Clinical impact of craniopharyngioma classification based on location origin: a multicenter retrospective study

An assessment of the clinical impact for craniopharyngiomas (CPs) classification based on origin location has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical impact of the site of tumor origin in primary CPs.

Patients from six national institutions who had undergone resection for primary CP were enrolled. Based on the point of origin and surrounding membranous structures, the location of the tumor origin was labelled as Q, S, or T, where Type Q CPs originated below the diaphragmatic area; Type S CPs originated from Rathke's pouch precursor cells; and Type T CPs originated from the Rathke's pouch precursor cells located above the pars tuberalis. Clinical characteristics, surgical approach, and outcome were evaluated according to the location of the tumor origin.

Among the 529 patients with primary CP, symptoms, age, histopathology type, tumor size, the incidence of hydrocephalus, survival rates, and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly different among tumors originating in different locations. Patients with type T CPs had higher symptom rates of intracranial hypertension and hypothalamic dysfunction, while those with type Q CPs had higher rates of hormone deficits during pre-and post-operative management. Type S CPs were correlated with better outcomes and lower recurrence rates. The location of origin and primary therapy with survival and recurrence in CP were independent factors for survival and recurrence in multivariate analysis.

The identification of the different location of origin of CPs is of great significance in understanding the relationship between tumors and peripheral tissues. The origin of tumors effects the choice of surgical approach and prognosis.