Outcomes of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Versus Fractionated Radiation Therapy in 44 Dogs With Pituitary Masses: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Study (2016-2022).

Although canine pituitary masses (PM) are increasingly treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), historical literature supports superior outcomes with conventional full-course fractionated radiation therapy (FRT). A multi-institutional retrospective study was performed, including dogs with PM treated from 2016 to 2022 with SRT (total dose 30 or 35 Gy in 5 daily fractions) or FRT (total dose 50-54 Gy in 19-20 daily fractions). The influence of potential prognostic/predictive factors was assessed, including pituitary: brain height, pituitary: brain volume, sex, age and endocrine status (functional [F] vs. nonfunctional [NF] PM). Forty-four dogs with PM were included (26 F, 14 NF, 4 unknown). All patients completed protocols as scheduled (SRT = 27, FRT = 17) and two dogs had suspected Grade 1 acute neurotoxicity. During the first 6 months after RT, 5/27 (19%) dogs treated with SRT (4 F, 1 NF) and 3/17 (18%) dogs treated with FRT (all F) died or were euthanised because of progressive neurologic signs. The overall median survival time was 608 days (95% CI, 375-840 days). Young age at the time of treatment was significant for survival (p = 0.0288); the overall median survival time was 753 days for dogs <9 years of age (95% CI, 614-892 days) and 445 days for dogs ≥9 years of age (95% CI, 183-707 days). Survival time was not associated with treatment type or any other factor assessed herein. A prospective study using standardised protocols would further validate the results of the present study and potentially elucidate the predictors of early death.

Metastatic malignant struma ovarii to the pituitary presenting as a sellar mass and responding to total thyroidectomy with adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy.

Malignant struma ovarii (MSO) is a rare ovarian teratoma composed primarily of thyroid tissue. Common sites of metastasis include peritoneum, bone, liver, lung, gastrointestinal tract and omentum. We present a woman in her 50s with a history of remote oophorectomy presenting with hypopituitarism and a 2.7 cm sellar mass. Trans-sphenoidal surgery for presumed pituitary macroadenoma achieved near total resection and resultant pathology surprisingly showed ectopic thyroid tissue. The patient acquired her ovarian pathology report from Southeast Asia which showed struma ovarii of the left ovary. The pituitary mass was thus determined to be a metastatic lesion from MSO. She underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation therapy with good initial response and no regrowth of the tissue or emergence of distant metastases after 5 years of annual follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of MSO to the pituitary.

55-Year Follow-Up of the First Adult Patient With Craniopharyngioma Treated With Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

In May 1968, Lars Leksell and Erik-Olof Backlund achieved a pioneering breakthrough by performing the first Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) on a craniopharyngioma (CP). Today, more than 50 years later, this patient remains under continuous monitoring, providing the longest documented follow-up of a GKRS-treated CP. This case report provides a complete record of the patient's preoperative presentation, surgical assessment, GKRS, and an extensive long-term follow-up with multiple interventions. The investigation involved analysis of archived and digitalized patient records and radiological images. The patient was a 21-year-old female who presented with amenorrhea and low levels of gonadotropins. Pneumoencephalography showed a calcified 2 × 2.5 cm mass located in the suprasellar region, indicative of a CP. Subsequent stereotactic puncture confirmed a predominantly solid nature of the CP. Given the size and composition of the tumor, the surgical team opted for GKRS. Dose planning was performed manually, with coordinates determined using Leksell's stereotactic frame. The tumor was targeted with a total dose of 50 Gy using 179 beams of 60 Co. Over the subsequent 55 years, the patient underwent radiological and clinical follow-ups. Throughout this period, 4 cystic tumor recurrences occurred and were managed by stereotactic puncture and Yttrium-90 instillation radiotherapy. The solid component remained stable without repeated GKRS. The patient suffered lateral quadrant anopsia and endocrinological deficits, necessitating pharmaceutical intervention. Despite these challenges, the patient is still living an active life at age 76 years. This case stands as historic evidence of long-term safety and efficacy of GKRS for CPs.

