Update on management of craniopharyngiomas

Axl as a potential therapeutic target for adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas: Based on single nucleus RNA-seq and spatial transcriptome profiling

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs), particularly Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngiomas (ACPs), often exhibit a heightened risk of postoperative recurrence and severe complications of the endocrine and hypothalamic function. The primary objective of this study is to investigate potential novel targeted therapies within the microenvironment of ACP tumors. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) were identified in the craniopharyngioma microenvironment, notably in regions characterized by cholesterol clefts, wet keratin, ghost cells, and fibrous stroma in ACPs. CAFs, alongside ghost cells, basaloid-like epithelium cells and calcifications, were found to secrete PROS1 and GAS6, which can activate AXL receptors on the surface of tumor epithelium cells, promoting immune suppression and tumor progression in ACPs. Additionally, the AXL inhibitor Bemcentinib effectively inhibited the proliferation organoids and enhanced the immunotherapeutic efficacy of Atezolizumab. Furthermore, neural crest-like cells were observed in the glial reactive tissue surrounding finger-like protrusions. Overall, our results revealed that the AXL might be a potentially effective therapeutic target for ACPs.

Preoperative peripheral inflammatory markers are predictors of postoperative central diabetes insipidus in craniopharyngioma patients: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is commonly observed in craniopharyngioma (CP) patients, and the inflammatory response plays an important role in CPs. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative peripheral inflammatory markers and their combinations regarding CDI occurrence in CPs.

METHODS

The clinical data including preoperative peripheral inflammatory markers of 208 CP patients who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The preoperative peripheral white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelet (PLT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived-NLR (dNLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and PLT-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were assessed in total 208 CP patients and different age and surgical approach CP patient subgroups. Their predictive values were evaluated by the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Preoperative peripheral WBC, neutrophils, NLR, dNLR, MLR, and PLR were positively correlated and lymphocyte was negatively associated with postoperative CDI occurrence in CP patients, especially when WBC ≥ 6.66 × 109/L or lymphocyte ≤ 1.86 × 109/L. Meanwhile, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that WBC > 6.39 × 109/L in the > 18 yrs age patients, WBC > 6.88 × 109/L or lymphocytes ≤ 1.85 × 109/L in the transcranial approach patients were closely associated with the elevated incidence of postoperative CDI. Furthermore, the area under the curve obtained from the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that the best predictors of inflammatory markers were the NLR in total CP patients, the MLR in the ≤ 18 yrs age group and the transsphenoidal group, the NLR in the > 18 yrs age group and the dNLR in the transcranial group. Notably, the combination index NLR + dNLR demonstrated the most valuable predictor in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative peripheral inflammatory markers, especially WBC, lymphocytes and NLR + dNLR, are promising predictors of postoperative CDI in CPs.

A review of natural products and small-molecule therapeutics acting on central nervous system malignancies: Approaches for drug development, targeting pathways, clinical trials, and challenges

In 2021, the World Health Organization released the fifth edition of the central nervous system (CNS) tumor classification. This classification uses histopathology and molecular pathogenesis to group tumors into more biologically and molecularly defined entities. The prognosis of brain cancer, particularly malignant tumors, has remained poor worldwide, approximately 308,102 new cases of brain and other CNS tumors were diagnosed in the year 2020, with an estimated 251,329 deaths. The cost and time-consuming nature of studies to find new anticancer agents makes it necessary to have well-designed studies. In the present study, the pathways that can be targeted for drug development are discussed in detail. Some of the important cellular origins, signaling, and pathways involved in the efficacy of bioactive molecules against CNS tumorigenesis or progression, as well as prognosis and common approaches for treatment of different types of brain tumors, are reviewed. Moreover, different study tools, including cell lines, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial challenges, are discussed. In addition, in this article, natural products as one of the most important sources for finding new chemotherapeutics were reviewed and over 700 reported molecules with efficacy against CNS cancer cells are gathered and classified according to their structure. Based on the clinical trials that have been registered, very few of these natural or semi-synthetic derivatives have been studied in humans. The review can help researchers understand the involved mechanisms and design new goal-oriented studies for drug development against CNS malignancies.

Factors predicting outcomes of endoscopic endonasal approach in craniopharyngioma patients

Objectives

Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is commonly used for resection of craniopharyngioma (CP). Treatment outcomes of EEA for CP were related to numerous factors; however, they have been evaluated in few studies. The objective of this study is to investigate factors associated with the outcomes of CP following this operation.

