title: Malignant transformation of irradiated craniopharyngioma in children: report of 2 cases.
abstract: Malignant transformation of craniopharyngioma is a rare event; only 3 cases have been reported in children, all in the Japanese literature. The authors describe 2 additional pediatric cases. Treatment in both of these cases consisted of multiple resections and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Malignant transformation occurred 7 and 8 years after EBRT. The authors also review another 6 cases in adults. A possible causative association with radiation therapy is discussed. As radiation is currently an important option in the management of craniopharyngiomas, this association requires further study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kristian
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Aquilina
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Merchant
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodriguez-Galindo
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Ellison
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Sanford
authors.forename: Frederick A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Boop
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008578:Meninges / Q000473:pathology; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment