Intracavitary Therapy: Intracavitary Chemotherapy

Because a high percentage of craniopharyngiomas are cystic, intracavitary chemotherapy has been attempted to control tumor progression. Since the first report by Takahashi in 1985, the efficacy of bleomycin has been confirmed by several authors. However, the potential side effects of this agent are not insignificant and alternatives to bleomycin have been suggested. Currently a number of patients are treated with intracystic interferon-α, which has a better toxicity profile. However, the long-term efficacy of this agent needs to be confirmed. The experience of intracystic chemotherapy suggests that approximately 50% of treated patients can show sustained benefit and will not require any further treatment.