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Researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear have shown that mifepristone, a drug currently FDA-approved for chemical abortion, prevents the growth of vestibular schwannoma-acoustic neuroma cells. Although histologically nonmalignant, vestibular schwannomas are dangerous due to their location. Arising from the Schwann cells of the vestibular (balance) nerve, these tumors can grow to the point of damaging nearby structures and can lead to death by compressing the brainstem.
By compressing nerves in the internal auditory canal, the tumors can cause dizziness and facial nerve paralysis in addition to hearing loss. Though vestibular schwannomas affecting both sides are the hallmark of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a genetic disorder causing tumors to grow at multiple sites throughout a person’s life, vestibular schwannomas may also occur sporadically and on one side.
Patients with symptomatic or growing vestibular schwannomas can undergo surgical resection through craniotomy or radiation therapy; however, these procedures come with significant risks. Mifepristone drug is effective in treating of vestibular schwannoma cells with mifepristone reduced their proliferation rate.
Mifepristone is relatively safe, well-studied and carries minimal adverse effects. FDA-approved it in 2000, it is most often used together with another medication, misoprostol, to end an early pregnancy. Adverse effects for mifepristone are mild fatigue, hot flashes, nausea and rash.
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