Ahmed El Cadhi

Dr. Ahmed El Cadhi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 October 2024 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GCGiulia Cossu
Giulia Cossu
DRDaniele Ramsay
Daniele Ramsay
RDRoy Thomas Daniel
Roy Thomas Daniel
ACAhmed El Cadhi
Ahmed El Cadhi
LKLuc Kerherve
Luc Kerherve
MBMoncef Berhouma
Moncef Berhouma
Background/Objectives: The recent discovery of BRAF mutation in papillary craniopharyngiomas opened new avenues for targeted therapies to control tumour growth, decreasing the need for invasive treatments and relative complications. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the recent scientific data dealing with the use of targeted therapies in papillary craniopharyngiomas, as adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were followed with searches performed in Scopus, MEDLINE, and Embase, following a dedicated PICO approach. Results: We included 21 pertinent studies encompassing 53 patients: 26 patients received BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) as adjuvant treatment, while 25 received them as neoadjuvant treatment. In the adjuvant setting, BRAFi were used to treat recurrent tumours after surgery or adjuvant radiation therapy. The most common regimen combined dabrafenib (BRAFi) with trametinib (MEK1 and 2 inhibitor) in 81% of cases. The mean treatment length was 8.8 months (range 1.6 to 28 months) and 32% were continuing BRAFi. A reduction of tumour volume variable from 24% to 100% was observed at cerebral MRI during treatment and volumetric reduction ≥80% was described in 64% of cases. Once the treatment was stopped, adjuvant treatments were performed to stabilize patients in remission in 11 cases (65%) or when a progression was detected in three cases (12%). In four cases no further therapies were administered (16%). Mean follow-up after the end of targeted therapy was 17.1 months. As neoadjuvant regimen, 36% of patients were treated with dabrafenib and trametinib with a near complete radiological response in all the cases with a mean treatment of 5.7 months. The neoadjuvant use of verumafenib (BRAFi) and cometinib (MEK1 inhibitor) induced a near complete response in 15 patients (94%), with a median volumetric reduction between 85% and 91%. Ten patients did not receive further treatments. Side effects varied among studies. The optimal timing, sequencing, and duration of treatment of these new therapies should be established. Moreover, questions remain about the choice of specific BRAF/MEK inhibitors, the optimal protocol of treatment, and the strategies for managing adverse events. Conclusions: Treatment is shifting to a wider multidisciplinary management, where a key role is played by targeted therapies, to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with BRAF-mutated craniopharyngiomas. Future, larger comparative trials will optimize their protocol of use and integration into multimodal strategies of treatment.

10 April 2026 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NBNourou Dine Adeniran Bankole
Nourou Dine Adeniran Bankole
TVTuan Le Van
Tuan Le Van
LKLuc Kerherve
Luc Kerherve
EMEdouard Morlaix
Edouard Morlaix
JBJean-François Bellus
Jean-François Bellus
MBMoncef Berhouma
Moncef Berhouma
Background: Meningiomas, the most common primary intracranial tumors, are predominantly benign, but high-grade variants show marked aggressiveness, histo-molecular heterogeneity, and treatment resistance. Although the 2021 WHO CNS classification integrates molecular and histopathologic criteria, substantial inter- and intratumoral variability still limits prognostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. The goal was to provide insight regarding the histo-molecular intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) of meningioma and examine its clinical implications. Methods: A narrative review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Google Scholar were screened for studies on “meningioma” and “intratumoral heterogeneity” published up to 28 July 2025. Eligible studies included original human research reporting histological or molecular heterogeneity with clinical relevance. Results: Eighteen studies comprising 2952 meningioma patients (mean age 59.4 ± 14.8 years, range 16–85) were included. Integrated cytogenetic, molecular, and spatial analyses, including FISH, karyotyping, scRNA-seq, CNV profiling, and spatial transcriptomics, revealed multilayered histo-molecular heterogeneity. Histologically, regional variations in morphology and proliferative index increased with tumor grade. Genomic diversity, marked by recurrent losses of 1p, 14q, and 22q and transcriptionally distinct subclones, defined a complex tumor architecture. Spatial and temporal analyses demonstrated subclonal expansion, stepwise clonal evolution, and therapy resistance, particularly in recurrent tumors. Functionally, SULT1E1+ subclones and COL6A3-mediated macrophage–tumor interactions emerged as potential key drivers of malignancy, recurrence, and radioresistance. Conclusions: Histo-molecular diversity underlies meningioma progression, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance. Standardization of ITH assessment, integration of AI-based spatial analytics, and the development of subclone-specific therapies are essential next steps toward advancing precision neuro-oncology.