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Intracavitary therapeutic options in the management of cystic craniopharyngioma

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Abstract

Background

Craniopharyngioma remains an entity of controversial management due to its critical anatomical relationships and its well-known recurrence tendency. Total resection, although desirable, is not always accomplished, and it is associated with potentially permanent endocrinological and visual deficits. Consequently, this situation has led to the development of new management strategies seeking lesser morbidity. Because a high percentage of these lesions are cystic, bleomycin and radioactive-emitting sources have been postulated as new therapeutic options with promising results.

Discussion

The information known to date regarding these substances is summarized and we perform a retrospective review of the clinical trials conducted over the past 30 years with special emphasis on outcome, morbidity, and mortality. Two cases from our institution are presented as examples of multimodality management.

Conclusion

Overall, these newer options stand out as valid alternatives in the controversial management of these challenging tumors.

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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank the support and observations provided by Drs. Tadanori Tomita, Stuart Goldman and the staff at the Falk Brain Tumor Center of the Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. This study was made possible thanks to the funding granted by the Gus Foundation for Children with Brain Tumors.

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  1. Neurosurgery, National Children’s Hospital, San José, Costa Rica

    Adrián Cáceres

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Cáceres, A. Intracavitary therapeutic options in the management of cystic craniopharyngioma. Childs Nerv Syst 21, 705–718 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-005-1227-0

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