Brachytherapy in craniopharyngiomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Brachytherapy has been indicated as an alternative option for treating cystic craniopharyngiomas (CPs). The potential benefits of brachytherapy for CPs have not yet been clarified. The purpose of this work was to conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the long-term efficacy and adverse reactions profile of brachytherapy for CPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant databases were searched to collect the clinical trials on brachytherapy in patients with CPs. Included studies were limited to publications in full manuscript form with at least 5-year median follow-up, and adequate reporting of treatment outcomes and adverse reactions data. Stata 12.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 6 clinical trials involving 266 patients with CPs were included in this meta-analysis. The minimum average follow-up was 5 years. The results of the meta-analysis showed that 1-year, 2-3 years and 5 years progression free survival rates (PFS) are 75% (95%CI: 66-84%), 62% (95%CI: 52-72%) and 57% (95%CI: 22-92%), respectively. At the last follow-up, less than 16% of patients with visual outcomes worser than baseline in all included studies. While, for endocrine outcomes, less than 32% of patients worser than baseline level. CONCLUSION: In general, based on the above results, brachytherapy should be considered as a good choice for the treatment of CP.

Long-Term Outcomes of Surgery and Radiation Treatment for Adult Patients with Craniopharyngioma.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of craniopharyngioma typically entails gross total resection (GTR) or subtotal resection with adjuvant radiation (STR-RT). We analyzed outcomes in adults with craniopharyngioma undergoing GTR versus STR-RT. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 115 patients with craniopharyngioma in 5 institutions. Patients with STR received postoperative RT with stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated radiation therapy per institutional preference and ability to spare optic structures. RESULTS: Median age was 44 years (range, 19-79 years). GTR was performed in 34 patients and STR-RT was performed in 81 patients with median follow-up of 78.9 months (range, 1-268 months). For GTR, local control was 90.5% at 2 years, 87.2% at 3 years, and 71.9% at 5 years. For STR-RT, local control was 93.6% at 2 years, 90.3% at 3 years, and 88.4% at 5 years. At 5 years following resection, there was no difference in local control (P = 0.08). Differences in rates of visual deterioration or panhypopituitarism were not observed between GTR and STR-RT groups. There was no difference in local control in adamantinomatous and papillary craniopharyngioma regardless of treatment. Additionally, worse local control was found in patients receiving STR-RT who were underdosed with fractionated radiation therapy (P = 0.03) or stereotactic radiosurgery (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Good long-term control was achieved in adults with craniopharyngioma who underwent STR-RT or GTR with no significant difference in local control. First-line treatment for craniopharyngioma should continue to be maximal safe resection followed by RT as needed to balance optimal local control with long-term morbidity.

Long-term outcomes of neuroendoscopic cyst partial resection combined with stereotactic radiotherapy for craniopharyngioma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of neuroendoscopic cyst partial resection (ECPR) combined with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for cystic craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 22 craniopharyngioma patients undergoing ECPR combined with SRT were included. This combination therapy was indicated for suprasellar cystic craniopharyngiomas in patients whose pituitary function was preserved but would be difficult to preserve in direct surgery. The outcomes of combination therapy, including tumor control and postoperative visual and pituitary functions, were investigated. RESULTS: ECPR was safely performed, and cyst shrinkage was accomplished in all cases. After ECPR, visual function improved in 12 of 13 patients (92%) with visual field disturbance and did not deteriorate in any patients. Pituitary function was preserved in 14 patients (64%) and deteriorated in eight patients (36%) after ECPR. As a complication of ECPR, meningitis occurred because of a wound infection in one patient. In 18 of 22 patients (82%), the tumor was controlled without further treatment 19 - 87 months (median, 33 months) after SRT. Hypopituitarism was an adverse event after SRT in two of the 18 patients who achieved tumor control. Four patients (18%) had enlarged cysts after SRT. Postoperative pituitary function was significantly more likely to deteriorate in cases of extensive detachment from the ventricular wall, and retreatment was significantly more common in cases with hypothalamic extension. CONCLUSION: Although limited to some cases, ECPR combined with SRT is a less invasive and useful therapeutic option for suprasellar cystic craniopharyngiomas. However, its long-term prognosis requires further evaluation.

