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A history of the treatment of craniopharyngiomas

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Abstract

Rationale

Nearly 100 years have passed since the first surgical attempt to remove a craniopharyngioma was undertaken, and the management of patients with these tumors continues to both challenge and frustrate those involved with their treatment.

Methods

By constructing a historical framework from past literature on the treatment of craniopharyngioma, the authors have attempted to document the early and important events in the treatment of these tumors in order to add a historical dimension to their current treatment and to engender a more comprehensive understanding of the modern treatment of craniopharyngioma.

Conclusion

The application of radiotherapeutic techniques to the management of craniopharyngioma would begin to complement the role of surgery, but debate would soon emerge as to what constituted the most appropriate management for craniopharyngioma in children.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children’s Plaza, P.O. Box 28, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA

    Arthur J. DiPatri Jr

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Vikram Prabhu

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  1. Arthur J. DiPatri Jr
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  2. Vikram Prabhu
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Correspondence to Arthur J. DiPatri Jr.

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DiPatri, A.J., Prabhu, V. A history of the treatment of craniopharyngiomas. Childs Nerv Syst 21, 606–621 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-005-1224-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-005-1224-3

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