Use of interferon alpha in intratumoral chemotherapy for cystic craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Objectives: This study analyzed the intratumoral activity of interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) 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-alpha 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-alpha 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-alpha in the treatment of cystic craniopharyngioma. in addition, other drugs possessing high efficacy and low neurotoxicity should be analyzed.