Megavoltage external beam irradiation of craniopharyngiomas: Analysis of tumor control and morbidity

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(90)90143-8· OSTI ID:6523452

Flickinger, J C; Lunsford, L D; Singer, J; Cano, E R; Deutsch, M ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA (USA)

From 1971 to 1985, 21 patients received megavoltage external beam radiation therapy at the University of Pittsburgh for control of craniopharyngioma. Minimum tumor doses prescribed to the 95% isodose volume ranged between 51.3 to 70.0 Gy. Median total dose was 60.00 Gy and median dose per fraction was 1.83 Gy. Three deaths occurred from intercurrent disease and no deaths from tumor progression. Actuarial overall survival was 89% and 82% at 5 and 10 years. Actuarial local control was 95% at 5 and 10 years. Radiation related complications included one patient with optic neuropathy, one with brain necrosis, and one that developed optic neuropathy followed by brain necrosis. The high dose group of patients who received a NSD or Neuret equivalent of greater than 60 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction had a significantly greater risk of radiation complications (p = .024). The actuarial risk at 5 years for optic neuropathy was 30% and brain necrosis was 12.5% in the high dose group. Tumor control in the high dose group was not shown to be significantly better. Any possible benefit in tumor control in treating patients with craniopharyngioma with doses above 60 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction appears to be offset by the increased risk of radiation injury.

• OSTI ID: 6523452
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA), Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA) Vol. 19:1; ISSN IOBPD; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550603* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Therapy-- (1980-)
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BODY
DISEASES
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
DOSES
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
GLANDS
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PATIENTS
PITUITARY GLAND
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
THERAPY