Spontaneous regression of meningiomas after interruption of nomegestrol acetate: a series of three patients

Abstract

Background

The relationship between increased meningioma incidence and growth and long-term hormonal therapy with cyproterone acetate (CPA) in women has been recently established in literature. Following the raise in awareness from hormonal treatment, we describe a potential relationship between the progesterone agonist nomegestrol acetate (NOMAC) and meningioma growth.

Methods

After implementation of a screening protocol to detect potential interactions between hormonal exposure and occurrence of meningioma, we identified patients taking NOMAC and newly diagnosed with a meningioma. NOMAC was stopped and those patients were followed tightly both clinically and radiologically. Retrospective volumetric analysis of the tumors was performed on the imaging.

Results

Three patients were identified for the study. After cessation of the NOMAC, tumor shrinkage was documented for all meningiomas within the first month. Up to 70% of tumor volume reduction was observed during the first year of follow-up in one of them. None of the patients developed new symptoms.

Conclusion

We report the first cases of meningiomas responsiveness to discontinuation of hormonal therapy with NOMAC. Similarly to cases associated with long-term CPA intake, tumor reduction, and improvement of clinical symptoms can be observed after cessation of NOMAC.

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