Enhanced outcomes in residual or recurrent craniopharyngioma: evaluating combined gamma knife and phosphorus-32 brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND: Managing residual and recurrent craniopharyngioma effectively is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study evaluates the combined use of gamma knife and phosphorus-32 brachytherapy, offering insights into alternative, less invasive treatment strategies. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 97 patients treated from 2010 to 2016 for residual and recurrent craniopharyngioma using gamma knife and phosphorus-32 brachytherapy. We classified these patients into three groups: superficial solid (Group A), simple cystic (Group B), and mixed cystic-solid (Group C). We assessed the treatment's effectiveness by the tumor control rates and evaluated safety by monitoring vision, endocrine function improvements, and complication rates. RESULTS: The treatment achieved complete and adequate control rates of 49.5% and 87.6%, respectively. We observed improvements in vision or visual fields in 55.1% of the patients. The morbidity rate was 15.5%. The study found no significant differences in tumor control rates among the various lesion types. CONCLUSION: The combination of gamma knife and phosphorus-32 brachytherapy presents a viable, minimally invasive alternative for treating residual and recurrent craniopharyngioma. It offers high tumor control and functional improvement rates, suggesting its potential as a preferred strategy in some instances.

Outcome After Modern Proton Beam Therapy in Childhood Craniopharyngioma: Results of the Prospective Registry Study KiProReg.

PURPOSE: Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare tumors of the sellar region often leading to significant comorbidities due to their close proximity to critical structures. The aim of this study was to analyze survival outcome and late toxicities after surgery and proton beam therapy (PBT) in childhood CPs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Within the prospective registry study "KiProReg" (DRKS0000536), data of 74 childhood patients with CP, receiving PBT between August 2013 to June 2022 were eligible. Late toxicities were analyzed according to the grading system of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. RESULTS: Median follow-up since first diagnosis was 4.3 years (range, 0.8-14.7). In addition, 75.7% of patients received PBT at time of disease progression or recurrence, whereas 24.3% as part of their primary therapy (definitive or adjuvant). Predominantly (85.1%), pencil beam scanning technique was used. The median total dose and initial tumor volume were 5400 cGy relative biologic effectiveness (RBE) and 17.64 cm³ (range, 3.07-300.59), respectively. The estimated (±SE) 3-year overall survival, progression-free, and cystic failure-free survival rate after PBT were 98.2% (±1.7), 94.7% (±3.0), and 76.8% (±5.4), respectively. All local failures (n = 3) were in-field relapses necessitating intervention and occurred exclusively in patients receiving PBT at progression or recurrence. Early cystic enlargements after PBT were typically asymptomatic and self-limiting. Fatigue, headaches, vision disorders, obesity, and endocrinopathies were the predominant late toxicities. No high-grade (≥3) new-onset visual impairment or cognitive deterioration occurred compared with baseline. The presence of cognitive impairments at the end of follow-up correlated with size of the planning target volume (P = .034), Dmean dose to the temporal lobes (P = .032, P = .045) and the number of surgical interventions before PBT (P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate favorable local control rates using modern PBT with acceptable late toxicities. Cyst growth within 12 months after radiation therapy is typically not associated with tumor progression. Longer follow-up must be awaited to confirm results.

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in craniopharyngiomas: A systematic review and single arm meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous studies have demonstrated Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy's (FSRT) effectiveness in tumor control post-resection for craniopharyngiomas. Nevertheless, past literature has presented conflicting findings particularly regarding endocrine and visual function outcomes. This study aims to elucidate FSRT's efficacy and safety for this population. METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA, a systematic review and meta-analyses was conducted. Included studies had to report the effects of FSRT for treating craniopharyngiomas in a sample greater than four patients, addressing at least one of the outcomes of interest: improvement in visual acuity or field, new-onset hypopituitarism, effectiveness, and tumor progression. Relative risk with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the outcomes. RESULTS: After retrieving a total of 1292 studies, 10 articles met the predefined criteria and thus were finally selected, amounting to a total of 256 patients. The improvement in visual acuity was estimated at 45% (95% CI: 6-83%), while the improvement in the visual field was 22% (95% CI: 0-51%). Regarding endocrine function, the new-onset hypopituitarism rate was found to be 5% (95% CI: 0-11%). Relative to FSRT effectiveness, the pooled estimate of the complete tumor response rate was 17% (95% CI: 4-30%), and the tumor progression rate was 7% (95% CI: 1-13%). Also, a 3-year progression-free survival rate of 98% (95% CI: 95-100%) was obtained. CONCLUSION: Despite limitations and risks, FSRT shows promise as a viable therapeutic option for craniopharyngiomas, offering notable benefits for visual functions and tumor control. Further research is required to better understand the associated risks, benefits, and clinical utility.

