The World Health Organisation have worked to accurately classify brain tumours using molecular information as tool to be more granular in how we understand progression and diagnosis. Work is being done to continue improving accuracy and recent research into meningioma shows promising results.
The methylation status is one way in which WHO currently predict meningioma recurrence and prognosis. In addition to this, researchers are looking at how biomarkers in the blood could provide an additional predictor of classification which we have never had in the past.
What are the findings? ![](https://brainstrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/national-cancer-institute-j28nn-cdbii-unsplash-300x300.jpg)
Past research has shown that specific molecules in blood known as miRNAs have potential to be biomarkers for multiple kinds of tumours, including meningiomas. The miRNAs evaluated by this recent study are called ‘miR-497’ and ‘miR-219’, and are now considered to be convenient and efficient predictors of meningioma.
Techniques involving measuring ‘serum’ levels, a component in the blood, allowed the research team to determine that these molecules more accurately predicted the presence of meningioma. This was evident when compared to the results of a control group where these markers were not utilised.
What’s next?
The research concluded that these molecules are effective and easy-to-measure biomarkers for diagnosis and classification of meningioma. Moving forward, we can expect this method to be used to more accurately diagnosis this type of tumour. This will allow for better outcomes for patients and a faster process of accessing appropriate care.
To read more scientific information, click here.
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