Eleven patients with craniopharyngiomas underwent 13 stereotactic procedures (intracavitary irradiation, n = 7; radiosurgery, n = 6). Nine patients (82%) had recurrent tumors after prior surgery (median, 2 operations). The median patient age was 50 years (range, 6–63 years). At a median follow-up of 38 months (range, 24–102 months), no patient had progression of the treated tumor component. Two patients developed new cysts, so the actuarial 2- and 4-year progression-free survival rates were 91 and 73%, respectively. Visual function improved in 3 patients, remained stable in 6 patients, and worsened in 1 patient. Two patients (both without prior surgery) not having diabetes insipidus pre-operatively continued to have normal posterior pituitary function. Stereotactic techniques should be considered for patients with craniopharyngiomas, especially those who have failed prior surgical resection.

Keywords:
Craniopharyngioma, Intracavitary irradiation, Phosphorus-32, Radiosurgery
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© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2003
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