Materials and Methods

The records of patients with CP, who underwent EEA at our institution from January 2014 to June 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical outcomes, including the extent of resection, visual recovery, and endocrinological outcomes, were reported. Clinical and radiographic factors were analyzed for their associations with treatment outcomes using logistic regression analyzes.

Results

This study cohort consisted of 28 patients with CP. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 12 patients (43%). Post-operative visual status improved, stabilized, and deteriorated in 89%, 6%, and 6% of the patients, respectively. There were no patients recovered from pre-operative pituitary dysfunctions, while post-operative hypoadrenalism, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadism were found in 9 (36%), 11 (42%), and 4 (22%) patients, respectively. Post-operative permanent diabetic insipidus was found in 13 patients (50%). Greater suprasellar extension of the tumor was associated with a lower rate of GTR (P = 0.011). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was associated with poor visual recovery (P = 0.022). Larger tumor size and Puget grade 2 were associated with postoperative hypoadrenalism (P = 0.01 and 0.023, respectively). In addition, Puget grade 2 was associated with post-operative hypothyroidism (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

For EEA in CP, the extent of resection could be determined by suprasellar extension of the tumor. DM was a poor predicting factor for visual recovery, while larger tumors and Puget grade 2 had a higher risk of post-operative hypopituitarism.

Advances in the treatment of Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma: How to balance tumor control and quality of life in the current environment: a narrative review

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) presents a significant challenge to neurosurgeons despite its benign histology due to its aggressive behavior and unique growth patterns. This narrative review explores the evolving landscape of ACP treatments and their efficacy, highlighting the continuous development in therapeutic approaches in recent years. Traditionally, complete resection was the primary treatment for ACP, but surgical -related morbidity have led to a shift. The invasive nature of the finger-like protrusions in the histological structure results in a higher recurrence rate for ACP compared to papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), even after complete macroscopic resection. Given this, combining subtotal resection with adjuvant radiotherapy has shown potential for achieving similar tumor control rates and potentially positive endocrine effects. Simultaneously, adjuvant treatments (such as radiotherapy, intracystic treatment, and catheter implantation) following limited surgery offer alternative approaches for sustained disease control while minimizing morbidity and alleviating clinical symptoms. Additionally, advances in understanding the molecular pathways of ACP have paved the way for targeted drugs, showing promise for therapy. There is a diversity of treatment models for ACP, and determining the optimal approach remains a subject of ongoing debate in the present context. In order to achieve a good-term quality of life (QOL), the main goal of the cyst disappearance or reduction of surgical treatment is still the main. Additionally, there should be a greater emphasis on personalized treatment at this particular stage and the consideration of ACP as a potentially chronic neurosurgical condition. This review navigates the evolving landscape of ACP therapies, fostering ongoing discussions in this complex field.

Treatment and outcome of the Dutch Childhood Craniopharyngioma Cohort study: First results after centralization of care

BACKGROUND

Childhood craniopharyngioma (cCP) has excellent survival, but quality of life may be severely hampered by hypothalamic dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate treatment and hypothalamic outcomes of a Dutch cCP cohort, and evaluate the effect of centralization of care.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed, including cCP patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2021. Treatment characteristics and hypothalamic outcomes were evaluated and compared before and since centralization of care in May 2018.

RESULTS

We included 87 cCP patients. Cyst drainage/fenestration was performed in 29.9%, limited resection in 27.6%, near-total resection in 16.1%, and gross total resection (GTR) in 25.4%. Radiotherapy was given in 46.0%. After a median follow-up of 6.5 years, hypothalamic obesity (HO) was present in 24.7% and panhypopituitarism with diabetes insipidus in 71.3%. Higher body mass index (BMI) SDS at diagnosis and Muller grade II at last magnetic resonance imaging of follow-up were associated with overweight/obesity. No association was found between extensiveness of resection and overweight/obesity at last follow-up. When comparing before and after centralization of care, rates of GTR remained similar, but BMI outcomes changed; mean ΔBMI SDS 1 year after diagnosis from 1.12 (SD 1.15) to 0.81 (SD 1.24), and HO after 1 year decreased from 33.3% to 12.0% (P = .067), and after 2 years from 28.6% to 6.7% (P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

