Achievement of long-term local control in patients with craniopharyngiomas using high precision stereotactic radiotherapy

✍ Scribed by Stephanie E. Combs; Christoph Thilmann; Peter E. Huber; Angelika Hoess; Jürgen Debus; Daniela Schulz-Ertner

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2007
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 125 KB
• Volume: 109
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0008-543X
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.22703

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

BACKGROUND.

The long‐term outcome in patients with craniopharyngiomas treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) was evaluated.

METHODS.

A total of 40 patients with craniopharyngiomas were treated between May 1989 and July 2006 with FSRT. Most patients were treated for tumor progression after surgery. A median target dose of 52.2 grays (Gy) (range, 50.4–56 Gy) was applied in a median conventional fractionation of 5 × 1.8 Gy per week. Follow‐up examinations included thorough clinical assessment as well as contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans.

RESULTS.

After a median follow‐up of 98 months (range, 3–326 months), local control was 100% at both 5 years and 10 years. Overall survival rates at 5 years and 10 years were 97% and 89%, respectively. A complete response was observed in 4 patients and partial responses were noted in 25 patients. Eleven patients presented with stable disease during follow‐up. Acute toxicity was mild in all patients. Long‐term toxicity included enlargement of cysts requiring drainage 3 months after FSRT. No visual impairment, radionecrosis, or development of secondary malignancies were observed.

CONCLUSIONS.

The long‐term outcome of FSRT for craniopharyngiomas is excellent with regard to local control as well as treatment‐related side effects. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.