[Biology of the craniopharyngioma]

In the recent years a considerable number of different studies devoted to craniopharyngioma morphology were performed. There are more than 35 factors known up to date that could be related to the craniopharyngioma growth (Ki-67, p53, beta-catenin, p63, Retinoid acid receptors, Galectin-3, MIF, MVD, CK et al.). Despite the such a variety of factors, none of them, except for the Ki-67, strongly correlates with the risk of tumour recurrence and none can be associated with a particular tumour type. Most studies, by the way, focused on a very small number of factors and were performed in relatively small groups of patients. Most publications are devoted to the Ki-67, beta-catenin and p53 studies, and the highest number of patients enrolled to the study was 67. This survey made an attempt to review the literature on the craniopharyngioma biology and to identify further areas of research to obtain data that could affect the choice of treatment and outcome in this complex disease.