Markers of Recurrence and Long-Term Morbidity in Craniopharyngioma: A Systematic Analysis of 171 Patients

Context: Craniopharyngiomas are often associated with an unfavorable prognosis, but data on their long-term consequences are sparse. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify markers of recurrence and factors associated with compromised social rehabilitation and altered quality of life in a large cohort of patients with either childhood-onset (CO) or adult-onset craniopharyngioma. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed for 171 patients treated for craniopharyngioma in two academic centers in France between 1972 and 2009. For each subject, data were collected concerning clinical presentation, imaging features, visual sequelae, endocrine and metabolic impact, treatment modalities (surgery, radiotherapy), recurrence-free survival rate, and social insertion, as well as answers to the WHO-QOL BREF questionnaire. Results: A total of 65 CO and 106 adult-onset patients were reviewed. If CO was diagnosed before the age of 10 yr, this was associated with a higher incidence of obesity, blindness, and pa...