Precision Oncology for Papillary Craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Papillary craniopharyngiomas are ultra-rare tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), with fewer than 600 new cases per year in the United States. These tumors most commonly occur in children 5 to 14 years of age and adults older than 50 years of age. They grow from embryonic cells near the stalk of the pituitary gland.1 Because of this anatomic location abutting the optic nerve, pituitary gland, and third ventricle, complete surgical excision is rarely feasible. Radiation therapy is similarly associated with short- and long-term complications and variable efficacy. Thus, although papillary craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign, the natural history of . . .

Topics & Concepts