Meningioma Research
Meningiomas are tumours that develop in the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. They are usually slow-growing and benign, but in some cases they can become malignant and aggressive.
Symptoms of meningiomas depend on their location and size, and can include headache, seizures, weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and changes in vision or hearing. Treatment options for meningiomas include observation, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
The prognosis for meningiomas is generally good, especially for those that are benign and surgically removed. However, in some cases, meningiomas can recur after treatment or become malignant. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are important for those with meningiomas, to detect any changes or recurrences early.
Our research into meningiomas is ongoing. We are focusing on improving the understanding of the disease, identifying factors that may contribute to its development and developing new treatments primarily using repurposed drugs that are off-patent, cheap and safe to use.
Another focus is on developing better methods of understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. For instance, meningioma is two to three times more common in women than in men. Advances in organoid technology, proteomics, lipidomic and immune therapies will help to identify specific alterations that are associated with meningioma development, which may lead to new targeted therapies.
Overall, Gillies McIndoe’s ongoing meningioma research is helping to improve our understanding of this disease and to develop new approaches for diagnosis and treatment, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
PhD Student Projects
Matt Munro, PhD
Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumour, with incidence rates three times higher in women than in men. While many cases can be managed with surgery, high-grade meningiomas often invade surrounding brain tissue, increasing the risk of recurrence. If this invasion could be slowed or prevented, fewer patients would require surgery, reducing complications and improving long-term outcomes.
Matt’s research focuses on repurposing existing drugs—originally developed for other diseases—to target the invasive properties of meningioma. His preliminary findings suggest that Pharmac-subsidised drugs sunitinib, mebendazole, and everolimus may reduce tumour invasion. By analysing tumour samples before and after drug treatment, he aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving this effect. Identifying effective, affordable drug options could lead to more accessible treatments and better care for patients in New Zealand and beyond.
Stay up to date on Matt’s progress by subscribing to our newsletter and joining the conversation on social media (links below)!
Research Focus:
Investigating repurposed drugs to reduce meningioma invasion and recurrence.
Current Thesis Title:
"Unlocking Therapeutic Potential: Repurposing Drugs to Treat Invasive Meningioma."
Abstract:
Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumour, with significantly higher incidence in women. While lower-grade cases can often be managed with surgery alone, high-grade meningiomas frequently invade adjacent brain tissue, leading to higher recurrence rates and limited treatment options beyond surgical resection. Reducing tumour invasion could improve patient outcomes by preventing recurrence and minimising the need for repeated surgeries, which carry significant risks and morbidity.
Matt’s research explores the potential of repurposed drugs—off-patent medications with known safety profiles—to inhibit meningioma invasion. Preliminary evidence suggests that sunitinib, mebendazole, and everolimus can reduce tumour cell infiltration into the brain. To understand the underlying mechanisms, his study employs proteomic analysis to compare tumour samples before and after drug treatment. By identifying key molecular pathways involved in invasion and progression, this work aims to pinpoint novel therapeutic targets.
Given the affordability and accessibility of these drugs, successful findings could have direct clinical implications, particularly for improving healthcare equity by providing cost-effective treatment options. Researchers and clinicians interested in tumour invasion, drug repurposing, or proteomic profiling are encouraged to collaborate.
Published Work:
Modelling Meningioma Using Organoids: A Review of Methodologies and Applications– Frontiers in Oncology, 2024 –– Read the Published Work
Grants and Scholarships:
Neurological Foundation Spall Project Grant
Research For Life Research
VUW School of Biological Sciences Best Student Publication award (2nd place), 2020
Wellington Doctoral Submission Scholarship, VUW, 2020
New Zealand Community Trust PhD Scholarship, 2017-2020
Public Science Communication:
Tour Guide, Open Day lab tours, Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, 2023 – Present
Contributor, Social Media Science Communication, Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, 2023 – Present
Clara López Vásquez
Meningioma is the most common type of central nervous system tumour, affecting thousands of people worldwide. While many cases are considered benign, they can still require treatment, typically through surgery and, in more aggressive cases, radiation. However, there is currently no approved systemic drug treatment for meningioma, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies.
Clara’s research focuses on understanding the hormonal influence and sex-specific differences in drug metabolism between two meningioma subtypes—Grade I meningothelial meningioma and Grade II atypical meningioma. Meningiomas are twice as common in women, and this disparity increases to 3:1 during reproductive years, suggesting a role for sex hormones. However, the mechanisms behind this difference remain unclear. By analysing how these tumours differ between men and women at a molecular level, Clara aims to identify potential drug targets that could lead to more effective treatments.
Stay up to date on Clara’s progress by subscribing to our newsletter and joining the conversation on social media (links below)
Research Focus:
Investigating the hormonal influence and sex-specific effects on drug metabolism in meningioma subtypes.
Current Thesis Title:
"Exploring the Hormonal Influence and Sex-specific Effects on Drug Metabolism in Meningothelial and Atypical Meningioma"
Abstract:
Meningioma, the most common tumour of the central nervous system, accounts for a significant proportion of brain tumours worldwide. While most meningiomas are classified as benign (Grade I), a subset—including atypical meningiomas (Grade II)—can display aggressive features such as high mitotic activity and necrosis, increasing the risk of recurrence and complicating treatment. Currently, surgical resection remains the primary treatment, often combined with radiation in more aggressive cases. However, the absence of systemic drug therapies underscores the need for novel treatment strategies.
One of the most striking aspects of meningioma biology is its sex disparity. Women are twice as likely to develop meningiomas as men, with incidence rates rising to 3:1 during reproductive years. While hormonal influence has been suggested as a key factor, the mechanisms underlying this sex difference remain poorly understood. Clara’s research investigates how sex hormones influence meningioma formation, progression, and response to drug metabolism in different tumour subtypes. By comparing Grade I meningothelial meningiomas and Grade II atypical meningiomas, this study aims to uncover critical molecular differences that could inform targeted therapies.
A deeper understanding of the sex-specific biology of meningiomas could pave the way for precision medicine approaches, leading to more effective and personalised treatments. Researchers interested in tumour sex differences, hormone-related cancers, or drug metabolism in brain tumours are encouraged to collaborate.
Published Work:
Modelling Meningioma Using Organoids: A Review of Methodologies and Applications– Frontiers in Oncology, 2024 –– Read the Published Work
Grants and Scholarships:
Middle District Lions Club Grant, 2023
Public Science Communication:
Tour Guide, Open Day lab tours, Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, 2023 – Present
Contributor, Social Media Science Communication, Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, 2023 – Present
Collaborate With Us
Our research is built on collaboration and innovation. If you’re a scientist or industry professional interested in partnering with us or supporting our PhD students and post-docs, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can push the boundaries of medical research and improve outcomes for patients with Glioblastoma.
📩 Contact us: info@gmri.org.nz
Support
Gillies McIndoe Research Institute is a Registered Charity (CC43660) relying mainly on private philanthropy, including donations, bequests, corporate champions, grants and scholarships. You can donate now or contact us to learn how you can support us and enable our research to continue.