Single Versus Fractionated Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas Close to the Optic Pathway: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), typically administered in a single session (S-GKRS), is an effective treatment for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA). For lesions close to the optic pathway, the use of hypofractionated radiosurgery is growing. This study seeks to compare the results of S-GKRS vs fractionated-GKRS (F-GKRS) for NFPAs adjacent to the optic pathway. METHODS: Two cohorts of patients with residual or recurrent NFPAs in contact to the optic pathway were retrospectively included in this study: (1) a group of patients who underwent a 3-day course of F-GKRS in Europe and (2) a group of patients treated with S-GKRS in the United States. A propensity score matching (ratio 1:1) was carried out to obtain and compare 2 homogeneous groups of patients with NFPA. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were included for analysis (42 in the S-GKRS cohort and 42 in the F-GKRS group). The 2 cohorts did not differ for age, sex, number of previous surgical procedure, tumor volume, and follow-up. The mean follow-up was 60.2 ± 37.0 months and 62.4 ± 37.4 months for F-GKRS and S-GKRS cohort, respectively ( P = .38). The overall tumor control at last follow-up was achieved in 95.2% and 92.9% of patients in F-GKRS and S-GKRS, respectively ( P = .64). The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 7-year progression-free survival rate after F-GKRS was 100%, 97.1%, 97.1%, and 91%, respectively. In the S-GKRS sample, progression-free survival rates were 100%, 100%, 92.5%, and 92.5% at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years after treatment, respectively. Two patients (4.7%) from the F-GKRS cohort and 2 (4.7%) from the S-GKRS cohort sustained visual worsening after radiosurgery ( P = 1.0). CONCLUSION: In the management of NFPAs adjacent to the optic pathway both F-GKRS and S-GKRS had comparable outcomes and risks at 7 years. Future prospective studies including larger cohorts with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results.

Encouraging Experience with Image-Guided Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy in Craniopharyngioma-First Case Series From India.

OBJECTIVE: We report our early clinical experience with image-guided, pencil beam scanning proton beam therapy (PBS-PBT) for residual and recurrent craniopharyngioma. METHODS: Between September 2019 and January 2023, 19 consecutive patients with residual or recurrent craniopharyngioma, suitable for radiotherapy and treated with image-guided PBS-PBT were analyzed. We documented detailed dosimetric data, acute toxicities, early outcomes, and imaging response on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scans. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients (11 males and 8 females) with residual or recurrent craniopharyngioma were treated during the study period. The median age of the cohort was 14 years (range, 3-33 years). The histology of most lesions was the adamantinomatous subtype (95%). The most common clinical presentation (before PBT) and most common endocrine deficit was visual disturbance (79%) and hypocortisolism (74%), respectively. Of the 19 patients, 13 had recurrent craniopharyngioma, and 5 had undergone radiotherapy previously. Five patients (26%) had undergone surgery ≥3 times before proton therapy. The median dose delivered was 54 GyE. The most common acute toxicity was grade 1 alopecia (63%). No patient experienced grade ≥3 acute toxicity. With a median follow-up of 18 months (range, 3-40 months), 12 patients showed shrinkage of the residual tumor and/or cyst, and 4 showed a dramatic cyst reduction at 3-9 months of follow-up. Two patients experienced a reduction in both solid and cystic components, with the remaining experiencing a reduction in the cystic component only. The remaining 8 patients had stable disease on magnetic resonance imaging, with 100% disease control and overall survival. Visual function remained stable after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience with modern PBS-PBT and image guidance for craniopharyngioma is encouraging. Proton therapy in our cohort was well tolerated, resulting in limited toxicity and promising early outcomes.

Long-term outcomes of multidisciplinary treatment combining surgery and stereotactic radiotherapy with Novalis for craniopharyngioma.

Craniopharyngiomas are difficult to resect completely, recurrence is frequent, and hypothalamic/pituitary function may be affected after surgery. Therefore, the ideal treatment for craniopharyngiomas is local control with preservation of hypothalamic and pituitary functions. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the long-term efficacy and adverse events of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with Novalis for craniopharyngioma. This study included 23 patients with craniopharyngiomas who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2021 and underwent SRT as their first irradiation after surgery. The median post-irradiation observation period was 88 months, with the overall survival rates of 100 % at 10 years and 85.7 % at 20 years. One patient died of adrenal insufficiency 12 years after irradiation. The local control rate of the cystic component was 91.3 % at 5 years, 83.0 % at 15 years, with no increase in the solid component. No delayed impairment of visual or pituitary function due to irradiation was observed. No new hypothalamic dysfunction was observed after radiation therapy. No delayed adverse events such as brain necrosis, cerebral artery stenosis, cerebral infarction, or secondary brain tumors were also observed. SRT was safe and effective over the long term in patients irradiated in childhood as well as adults, with no local recurrence or adverse events. We believe that surgical planning for craniopharyngioma with stereotactic radiotherapy in mind is effective in maintaining a good prognosis and quality of life.

