Stabilization of growth and regression of meningiomas after stopping cyproterone acetate: a series of cases of 12 patients (2015)

AC = cyproterone acetate = Androcur

2015

Summary

Context

The relationship between meningiomas and exogenous sex hormones is well known, but cyproterone acetate (AC), a progesterone agonist, seems to have a greater influence on the growth of tumors.

Objective

Show the close relationship between AC treatment and the growth of meningioma.

Methods

Since 2010, all the patients addressed to our clinic for suspicion of meningioma have been questioned specifically about taking exogenous sex hormones and more precisely on taking AC. Twelve patients with one or more meningiomas and treated by AC have been identified. AC was arrested in all cases. The volume and diameter of the tumors were measured by series in series and compared to the last MRI before the AC stop.

Results

Ten patients with multiple tumors had taken the medication for a longer period (an average of 20.4 years) than the two patients with a single tumor (10 years). Two patients with multiple tumors were operated due to a rapid decrease in visual acuity at the time of diagnosis. AC cessation led to a reduction in tumor in 11 patients and stopping tumor growth in a patient [the average reduction in the volume of the tumor was approximately 10 cm3/year; difference (0.00; 76)]. There was no regrowth during an average monitoring period of 12 months (difference: 5-35).

Conclusion

For patients diagnosed with meningioma and AC treated, the withdrawal of drugs followed by observation should be the first line of treatment. You have to be cautious when using long -term use of AC, and you have to consider brain mRIs in series after several years of AC.