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Use of interferon alpha in intratumoral chemotherapy for cystic craniopharyngioma

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Abstract

Objectives

This study analyzed the intratumoral activity of interferon alpha (IFN-α) in the treatment of cystic craniopharyngiomas.

Patients and methods

From January 2000 to January 2004, nine patients presenting with cystic craniopharyngiomas were treated with intratumoral injection of IFN-α at the Pediatric Oncology Institute of the Federal University of São Paulo–Escola Paulista de Medicina. Age ranged from 1 year and 10 months to 18 years (mean 10 years). All intratumoral catheters were inserted by a subfrontal approach. Doses varied from 36 to 108 MU.

Results

There was complete disappearance of the lesion in seven cases. In two cases, partial reduction of tumor size was observed at follow-up. Follow-up varied from 1 year to 3 years and 6 months (mean 1 year 8 months).

Conclusions

IFN-α proved to be an effective drug in the control of cystic craniopharyngiomas. Additional studies should be carried out to determine the optimal dose of IFN-α in the treatment of cystic craniopharyngioma. In addition, other drugs possessing high efficacy and low neurotoxicity should be analyzed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pediatric Oncology Institute, Federal University of São Paulo–Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua Botucatu 591/42, 4023-061, São Paulo, Brazil

    S. Cavalheiro, P. A. Dastoli & M. C. da Silva

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Oncology Institute, Federal University of São Paulo–Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua Botucatu 591/42, 4023-061, São Paulo, Brazil

    N. S. Silva

  3. Department of Genetics, Pediatric Oncology Institute, Federal University of São Paulo–Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua Botucatu 591/42, 4023-061, São Paulo, Brazil

    S. Toledo

  4. Department of Neuroradiology, Pediatric Oncology Institute, Federal University of São Paulo–Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua Botucatu 591/42, 4023-061, São Paulo, Brazil

    H. Lederman

Authors
  1. S. Cavalheiro
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  2. P. A. Dastoli
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  3. N. S. Silva
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  4. S. Toledo
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  5. H. Lederman
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  6. M. C. da Silva
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Cavalheiro.

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Cavalheiro, S., Dastoli, P.A., Silva, N.S. et al. Use of interferon alpha in intratumoral chemotherapy for cystic craniopharyngioma. Childs Nerv Syst 21, 719–724 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-005-1226-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-005-1226-1

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