MicroRNA 200a as a histologically independent marker for meningioma recurrence: Results of a four microRNA panel analysis in meningiomas

Abstract Introduction Meningiomas are mostly benign neoplasms of the central nervous system. Nevertheless there are recurrences in about 20% after surgical resection. Previous studies could reveal several predictors of meningioma recurrence. Tumor progression often is associated with a specific pattern of chromosome losses. Our study investigated the potential function of selected microRNAs as markers of tumor progression. Methods By real‐time polymerase chain reaction the expressions of microRNA 21‐3p, 34a‐3p, 200a‐3p, and 409‐3p were analyzed in solid tumor and in blood samples of 51 meningioma patients as well as in blood samples of 20 healthy individuals. Additionally, aberrations of parts of chromosomes 1, 14, 18, and 22 were analyzed by FISH. Tumor and blood samples were statistically analyzed, using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient as well as Mann–Whitney U‐ and Kruskal–Wallis‐Test. Results MicroRNA 200a showed significantly lower expressions in recurrent meningiomas than in newly diagnosed ones. MicroRNA 409 in meningiomas was correlated significantly with tumor volume and showed a significant negative correlation with patient age. Significance was found between the expression patterns of microRNAs 34a and 200a with the respective aberrations of chromosome 1p and the microRNA 409 with aberration of chromosome 14. In the male cohort the expression of microRNA 200a in blood was significantly upregulated in patients compared to healthy volunteers. By our research the function of microRNA 200a was proved to detect meningioma patients by liquid biopsy. Conclusion We detected microRNA 200a as a new biomarker to indicate meningioma recurrences. Future transferability to blood could be important for patient follow‐up.