Histopathological Evaluation of LAG-3, TIM-3 AND CD38 Levels in Meningiomas

Objective: Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in adults that account for 36% of primary tumors. Treatment options other than surgery and radiotherapy are necessary for meningioma. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICM) are modulators that regulate the proper response of the immune system. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing-3 (TIM-3), and the cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) are known ICMs. This study hypothesized the relationship between meningiomas of different histopathological grades and the levels of these three ICMs. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of these molecules was investigated. Material and Methods: This study re-evaluated 25 specimens diagnosed as meningioma. Tissues are classified according to LAG-3, TIM-3, and CD38 levels. Age, gender, surgery date, tumor type, and subtype, histopathologically malignant grade, radiological tumor size, and presence of edema were recorded in all patients. All data were statistically compared. Results: This study included the specimens of 25 patients, of whom 9 were males and 16 were females. LAG-3 and CD38 levels were significantly higher in tumors bigger than 6 cm. Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate LAG-3, TIM-3, and CD38 levels in meningiomas and found a significant correlation between LAG-3 levels and meningioma size. No significant correlation was found with other data. However, the number of patients in our study was insufficient. Therefore, larger patient groups may yield more significant results.