Recurrence of craniopharyngioma occurs with all modalities of primary therapy. Management is determined in large part by prior therapy. Repeat attempts at gross total resection are difficult, and complications are more frequent than with initial surgery.[1] External-beam radiation therapy is an option if this has not been previously employed. Cystic recurrences may be treated with intracavitary instillation of radioactive 32P, or bleomycin,[2] and a reservoir may be placed to permit intermittent outpatient aspiration. Chemotherapy is generally not utilized.

References

1. Wisoff JH: Surgical management of recurrent craniopharyngiomas. Pediatr Neurosurg 21 (Suppl 1): 108-13, 1994.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Takahashi H, Nakazawa S, Shimura T: Evaluation of postoperative intratumoral injection of bleomycin for craniopharyngioma in children. J Neurosurg 62 (1): 120-7, 1985.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   

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