Auditory Neuroma

An auditory neuroma is a benign growth of nerve fibers that extends from the cells of the nerve sheath (Schwann's sheath) and is the most common type of intracranial nerve tumor. The nerve fibers of the auditory and vestibular nerves are directly affected, as they form the link between the inner ear and the brain.

Diagnosing an auditory neuroma is not difficult, the key is early diagnosis. If an accurate diagnosis can be made at the stage of damage to the vestibular and cochlear nerves, or when the tumor is confined to the internal auditory canal, this will not only improve the rate of complete removal of cancer and reduce the risk of surgery but will also allow the maximum possible preservation of the function of the facial and auditory nerves. Of course, drugs are also part of the treatment for auditory neuroma, and some progress has been made in research into systemic drug therapy for an auditory neuroma.

• Antiretroviral (ART) drugs

A tumor suppressor called Merlin contributes to the production of meningiomas, auditory neuromas, and ventricular meningiomas. It also promotes the development of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). The role played by a specific part of the endogenous retrovirus (HERV-K) in tumor production. High levels of proteins produced by HERV-K DNA are associated with the production of different tumors, and researchers have identified several drugs that target these proteins, which have reduced the growth of auditory neuroma cells and grade I meningioma cells in the laboratory.

• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs

Similar to other tumors, auditory neuromas promote angiogenesis to maintain their growth, and numerous studies have reported VEGF expression in nerve sheath tumors. Targeting VEGF itself or blocking the VEGF receptor has successfully treated various cancers, and anti-angiogenic therapies have also been used to treat benign tumors that are generally considered resistant to standard cytotoxic chemotherapy. The results of clinical studies with humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal blocking antibodies specifically targeting VEGF have shown some degree of therapeutic benefit in patients with more severe NF2 and sporadic auditory neuromas, as well as improved hearing function.

• Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors

RTK is a ubiquitous cell surface receptor that functions by transducing signals from the intra- and extracellular environment and transmembrane interactions to multiple intracellular signaling pathways. Aberrant activation of RTK is closely associated with the development and progression of many tumors. The RTK family includes platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), VEGF, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Among them, the PDGF receptor (PDGFR) and EGFR and their downstream signaling are regulated by Merlin, which is therefore one of the mechanisms by which Merlin can keep cell proliferation normalized. In contrast, sporadic auditory neuroma or NF2 are both likely to have Merlin protein inactivation, thus leading to aberrant activation of receptor tyrosine kinases and downstream signaling, which promotes tumor growth.

These findings are significant as drug repurposing is a valuable way to accelerate the testing of new approaches in clinical trials. This is particularly critical for brain tumor patients, many of whom do not have the luxury of time. Alfa Cytology contributes to every brain tumor-related research project, including drug development for an auditory neuroma. Please feel free to contact us to submit your requirements and we will do our best for every study that benefits patients.