Combination of Hydroxyurea and Verapamil for Refractory Meningiomas

Hydroxyurea inhibits DNA synthesis by inhibition of ribonucleotide diphosphate reductase and is a well-known drug used for the treatment of a number of tumor types including head and neck tumors and chronic myelogenous leukemia. It has also been used as an adjuvant for antiretroviral treatment for patients with HIV and as a treatment for polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and sickle cell disease.

Verapamil is another commonly used medication. It is used for the treatment of angina, hypertension, supraventricular arrhythmias, and migraine prophylaxis. Dosing with standard verapamil is 80-120 mg pox three times a day but the sustained release form can be given 120-480mg once or twice each day.