In our nationwide cohort, GTR was performed in a relatively low percentage of patients and extensiveness of resection was no longer associated with HO at follow-up. A trend toward improvement of BMI is observed since centralization of care, which needs further exploration.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Resection of a Recurrent Craniopharyngioma: Techniques to Maximize Surgical Exposure and Extent of Resection

Craniopharyngiomas are challenging tumors of the central nervous system that originate from epithelial remnants of the Rathke pouch.1-3 Despite maximum safe resection, these tumors present a high tendency to recur (∼20%-40%), even after apparent gross total resection.1,2 The management of recurrent craniopharyngiomas is more challenging, associated with a higher risk of permanent morbidity and complications.1,3 The endoscopic endonasal approach is an option for recurrent tumors, especially in the presence of a previous transcranial approach.1,3-7 In Video 1, we present a case of a 63-year-old man with a recurrent craniopharyngioma with a 2-month history of visual decline, confusion, impaired memory, and episodes of urinary incontinence. On physical examination, he presented slow speech, word-finding difficulties, and left homonymous hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging evidenced a large suprasellar, retrochiasmatic mass with solid (calcified) and cystic components with interval progression compared with previous scans. Treatment options were discussed, and the patient consented to undergo maximum safe resection through an extended endoscopic endonasal approach. Surgical techniques are presented side by side with anatomic dissections to illustrate key steps of the procedure. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with gross total resection of the tumor and without complications or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks. He was subsequently discharged home on postoperative day 5 with continued hormonal replacement therapy. On follow-up, the patient presented marked improvement in his cognitive function. The patient gave informed consent for the use of their images.

Neuroendoscopy: The State of the Art

Over the past century, neuroendoscopy developed into a mainstay of neurosurgical practice, allowing for minimally invasive approaches to the ventricles, skull base, and spine. Its development, however, is far from over. Current challenges are inherent in the very feature that renders neuroendoscopy appealing-the small channels of the modern endoscope allow surgery to be performed with minimal tissue retraction, but they also make hemostasis and resection of large masses difficult. New optics allow for significantly improved image quality; yet open craniotomy often allows for 3-dimensional visualization and bimanual dissection and is part of everyday neurosurgical training. Finally, the utilization of neuroendoscopy remains limited, presenting ongoing challenges for neurosurgical teaching and achievement of technical mastery.

Incidence, risk factors, management and prevention of severe postoperative epistaxis after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: a single center experience

Objective

Postoperative epistaxis is a very rare but severe complication after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) that can lead to catastrophic consequences. However, the incidence, risk factors, management and prevention of postoperative epistaxis remain unclear.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients with pituitary adenoma (PA), Rathke's cleft cyst, craniopharyngioma, or clival chordoma who received EETS in our department between September 2020 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence, risk factors, management and prevention of postoperative epistaxis were investigated and analyzed.

Results

A total of 557 consecutive patients who received EETS were included in this study. Eight patients (1.4%) (7 PAs and 1 Rathke's cleft cyst) experienced severe postoperative epistaxis. The size of the PAs was 9.6 mm-46.2 mm, with a median size of 22.1 mm. Epistaxis occurred 4 h to 30 days (median 14.5 days) postoperatively. Bleeding was stopped in 3 patients after nasal packing with iodoform gauze. The remaining 5 patients for whom nasal packing was insufficient were all sent to the operating room, and posterior nasal septal artery (PNSA) bleeding was identified and successfully treated with endoscopic bleeding artery electrocauterization under general anesthesia. In the EETS, all 8 patients had downward extension of the septal mucosal incision, in which 6 had intraoperative bleeding of PNSA that were cauterized by bipolar diathermy. Four patients had causative factors, including administration of antiplatelet agents, Valsalva-like manoeuvre, nose blowing and removal of nasal packing, respectively. No patients had recurrent epistaxis during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Post-EETS epistaxis is a rare but severe complication that could lead to catastrophic consequences, and one of the most common bleeding sources is the PNSA. Endoscopic bleeding artery electrocauterization under general anesthesia may be a safe, economic and effective measure for epistaxis refractory to nasal packing. Avoiding excessive downward extension of the septal mucosal incision could contribute to the prevention of postoperative epistaxis.

