thus might be important for meningioma pathogenesis. DNA methyl transferases can currently be inhibited with the FDA-approved compound, decitabine which can cross the blood brain barrier, making it a potential candidate for the treatment of meningiomas.