Updates in the Management of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Tumors among Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Neurofibromatosis Type 2

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 and neurofibromatosis type 2 are unrelated, distinct genetic disorders characterized by the development of central and peripheral nervous system tumors.

Summary: Neurofibromatosis type 1 is the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndrome with a lifelong increased risk of benign and malignant tumor development, such as glioma and nerve sheath tumors. Neurofibromatosis type 2 classically presents with bilateral vestibular schwannoma, yet it is also associated with non-vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, and ependymoma. Historically, the number of effective therapies for neurofibromatosis-related neoplasms has been limited.

Key message: In the past decade, there have been significant advances in the development of precision-based therapies for NF-associated tumors with an increased emphasis on functional outcomes in addition to tumor response. Continued scientific discovery and advancement of targeted therapies for NF-associated neoplasms are necessary to continue to improve outcomes for patients with NF.