Contemporary Biological Insights and Clinical Management of Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are clinically aggressive tumors because of their invasive behavior and recalcitrant tendency to recur after therapy. There are 2 types based on their distinct histology and molecular features: the papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), which is associated with BRAF-V600E mutations and the adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP), characterized by mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin). Patients with craniopharyngioma show symptoms linked to the location of the tumor close to the optic pathways, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland, such as increased intracranial pressure, endocrine deficiencies, and visual defects. Treatment is not specific and mostly noncurative, and frequently includes surgery, which may achieve gross total or partial resection, followed by radiotherapy. In cystic tumors, frequent drainage is often required and intracystic instillation of drugs has been used to help manage cyst refilling. More recently targeted therapies have been used, particularly in PCP, but also now in ACP and clinical trials are underway or in development. Although patient survival is high, the consequences of the tumor and its treatment can lead to severe comorbidities resulting in poor quality of life, in particular for those patients who bear tumors with hypothalamic involvement. Accordingly, in these patients at risk for the development of a hypothalamic syndrome, hypothalamus-sparing treatment strategies such as limited resection followed by irradiation are recommended. In this review, we provide an update on various aspects of CP, with emphasis on recent advances in the understanding of tumor pathogenesis, clinical consequences, management, and therapies.

Craniopharyngioma surgery for rhinologists

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Craniopharyngiomas are rare tumors that that present with loss of pituitary function in most cases. They present in a bimodal age distribution and the most common treatment paradigms include gross total resection or subtotal resection followed by radiation. Endoscopic transnasal access to intradural tumors has become increasingly common due to improvements in equipment, increased familiarity with the surgical corridor and anatomy, and reconstruction techniques. As such, rhinologists play an increasingly important role in the management of craniopharyngiomas.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent years have highlighted our growing experience with pediatric endonasal skull base surgery. Prior concerns including sphenoid pneumatization, midfacial growth restrictions, and intercarotid space limitations have been studied more extensively. It has been found that there are no increased complications with lack of sphenoid pneumatization, no changes to midfacial growth with endonasal techniques, and the inter-carotid distance is stable after around age 5. Advances in surgical and skull base reconstruction techniques and intraoperative monitoring have reduced the risks of complications from surgery.

SUMMARY

Rhinologists play an important role in craniopharyngioma surgery. The approach to and reconstruction after tumor removal are vital portions of the procedure that allow for resection and prevent postsurgical complications.

Proposed System for Selection of Surgical Approaches for Craniopharyngiomas Based on the Optic Recess Displacement Pattern

OBJECTIVE

Craniopharyngiomas remain surgically challenging because of the strong adhesion to vital neurovascular structures. We propose a system for the selection of surgical approaches based on the optic recess (OR) displacement pattern to facilitate surgical planning and obtain optimum visual and endocrinologic outcomes.

METHODS

Craniopharyngiomas were divided into 3 types based on the OR displacement pattern: superior, anterior, and involvement types. Selected surgical approaches and patient outcome were retrospectively reviewed according to these classifications. Visual and endocrinologic outcomes were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

This study included 26 patients with primary craniopharyngiomas who underwent surgery at our institution, classified into 11 anterior, 11 superior, and 4 involvement types. The extended endoscopic endonasal approach provided excellent exposure inferodorsal aspect of the chiasm for manipulation of the dissection plane in the anterior and superior types with midline location. A unilateral subfrontal approach was required for tumor of the superior type with lateral extension. An interhemispheric translamina terminalis approach could provide safe dissection under direct vision of strong adhesion at the superior aspect of the chiasm in the involvement type. Visual and endocrinologic outcomes were better in the involvement type compared with the superior and anterior types. Visual outcome was significantly correlated with preoperative visual function.

CONCLUSIONS

Craniopharyngiomas with the involvement type are indicated for the translamina terminalis approach to achieve the best visual and endocrinologic outcome. Our classification of the OR displacement pattern is useful to select the optimal surgical approach for craniopharyngiomas more accurately and concisely, especially in cases with third ventricular extension.

Risk Factor and Replacement Therapy Analysis of Pre- and Postoperative Endocrine Deficiencies for Craniopharyngioma

BACKGROUND

Pituitary hormone deficiency (PHD) is one of the most common symptoms and postoperative complications of craniopharyngiomas (CPs). However, the risk factors for PHD in CPs are little known. The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk factors of pre- and postoperative PHD and to investigate replacement therapy for CP patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 126 patients diagnosed with CP was performed. Univariate analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, and a multiple logistic binary regression model was used to identify the influencing factors of pre- and postoperative PHD in craniopharyngioma.

