Radiation therapy in craniopharyngiomas

Eighteen patients with cranipharyngiomas, who were studied and treated between 1970-1980, are presented. Each patient was treated with surgery and radiotherapy (50-60 Gy). Six patients were treated with radiotherapy because the tumor recurred after surgery. An extensive representation of the clinical symptomatology typical of this tumor was seen. In 3 patients an improvement in visual symptoms was demonstrated; in 11 the headaches and vomiting were controlled after treatment. The 18 treated patients are still alive without evidence of progression of the tumor, after a period of 2 to 12 years. Our experience supports the contention that conservative surgery coupled with radical radiotherapy remains the treatment of choice for the craniopharyngioma.