Patterns of Care in Craniopharyngioma: Clinical Outcomes After Surgery and Radiation Therapy in a Real-World Setting.

OBJECTIVE: Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a benign neuroepithelial tumor generally treated with maximal safe resection and radiation therapy (RT) in incompletely resected CP or in recurrent tumors to achieve long-term control. We analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients with CPs treated with a multimodality approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective clinical audit of histologically proven CPs registered between 2008 and 2019 at a specialized neuro-oncology center in India was performed. Time-to-event outcomes (overall survival [OS] and progression-free survival [PFS]) were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two patients with CP were analyzed. The median age of the population was 14 years (interquartile range [IQR], 8-26) with a significant male preponderance. Gross total resection was achieved in only 25% of patients. At a median follow-up of 57.1 months (IQR, 27.8-87.8), 5-year estimates of PFS and OS were 52% (95% confidence interval, 46%-63.4%) and 85.8% (95% confidence interval, 78.6%-93%), respectively. Recurrence or progression was observed in 48 of 122 patients (39.3%) at a median time of 84.4 months (IQR, 24.7-174.8). On multivariate analysis, the absence of residual disease (P = 0.004), near-total resection (P = 0.035), and use of up-front adjuvant RT (P < 0.001) significantly improved the 5-year PFS, whereas the absence of extracavernous extension (P = 0.058) and any use of postoperative RT (P = 0.026) significantly improved the 5-year OS. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the largest single-institutional series of CPs, showing improved PFS with up-front adjuvant RT in most cases of CP. Deferring adjuvant RT should be considered only in patients with no evidence of residual disease (as shown on dedicated sellar imaging) after primary surgery.

Benefits and limitations of a dual faculty neurosurgeon approach to resection of pediatric craniopharyngioma.

PURPOSE: The utility and safety of including two neurosurgeons for tumor resections is unknown. This study compares outcomes among pediatric patients with craniopharyngiomas operated on with a dual or single surgeon approach (DSA, SSA). METHODS: A single-center review identified all craniopharyngioma transsphenoidal or craniotomy resections from 2000 to 2020. Surgical years of experience (YOE) and rates of 5-year reoperations, complications, recurrence, and postoperative radiotherapy were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-six transsphenoidal and 68 craniotomies were identified among 62 patients. Eleven transsphenoidal (42.3%) utilized DSA and 15 utilized (57.7%) SSA. Eight craniotomies (11.8%) were DSA and 60 (88.2%) were SSA. The surgeon for SSA transsphenoidal procedures had a median of 10.7 YOE (IQR: 9.9-13.7) versus 6.6 (IQR: 2.7-16; p = 0.058) for the lead surgeon in DSAs. The co-surgeon in transsphenoidal DSAs had a median of 27 YOE (IQR: 11.8-35.7). The surgeon for SSA craniotomies had a median of 19.3 YOE (IQR: 12.1-26.4) versus 4.5 years (IQR: 1.3-15.3; p = 0.017) for the lead surgeon in DSA cases. The co-surgeon in DSA craniotomies had a median of 23.2 YOE (IQR: 12.6-31.4). Case complexity was similar across transsphenoidal groups. DSA transsphenoidal resections had fewer complications (18% DSA vs. 33% SSA), reoperations (45% vs. 53%), and radiation therapy (9.1% DSA vs. 33% SSA) than SSA. CONCLUSION: Lead surgeons in DSAs are frequently junior surgeons while SSAs typically employ senior surgeons. Outcomes did not significantly differ between DSA and SSA. Mentorship through DSAs does not negatively affect patient care.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for nonfunctioning pituitary tumor: A multicenter study of new pituitary hormone deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is used to treat recurrent or residual nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NFPA). The objective of the study was to assess imaging and development of new pituitary hormone deficiency. METHODS: Patients treated with single-session SRS for a NFPA were included in this retrospective, multicenter study. Tumor control and new pituitary dysfunction were evaluated using Cox analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: A total of 869 patients (male 476 [54.8%], median age at SRS 52.5 years [Interquartile range (IQR): 18.9]) were treated using a median margin dose of 14Gy (IQR: 4) for a median tumor volume of 3.4 cc (IQR: 4.3). With a median radiological follow-up of 3.7 years (IQR: 4.8), volumetric tumor reduction occurred in 451 patients (51.9%), stability in 364 (41.9%) and 54 patients (6.2%) showed tumor progression.The probability of tumor control was 95.5% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 93.8-97.3) and 88.8% (95%CI: 85.2-92.5) at 5 and 10 years, respectively. A margin dose >14 Gy was associated with tumor control (Hazard Ratio [HR]:0.33, 95% CI: 0.18-0.60, P < 0.001). The probability of new hypopituitarism was 9.9% (95% CI: 7.3-12.5) and 15.3% (95% CI: 11-19.4) at 5 and 10 years, respectively. A maximum point dose >10 Gy in the pituitary stalk was associated with new pituitary hormone deficiency (HR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.95-6.19). The cumulative probability of new cortisol, thyroid, gonadotroph, and growth hormone deficiency was 8% (95% CI: 3.9-11.9), 8.3% (95% CI: 3.9-12.5), 3.5% (95% CI: 1.7-5.2), and 4.7% (95% CI: 1.9-7.4), respectively at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: SRS provides long-term tumor control with a 15.3% risk of hypopituitarism at 10 years.

