Current and Emerging Treatment Options in Skull Base Surgery and Neuro-Oncology

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Neurology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 763

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Trieste School of Medicine, 34100 Trieste, Italy
Interests: neuroradiology; imaging; tractography; neuroimaging; magnetic resonance imaging; diffusion tensor imaging

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Trieste School of Medicine, 34100 Trieste, Italy
Interests: skull base neurosurgery; vascular neurosurgery; neuroradiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The treatment of tumors of the skull base and of the brain presents unique challenges due to the intricate neuroanatomy of the head and potentially aggressive biological behavior of the diseases in this region. In the last two decades, several technologies have become available to neurosurgeons to increase the effectiveness of surgery, to reduce potential complications and, whenever possible, to avoid invasive procedures while achieving excellent outcomes. Among the other advancements, novel drugs, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, focused ultrasound, endoscopy, focused laser interstitial thermal therapy and radiosurgery are some examples of the expanding armamentarium of neurosurgeons. In this Special Issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine, we welcome contributions addressing new technologies and refinements of existing techniques to improve the clinical outcome of patients affected with brain and skull base tumors. The evidence may include either basic, pre-clinical or clinical data or a combination of them, as appropriate. Original research and systematic reviews will be prioritized.

We look forward to receiving your contribution!

Dr. Antonio Meola
Dr. Leonello Tacconi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • skull base
  • neuro-oncology
  • brain tumor
  • artificial intelligence
  • radiosurgery
  • targeted therapy
  • neuro endoscopy

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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16 pages, 5888 KiB  
Case Report
Large Pontine Cavernoma with Hemorrhage: Case Report on Surgical Approach and Recovery
by Corneliu Toader, Matei Serban, Lucian Eva, Daniel Costea, Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc, Mugurel Petrinel Radoi, Alexandru Vlad Ciurea and Adrian Vasile Dumitru
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2358; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072358 - 29 Mar 2025
Viewed by 485
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pontine cavernomas are rare and challenging vascular malformations, representing a critical subset of brainstem lesions due to their deep location and proximity to essential neural structures. When hemorrhagic, these lesions can cause rapid neurological deterioration, posing life-threatening risks. Management requires a delicate [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pontine cavernomas are rare and challenging vascular malformations, representing a critical subset of brainstem lesions due to their deep location and proximity to essential neural structures. When hemorrhagic, these lesions can cause rapid neurological deterioration, posing life-threatening risks. Management requires a delicate balance between aggressive intervention and preserving vital functions. This case report presents the successful surgical treatment of a giant hemorrhagic pontine cavernoma, highlighting the integration of advanced imaging, precision surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary care to achieve an exceptional patient outcome. Methods: A 47-year-old female presented with acute neurological deterioration, including severe right-sided hemiparesis, dysphagia, and obnubilation. High-resolution MRI, including susceptibility-weighted imaging, confirmed a giant hemorrhagic pontine cavernoma causing brainstem compression. An urgent left-sided pterional craniotomy with a transsylvian approach was performed to access the lesion. Subtotal resection and hematoma evacuation were carried out to relieve brainstem compression while preserving critical structures. Postoperative recovery and lesion stability were evaluated through clinical assessments and imaging after three months. Results: Postoperatively, the patient exhibited marked neurological recovery, with near-complete resolution of hemiparesis, restored swallowing function, and significant functional improvement. Follow-up imaging confirmed a stable residual lesion, no recurrence of hemorrhage, and a well-preserved ventricular system. The combination of early intervention and tailored surgical strategies resulted in a highly favorable outcome. Conclusions: This case underscores the complexity of managing giant hemorrhagic pontine cavernomas and demonstrates that carefully planned surgical intervention, combined with advanced imaging and patient-focused care, can yield remarkable outcomes. It highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis, meticulous surgical planning, and future innovations in neurovascular surgery to improve outcomes in these rare but high-stakes cases. Full article
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