Chapters authored
Biological Markers of Recurrence and Survival of High-Grade Gliomas: The Role of Hepatocyte Growth Factor
Part of the book: Glioma
Awake Craniotomy and Brain Mapping for Brain Tumor Resection in Pediatric Patients
Brain tumor resection in pediatric patients constitutes a real challenge. In order to improve survival and to preserve neurological function, we will further on describe our experience with awake craniotomy and functional mapping for brain tumor resection in pediatric patients. Although our experience with this technique was relatively short, we did not observe complications, and a gross total resection was successfully achieved in all cases. In the postoperative period we did not find any new deficiency in our patients. We observed functional recovery - motor and sensitive aphasia, motor strength improvement in hemiplegic patients, and recovery of neurodevelopmental milestones during follow-up. In our experience, the use of awake craniotomy and brain mapping for brain tumor resection in pediatric patients is truly safe and reliable.
Part of the book: Central Nervous System Tumors
Pediatric Meningioma
Pediatric meningiomas are rare neoplasms that exhibit unique biological behavior, distinct from their adult counterparts in terms of histology, location, and molecular features. This chapter provides an in-depth review of the current understanding of pediatric meningiomas, integrating classical clinical, radiological, and pathological perspectives with contemporary advances in molecular profiling and surgical innovation. These tumors in children are frequently associated with higher World Health Organization (WHO) grades, atypical anatomical sites, and genetic syndromes such as neurofibromatosis type 2. Management demands tailored strategies that balance oncological control with preservation of neurodevelopmental integrity. Gross total resection remains the cornerstone of treatment, often facilitated by modern neurosurgical tools including intraoperative imaging and electrophysiological monitoring. In cases with subtotal resection or high-grade histology, adjuvant therapies such as proton-beam radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors may enhance outcomes. The incorporation of DNA methylation profiling and emerging genetic biomarkers is refining diagnostic classification and risk stratification, laying the groundwork for precision medicine in this population. Despite these advances, long-term follow-up reveals a significant burden of neurological, endocrine, and cognitive sequelae, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary care and robust survivorship planning. Drawing from international literature and institutional experience, this chapter highlights the imperative of pediatric-specific treatment models and calls for collaborative research to close persistent gaps in knowledge. Ultimately, improving prognosis in children with meningiomas requires not only effective disease control but also a commitment to preserving the child’s potential for a full and meaningful life.
Part of the book: Modern Meningioma Treatment
Innovative Technology Designed to Enhance Neurosurgeons’ Skills and Improve Patient Outcomes: The Meningioma Challenge
In recent years, neurosurgery has significantly improved the quality of life and functional outcomes for patients with brain tumors. This progress is attributed to increased precision in the surgical field through neuronavigational platforms, which integrate various types of radiological information—structural, functional, and metabolic. Moreover, augmented reality devices increase precision and bring new information to the surgical theater. Furthermore, three-dimensional ultrasound can provide real-time images in the operating room that align with predefined surgical plans, allowing for the maximum safe resection of tumors. These advancements have improved patient outcomes, reduced complications, and enhanced functional prognoses. In this context, meningiomas present notable challenges from a neurosurgical perspective. These challenges stem from their location, which can be in critical brain areas, their size, which can vary significantly, and their proximity to venous sinuses, whether at the convexity or the skull base. Overcoming these challenges requires high precision and control, where innovative technology plays a crucial role. This review will examine the procedures and recent advancements in neuronavigational platforms, the benefits of augmented reality, and intraoperative stains for brain tumors using the robotic-assisted microscope. It will also discuss why these innovations should be viewed as a new dimension in precision brain surgery, as well as the process to enhance neurosurgeons’ capabilities and streamline decision-making processes in the operating room, ultimately improving surgical outcomes and functional prognoses.
Part of the book: Modern Meningioma Treatment