The past, present, and future directions of treatment for NF2- related vestibular schwannomas
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN), an autosomal dominant disorder is characterized by tumorigenesis in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The “hallmark” characterization of NF2-SWN is the presence of bilateral vestibular schwannomas, however other tumors can include meningiomas, ependymomas and astrocytomas. The most common effects of NF2-SWN include hearing loss, vestibular disturbance, increased intracranial pressure, weakness, and vision difficulties. The standard therapies include surgery and radiation, which are highly invasive and can present new health complications. As of current, the FDA has not approved a single drug treatment for NF2-SWN, in spite of developments in research that are being made, highlighting the complexity and challenges in this disorder. Greater efforts need to be put into the research and development of pharmacological treatments as well as newer approaches such as gene therapy that are likely to provide superior therapies.
Description
2025