Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) are prone to developing brain tumors, including vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. While vestibular schwannomas can cause hearing loss and balance problems, meningioma growth often leads to headaches, seizures or weakness.
Recent studies have shown that anti-angiogenic drugs, designed to decrease tumor blood vessel function, can be used to reduce tumor size in people with brain tumors. In a recently published report, researchers at the Washington University NF Center, led by Dr. Michael Chicoine in the Department of Neurosurgery, used an anti-angiogenic drug treatment for individuals with NF2-associated vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. They found a reduction in tumor size as well as an increase in hearing following treatment. These findings support the use of these types of anti-cancer drugs for brain tumors arising in individuals with NF2.