Achievement of long-term local control in patients with craniopharyngiomas using high precision stereotactic radiotherapy.
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 x 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.
Combs
Stephanie E
SE
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. Combs@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Thilmann
Christoph
C
Huber
Peter E
PE
Hoess
Angelika
A
Debus
Jürgen
J
Schulz-Ertner
Daniela
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques