Brain intertwined with glowing roots, surgical tools and Gamma knife.

Navigating Meningiomas in NF2: Surgery vs. Radiosurgery – Which Path is Right for You?

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 3 min read.

"Explore the latest research on managing multiple meningiomas associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and discover which treatment option—surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery—offers the best outcomes."

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic condition characterized by the development of multiple tumors, most notably bilateral vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. Meningiomas, tumors that arise from the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can pose significant challenges in NF2 patients due to their multiplicity and potential for neurological complications.

Traditionally, surgery has been the primary treatment for meningiomas. However, in NF2 patients with numerous tumors, complete surgical removal of all lesions may be impractical or impossible. This has led to the exploration of alternative treatment strategies, such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). SRS is a non-invasive technique that delivers highly focused radiation to tumors, aiming to control their growth or shrink them. It represents a middle ground between doing nothing and risky surgery.

A recent study published in Neurosurgical Review delves into the debate between surgery and SRS for managing multiple meningiomas in NF2. By reviewing existing literature and presenting an illustrative case, the study sheds light on the effectiveness and safety of each approach. This article summarizes the key findings of this research, offering valuable insights for patients and healthcare professionals navigating the complexities of NF2-associated meningiomas.

The Surgery vs. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Showdown

Brain intertwined with glowing roots, surgical tools and Gamma knife.

The study authors conducted a comprehensive search of medical databases to identify studies comparing surgery and SRS outcomes in NF2 patients with multiple meningiomas. The analysis included a total of 50 patients, with 27 undergoing SRS and 23 undergoing surgery. Here's a breakdown of what they discovered:

For patients treated with SRS:

Local tumor control was achieved in 81.5% of patients.
Distal tumor control (preventing new tumors from forming) was achieved in 51.8% of patients.
Complications were reported in 33% of patients.
The average follow-up duration was 90 months, with no malignant transformations observed.

For patients treated with surgery:

Making Informed Decisions About Your Health

The management of multiple meningiomas in NF2 patients requires careful consideration of the available treatment options. Both surgery and SRS have their own advantages and disadvantages. While surgery offers the potential for complete tumor removal, it may not always be feasible or safe in patients with numerous lesions. SRS, on the other hand, is a non-invasive approach that can effectively control tumor growth, but it may also carry a risk of complications.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s10143-017-0904-2, Alternate LINK

Title: Surgery Versus Stereotactic Radiosurgery For The Treatment Of Multiple Meningiomas In Neurofibromatosis Type 2: Illustrative Case And Systematic Review

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Neurosurgical Review

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Thien Nguyen, Lawrance K. Chung, John P. Sheppard, Nikhilesh S. Bhatt, Cheng Hao Jacky Chen, Carlito Lagman, Tania Kaprealian, Percy Lee, Phioanh L. Nghiemphu, Isaac Yang

Published: 2017-09-13

Everything You Need To Know

What is Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), and how are meningiomas related to this condition?

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is a genetic condition characterized by the growth of multiple tumors, with bilateral vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas being the most common. Meningiomas, which originate in the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord, present significant challenges for individuals with NF2 due to their potential for neurological complications.

What is stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and how is it used in the treatment of meningiomas in NF2 patients?

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive treatment method that precisely delivers highly focused radiation to tumors, aiming to control their growth or cause them to shrink. It is considered an alternative when surgery is not feasible or safe, particularly in individuals with NF2 who have multiple meningiomas.

What were the outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in managing multiple meningiomas in NF2 patients, according to the study?

In a study of NF2 patients with multiple meningiomas, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) achieved local tumor control in 81.5% of patients and distal tumor control in 51.8% of patients. Complications were reported in 33% of patients, with an average follow-up duration of 90 months. No malignant transformations were observed during this period.

What are the benefits and limitations of surgery for treating multiple meningiomas in individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)?

Surgery offers the potential for complete tumor removal, which can be beneficial in certain cases. However, in NF2 patients with multiple meningiomas, complete surgical removal of all lesions may be impractical or impossible due to the number and location of the tumors. In such cases, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is used.

When managing multiple meningiomas in Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), what factors should be considered, and who should be involved in the decision-making process?

The management of multiple meningiomas in Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) requires a careful evaluation of treatment options, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is generally favored for its non-invasive approach and effectiveness in controlling tumor growth. The decision-making process should involve collaboration between the patient and healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.