The links between the occurrence of meningiomas and taking medication continue to weave. After several alerts concerning progestins in particular, it is the turn of an anti-cancer treatment to be targeted.
As a reminder, meningiomas are brain tumors which develop, as their name indicates, from the meninges, these membranes (there are three of them) which envelop our cerebral system. Common tumors since they represent 40% of all brain tumors primary (i.e. excluding metastases).
Tumors more common as we get older
Irish work published in 2023 in the scientific journal Neuro-Oncology Advance recall that 80 to 90% of meningiomas are benign (Grade 1), 15 to 20% are atypical (Grade 2) and less than 5% are malignant/anaplastic (Grade 3)” and that there seems to be “a higher incidence high incidence of atypical or malignant meningioma in the elderly.
In fact, the risk of meningioma increases with age, but it is also a tumor more specifically femininethere are two women affected for every one man.
“Besides age, risk factors for meningiomas include hormonal factors, exposure to ionizing radiation and genetic predisposition”, continue the Irish scientists.
Not to mention some hormonal treatmentsprescribed only to women, which increase the risks. This perhaps explains it!
Several drugs involved in the increase in meningiomas
As we told you here, “progestins like notably Androcur®, delivered massively to women suffering from endometriosis, acne or used simply as a contraceptive, and more recently Lutényl® and Lutéran® (prescribed in cases of fibroids, to relieve premenstrual syndrome or symptoms of menopause) are now subject to special precautions for use, particularly in the context of prolonged use (one year or more).” In July this year, two more drugs, Depo Provera (150 mg/3 mL) and the Colprone (5 mg) saw their use reinforced for the same risks.
Breast cancer: medroxyprogesterone acetate singled out
Today it’s again medroxyprogesterone acetate (this molecule present in the two drugs controlled this summer) which is singled out.
“The risk of developing meningioma is increased with the use of high doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate, mainly during prolonged exposure”, indicates the ANSM. However, this medication is particularly used in oncologists in the treatment of breast and endometrial cancers and more specifically cancers be you metastatic hormone-dependent, and endometrial cancers recurrent or metastatic endometrioid type.
What recommendations with the Depo Prodasone 500 mg ?
In its alert bulletin, the ANSM suggests reassessing the “need to continue treatment, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account individual benefits and risks” and to strengthen monitoring to detect possible signs of meningiomas in patients taking Depo Prodasone 500 mg.
Signs that may suggest a meningioma are:
- Vision problems
- Hearing problems (hearing loss, buzzing)
- Loss of smell
- Headaches that get worse over time
- Memory loss
- Weakness in the extremities
- Convulsions
Although they are not specific (they can have many other causes), these signs, in women who receive medroxyprogesterone acetate, must alert and push for consultation.
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