Recurrence of craniopharyngioma occurs with all modalities of primary therapy. Management is determined in large part by prior therapy. Repeat radical surgery is 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 intra-cavitary instillation of radioactive 32P, or bleomycin,[2] and a reservoir may be placed to permit intermittent outpatient aspiration. There is no evidence that systemic chemotherapy is of value.

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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