Kraniopharyngeom 2007

• Randomized investigation of changes in Quality of life (QoL) of children (≥ 5 years of age) and adolescents following incomplete craniopharyngioma resections at primary diagnosis per QoL scores (PEDQOL "physical functions" domain) as measured 60-90 days after surgery and 3 years after randomization; and progression-free and overall survival rates (subgoal assessments) relative to how these parameters relate to postoperative irradiation timing (immediate postsurgery irradiation versus wait-and-see approach + progression-contingent irradiation of residual tumor).
• Compilation of applied therapy strategies for craniopharyngiomas in children and adolescents using data capture conforming to SIOP brain tumor groups
• Evaluation of patients’ remission status following the various therapy strategies/modalities for craniopharyngiomas using data detection consistent with SIOP brain tumor groups
• Investigation of frequency of patients with adenoma of the hypophysis and meningiomas, xanthogranulomas and of sellar and parasellar cystic deformities (arachnoid cysts and Rathke’s pouch cysts)

Patients with incomplete resection and age >= 5 years will be randomized in two treatment arms:

• Arm I: Planning of localized XRT immediately following surgery (after randomization)
• Arm II: At sign of progression (>25%): localized XRT, (if needed after subsequent surgery) and reference assessment of XRT plans


Patients with complete resection or incomplete resection and age <= 5 years:

• Continuous observation in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM Surveillance Study

1. Histological diagnosis of the craniopharyngioma
2. Age at diagnosis ≤ 18 years of age
3. Agreement from patient’s parents or legal guardian as well as the patient

For the randomization:

1. Age at primary surgery ≥ 5 years of age
2. Incomplete primary resection
3. Reference radiological confirmation of an incomplete resection
4. Agreement from patient’s parents or legal guardian as well as the patient

No QoL measurement for randomization (3 months after surgery, 60−90 days).