Global pediatric craniopharyngioma management modalities and outcomes

Alan R. Tang, Joseline Haizel-Cobbina, Muhammad Usman Khalid, Uchenna I. Peter-Okaka, Olivia L. Prosak, Naureen Mushtaq, Michael C. Dewan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric craniopharyngioma is a complex pathology, with optimal management involving a multidisciplinary approach and thoughtful care coordination. To date, no studies have compared various treatment modalities and outcomes described in different global regions. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to compare demographics, clinical presentation, treatment approach and outcomes of children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma globally. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms included “craniopharyngioma” and country-specific terms. Inclusion criteria included full-text studies published between 2000–2022, primarily examining pediatric patients 18-years old or younger diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, and reporting management and outcomes of interest. Data extracted included country of origin, demographical data, initial presentation and treatment modality, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics and between-group comparisons based on country of origin were performed. Results: Of 797 search results, 35 articles were included, mostly originating from high-income countries (HIC) (n = 25, 71.4%). No studies originated from low-income countries (LIC). When comparing HIC to middle-income countries (MIC), no differences in patient demographics were observed. No differences in symptomatology at initial presentation, tumor type, surgical approach or extent of surgical resection were observed. HIC patients undergoing intracystic therapy were more likely to receive bleomycin (n = 48, 85.7%), while the majority of MIC patients received interferon therapy (n = 10, 62.5%). All MIC patients undergoing radiation therapy underwent photon therapy (n = 102). No statistically significant differences were observed in postoperative complications or mean follow-up duration between HIC and MIC (78.1 ± 32.2 vs. 58.5 ± 32.1 months, p = 0.241). Conclusion: Pediatric craniopharyngioma presents and is managed similarly across the globe. However, no studies originating from LICs and resource-poor regions examine presentation and management to date, representing a significant knowledge gap that must be addressed to complete the global picture of pediatric craniopharyngioma burden and management.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)47-56
Number of pages10
JournalChild's Nervous System
Volume40
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

Keywords

  • High-income countries
  • Low-income countries
  • Low-middle income countries
  • Outcomes
  • Pediatric craniopharyngioma
  • Treatment
  • Upper-middle countries

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Global pediatric craniopharyngioma management modalities and outcomes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this