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.
Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel