title: Stereotactic internal irradiation for cystic craniopharyngiomas: a 6-year experience.
abstract: Fourteen adults and 4 children with cystic craniopharyngiomas were treated with stereotactic beta-irradiation during a 6-year period. Of these patients, 10 were primary cases, and 8 were recurrences after previous major surgery. Radioactive phosphorus (32P) or yttrium (90Y) in colloidal forms were used as the radiation agents. Cyst volumes (10-130 ml) were assessed intraoperatively by the 99Tc radiodilution method. According to our treatment program, the radiation dose to the cyst wall was 20,000 rad and the total irradiation time 2 weeks. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 6 years, with an average of 3.8 years. Postoperative shrinkage of the cysts and clinical improvement were observed in most patients. Pertinent clinical data and results of treatment are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001921:Brain / Q000528:radiation effects; D002648:Child; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010910:Pituitary Irradiation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*