Experience of external beam radiotherapy given adjuvantly or at relapse following surgery for craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Background and purpose: Evaluation of effect of timing of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) following surgery for craniopharyngioma.

Materials and methods: Between 1976 and 2002, 87 patients (28 children) received EBRT in a regional referral centre. Forty-four patients received EBRT adjuvantly and 43 on relapse. The median total dose was 42.5Gy (range 34.7-52.5Gy) in 2.25-2.83Gy fractions over a median of 20 days (range 17-32). Effect of EBRT timing, type of original surgery, age on survival, progression-free survival (PFS) and quality of life (QOL) was studied.

Results: Survival from diagnosis was 86 and 76% and PFS was 78 and 66% at 10 and 20 years, respectively, with no significant difference seen between those treated adjuvantly or at relapse or according to age. QOL deteriorated significantly from diagnosis to last follow-up. Excluding patients who relapsed following EBRT, QOL did not deteriorate significantly overall (P=0.35). Children had worse QOL and greater morbidity at all timepoints compared to adults.

Conclusions: EBRT is effective both adjuvantly and at relapse. QOL deteriorates over time-relapse following EBRT was the only significant factor. Children have greater morbidity compared to adults, but no evidence for greater EBRT-induced toxicity was seen.