Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2022 Feb 1;28(1):122-146.
doi: 10.1212/CON.0000000000001107.

Managing Central Nervous System Tumors During Pregnancy

Na Tosha N Gatson
Review

Managing Central Nervous System Tumors During Pregnancy

Na Tosha N Gatson. Continuum (Minneap Minn). .

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article discusses current recommendations and special considerations for the management of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in pregnant women and provides case vignettes to emphasize important clinical concepts.

Recent findings: Given that nearly 60% of all intracranial and spinal cord tumors, including both primary and metastatic tumor types, malignant or benign, are diagnosed in women, it is equitable to bring attention to the unique management considerations that pertain to women during specific phases of their lifespan, such as pregnancy. The pregnancy phase is marked by changes in hormonal, immunologic, and other physiologic responses. Although substantial evidence supports a pregnancy influence on tumor oncogenicity, the cumulative effect of the pregnancy state on brain tumor biology remains elusive. Furthermore, as innovative cancer treatments and surveillance technologies expand, providers must consider potential new risks to safe pregnancy maintenance. This article reviews pregnancy considerations in CNS tumor care and offers best practice approaches and considerations.

Summary: Informed neuro-oncology practices on safer surgical, radiation, medical, device, and imaging techniques is of critical importance to pregnancy and fertility maintenance in cancer survivors. Expanding this knowledge relies on advocacy and a commitment to develop equitable and multidisciplinary research within the field. This also requires a focus on patient-reported outcomes and patient-centered conversations to best care for pregnant women with CNS tumors.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Ostrom QT, Patil N, Cioffi G, et al. CBTRUS Statistical Report: primary brain and other central nervous system tumors diagnosed in the United States in 2013-2017. Neuro Oncol 2020;22(12 suppl 2):iv1–iv96. doi:10.1093/neuonc/noaa200 - DOI
    1. Haas JF, Jänisch W, Staneczek W. Newly diagnosed primary intracranial neoplasms in pregnant women: a population-based assessment. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1986;49(8):874–880. doi:10.1136/jnnp.49.8.874 - DOI
    1. Simon RH. Brain tumors in pregnancy. Semin Neurol 1988;8(3):214–221. doi:10.1055/s-2008-1041380 - DOI
    1. Rodrigues AJ, Waldrop AR, Suharwardy S, et al. Management of brain tumors presenting in pregnancy: a case series and systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021;3(1):100256. doi:10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100256 - DOI
    1. Gatson NTN, Boccia ML, Taylor KR, et al. Hormone-dependent tumors and sexuality in the neuro-oncology of women (N.O.W.): women’s brain tumors, gaps in sexuality considerations, and a need for evidence-based guidelines. Curr Oncol Rep 2021;23(11):127. doi:10.1007/s11912-021-01115-w - DOI

MeSH terms