Surgical Strategies in the Treatment of Giant Pituitary Adenomas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The management of giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs) is challenging due to associated endocrinopathies and the close proximity of these tumors to critical structures, such as the optic nerves, structures of the cavernous sinus, and hypothalamus. The objective of this review article was to summarize the current management strategies for giant pituitary adenomas, including the role of open and endoscopic surgical approaches and the role of medical and radiation therapy in conjunction with surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of GPAs operated at our institute between January 2010 and March 2023. Surgical approaches, extent of resection, and associated complications were documented. Furthermore, we conducted a thorough literature review to identify relevant studies published in the past decade, which were incorporated along with insights gained from our institutional case series of GPAs to analyze and integrate both the existing knowledge base and our institution's firsthand experience in the management of GPAs. RESULTS: A total of 46 giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs) were operated on, using various surgical approaches. Transsphenoidal approach was used in 25 cases and a staged approach using transsphenoidal and pterional was used in 15 cases. Other approaches included transcortical-transventricular, transcallosal, pterional/orbitozygomatic, and subfrontal approaches. Complications and technical nuances were reported. CONCLUSION: The management of giant pituitary adenomas remains complex, often involving several modalities-open or endoscopic resection, radiosurgery, and medical management of both the tumor and associated endocrinopathies. Surgical resections are often challenging procedures that require careful consideration of several factors, including patient characteristics, tumor location, and size, and the experience and skill of the surgical team.

Management of first recurrence or progression of craniopharyngioma after resection alone: A systematic review and individual-participant data meta-analysis.

The initial management of craniopharyngioma is generally either gross total resection (GTR) or subtotal resection (STR) with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). However, the optimal management strategy for recurrent/progressive craniopharyngioma remains unclear. In this systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the outcomes of surgery and/or RT for the first recurrence/progression of craniopharyngioma after resection alone. The exposure was the treatment that was administered for the first recurrence/progression, and the outcomes were tumor regrowth and overall survival (OS). Subgroup analyses were performed by age at the treatment for the first recurrence/progression (<18 or ≥ 18 years old), duration between the first treatment and the first recurrence/progression (<2 or ≥ 2 years), and the initial treatment that was administered (STR or GTR). Of the 2932 studies screened, 11 studies reporting a total of 80 patients were included. Across almost all subgroups, patients who received RT for the first recurrence/progression had a significantly lower risk of tumor regrowth than those who did not, regardless of whether surgery was performed and the extent of resection. There was no significant association between the treatment administered for the first recurrence/progression and OS, except for patients with a recurrence/progression < 2 years after the first treatment, where GTR was associated with a higher risk of mortality. For patients with the first recurrence/progression of craniopharyngioma after resection alone, RT should be considered for better local control. In cases where RT is not administered, GTR is preferred over STR provided it can be safely performed, for improved local control.

