Proton beam therapy for craniopharyngioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Craniopharyngioma is a rare and slow-growing benign sellar or parasellar epithelial tumor. The number of patients receiving proton beam therapy (PBT) has increased. This study aimed to systematically evaluate and analyze the comprehensive evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of PBT for craniopharyngioma.

We searched four databases: the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The period was from their inception to February 16, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data.

Among 486 candidate articles, eight studies were included in our study. Exactly 393 patients with craniopharyngioma underwent PBT in these studies. These studies reported data on survival and toxicity. The median sample size was 42.5 patients. The median age was 9.1-37 years; the female proportion was 48.9%, and the median follow-up time was 29-91.4 months. All patients were treated once daily, five times a week, with a fraction of 1.8 Gy (RBE) per session. The median total dose was 54.0 Gy (RBE). The local control rates at 3 and 5 years in these studies were 99% and 93%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 3 and 5 years in these studies were both 100%. The incidence of acute and late toxicities was mainly grade 1-2. The main late toxicities included vascular and visual toxicities, hypothalamic obesity, endocrinopathy, and panhypopituitarism.

PBT for craniopharyngioma, especially in children and adolescents, has shown impressive local control and acceptable acute and late toxicities.