RESULTS

Children and patients with hypothalamic involvement were more likely to have preoperative PHD. Patients with suprasellar lesions had a high risk of postoperative PHD, and preoperative PHD was a risk factor for postoperative PHD.

CONCLUSION

Children have a high incidence of preoperative PHD. Preoperative PHD can serve as an independent risk factor for postoperative PHD. Preoperative panhypopituitarism can serve as an indication of pituitary stalk sacrifice during surgery. The management of replacement therapy for long-term postoperative endocrine hormone deficiency in patients with craniopharyngioma should be enhanced.

Expanded endoscopic endonasal approach for the resection of midline craniopharyngiomas with hypothalamic involvement

BACKGROUND

With relevant surrounding neurological structures and potential involvement of the hypothalamus, the surgical management of craniopharyngiomas is complex. Compared to the transcranial approach, the expanded endoscopic endonasal approach provides direct access to the supradiaphragmatic and retrochiasmatic areas without crossing nerves and arteries.

METHOD

Based on our substantial experience of 68 patients operated on between 2008 and 2022 by endoscopic surgery, our strategy has evolved such that all of our midline infundibular craniopharyngiomas with hypothalamic involvement are currently treated with an expanded endonasal route, except for tumours isolated to the third ventricle. Vascularized mucosal nasoseptal flaps are required for closure. Fine details of the related anatomy and surgical technique are described.

CONCLUSION

Expanded endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe and effective route for resection of midline suprasellar craniopharyngiomas with hypothalamic involvement in centres of expertise.

Socio-behavioral dysfunction in disorders of hypothalamic-pituitary involvement: The potential role of disease-induced oxytocin and vasopressin signaling deficits

Disorders involving hypothalamic and pituitary (HPIT) structures-including craniopharyngioma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and intracranial germ cell tumors-can disrupt brain and endocrine function. An area of emerging clinical concern in patients with these disorders is the co-occurring socio-behavioral dysfunction that persists after standard hormone replacement therapy. Although the two neuropeptides most implicated in mammalian social functioning (oxytocin and arginine vasopressin) are of hypothalamic origin, little is known about how disease-induced damage to HPIT structures may disrupt neuropeptide signaling and, in turn, impact patients' socio-behavioral functioning. Here we provide a clinical primer on disorders of HPIT involvement and a review of neuropeptide signaling and socio-behavioral functioning in relevant animal models and patient populations. This collective evidence suggests that neuropeptide signaling disruptions contribute to socio-behavioral deficits experienced by patients with disorders of HPIT involvement. A better understanding of the biological underpinnings of patients' socio-behavioral symptoms is now needed to enable the development of the first targeted pharmacological strategies by which to manage patients' socio-behavioral dysfunction.

Clinical Outcomes of Transcranial and Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Craniopharyngiomas: A Single-Institution Experience

Objective

Craniopharyngioma has always been a challenge for the neurosurgeon, and there is no consensus on optimal treatment. The objective of this study was to compare surgical outcomes and complications between transcranial surgery (TCS) and endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) of craniopharyngiomas.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent craniopharyngioma resection at Wuhan Union Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 was performed. A total of 273 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were analyzed with surgical effects, endocrinologic outcomes, complications, and follow-up results.

Results

A total of 185 patients underwent TCS and 88 underwent EES. There were no significant differences in patient demographic data, preoperative symptoms, and tumor characteristics between the two groups. The mean follow-up was 30.5 months (range 8–51 months). The EES group had a greater gross total resection (GTR) rate (89.8% EES vs. 77.3% TCS, p < 0.05) and lower rate of hypopituitarism (53.4% EES vs. 68.1% TCS, p < 0.05) and diabetes insipidus (DI) (51.1% EES vs. 72.4% TCS, p < 0.05). More postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks occurred in the EES group (4.5% EES vs. 0% TCS, p < 0.05). More patients in the EES group with preoperative visual deficits experienced improvement after surgery (74.5% EES vs. 56.3% TCS, p < 0.05). There were statistical differences in the recurrence rates (12.5% EES vs. 23.8% TCS, p < 0.05) between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

These data support the view that EES is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgery compared to TCS. Compared to TCS, EES has fewer surgical complications and a lower recurrence rate.