Radiotherapy and Mortality in Pituitary Adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary adenomas (PA), comprising 10-20% of intracranial tumors, are classified as functioning and non-functioning and are further divided by size. Non-functioning tumors cause mechanical symptoms while functioning ones result in hormonal hypersecretion syndromes. Initial treatment involves surgery, with medical treatment for prolactinomas. Radiotherapy (RT) is employed as an adjuvant treatment, with various modalities including conventional, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and fractionated stereotactic RT (FSRT). Although effective, RT is associated with complications and toxicities such as hypopituitarism, optic neuritis, secondary CNS tumors, and neurocognitive deficits. AIM: Describe the information on mortality from radiotherapy as treatment of functioning PA. METHODS: A PubMed search spanning 2000-2017 was conducted for articles on pituitary RT. RESULTS: Conventional RT entails high-energy radiation over multiple sessions, while SRS delivers precise high doses in a single session. FSRT offers enhanced precision using a linear accelerator, delivering multiple doses. Optic structure proximity and tumor volume dictate RT modality. Studies have shown SRS and FSRT's efficacy in tumor and endocrine control, with variable risks and complications. Mortality rates in pituitary adenomas treated with RT have been evaluated, revealing complexities. Acromegaly, associated with increased mortality due to cerebrovascular disease, may result from RT. Irradiation of non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas also elevates cerebrovascular risk, while radiotherapy-induced hypopituitarism is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. RT-induced damage is attributed to microvascular lesions and arteriolar changes. CONCLUSION: Modern techniques mitigate complications, and although safer, long-term studies are needed. Multidisciplinary evaluation guides the treatment decision, optimizing efficacy and minimizing risk, ultimately improving the patient's quality of life.

Early Versus Delayed Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) is a common modality used to treat pituitary adenomas with good control rates. It is not known whether FSRT should be performed early or delayed until progression occurs. We compared FSRT in treating nonfunctional pituitary adenomas (NFPA) as an adjuvant (ADJ) or on-progression (PRG) therapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent FSRT for an NFPA between January 2004 and December 2022 at a single institution was performed. We compared endocrinologic, ophthalmologic, and radiographic outcomes in FSRT delivered as ADJ and PRG treatment. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were analyzed, with a median follow-up of 53 months. FSRT was administered to 35 and 40 patients as ADJ and PRG, with a median time to treatment of 5.5 and 40 months, respectively. The tumor control rate was 94.3% for ADJ and 95.0% for PRG. Treatment resulted in 4 (11.4%) versus 7 (17.5%) new endocrinopathies and 2 (5.7%) versus 1 (2.5%) new visual deficits for ADJ versus PRG. A survival analysis of time to new endocrinopathy showed no difference between the 2 cohorts. The median time from surgery to new endocrinopathy was significantly different between ADJ and PRG, at 15.5 and 102.0 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: FSRT is effective in treating NFPA for residual and progressive tumors, with excellent tumor control rates and a low risk of developing new endocrinopathies and visual deficits. Delaying treatment delayed the development of new endocrinopathies, suggesting that observation with FSRT on tumor progression may delay the onset of hypopituitarism and maintain similar effectiveness in tumor control.

Health-related quality of life analyses in nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma patients identifies at-risk populations.

PURPOSE: The quality of life (QoL) impact of multidisciplinary treatment for patients with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMA) is unclear. We sought to investigate associations between patient factors, clinical data, and patient-reported QoL in patients with NFPMA. METHODS: Patients with treated NFPMA and > 1 year of follow up after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) and with no evidence of progressive disease were evaluated utilizing the following patient-reported outcome measures: RAND-36-Item Health Survey, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Cognitive Failures Questionnaire. RESULTS: 229 eligible patients completed QoL questionnaires a median of 7.7 years after initial transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). 25% of participants received radiation therapy (RT) a median of 2.0 years (0.1-22.5) after initial TSS. Patients who received RT were younger (median age 46 v 58, p < 0.0001), had larger tumors (28 mm v 22 mm, p < 0.0001), were more likely to have visual symptoms (65% v 34%, p = 0.0002), and were more likely to have hypopituitarism (93% v 62%, p < 0.0001). Patients with hypopituitarism reported worse energy and fatigue and cognitive function (p < 0.03). Patients who received RT reported significantly worse general health, physical health, physical fatigue and cognitive functioning (p < 0.05). The largest QoL differences were in patients who experienced a financial stressor, independent of treatment type. CONCLUSION: Hypopituitarism, radiation therapy after TSS, and financial stressors are associated with more impaired QoL in patients with NFPMA. Awareness of these factors can better guide use and timing of radiation therapy in addition to identifying patients who can benefit from multidisciplinary surveillance.