J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2006 Feb;39(2):96-101.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Remnant or Recurred Craniopharyngiomas

• Kwon YS
• Park YS
• Chang JH
• Chang JW
• Park YG

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The authors assess the long term effectiveness of gamma knife radiosurgery(GKS) for remnant or recurred craniopharyngiomas on tumor control and possibly set proper radiation dose for tumor control with utmost preservation of the adjacent structures.
METHODS
Sixteen GKS were done in 14 patients with recurred or remnant craniopharyngiomas after surgery. Mean follow up duration was 44.2 months (range 11.3~123.6 months). Follow up MR imagings were analyzed.
RESULTS
Mean tumor volume was 3.6 cm3 (range 0.6~18 cm3) and mean margin dose was 12.2Gy (range 8~22.4Gy). Tumor control was achieved in 87.5% (14 of 16 tumors) which were either solid or cystic in nature. Dose to optic apparatus was mean 7.9Gy and no radiation related complications were observed.
CONCLUSION
GKS seems to be effective treatment modality for craniopharyngiomas regardless of nature of tumor whether it is cystic or solid. Dose of 8 to 8.5Gy may be sufficient to achieve long term tumor control for remnant or recurred craniopharyngiomas.

Keyword

Radiosurgery; Gamma knife; Craniopharyngioma; Optic apparatus

MeSH Terms

Craniopharyngioma*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Radiosurgery*
Tumor Burden