# Treatment Priorities in Craniopharyngioma: Perspectives of Survivors and Caregivers

## TL;DR

This study explores the treatment priorities of craniopharyngioma survivors and their caregivers, highlighting key health challenges and differences in symptom importance.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into real-world perspectives of CP survivors and caregivers on treatment priorities, which can guide drug development and care strategies.

## Key findings

- Seventeen health challenges were identified as most important by over 50% of participants, including hypothalamic dysfunction and visual impairment.
- Survivors prioritized fatigue and sleepiness more than caregivers, who emphasized obesity.
- Temperature dysregulation was the only symptom not considered very or extremely important for new treatment development.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: While the number and severity of comorbidities affecting survivors of craniopharyngioma (CP) are well documented, little is known about the perspectives of caregivers and survivors regarding treatment priorities. This study aimed to describe the views of caregivers and self-reported survivors on the comorbidities that most significantly impact CP survivors and to identify areas where new treatments are most needed. Methods: Completed surveys of 161 participants recruited in the hypothalamic–pituitary brain tumor patient registry were analyzed. Results: Participants represented 40% caregivers (mostly children) and 60% adult CP survivors, with notable differences in disease duration, age, CP onset, and living conditions. Seventeen health challenges were identified as most important by more than 50% of participants, including symptoms characteristic of hypothalamic dysfunction, neurological issues, and visual impairment. Notably, those differed from the most frequently experienced symptoms. No significant differences emerged between the two groups except for polydipsia, which had a greater impact on self-reported survivors. Most challenges primarily affected the survivors’ daily functioning; however, abnormal social behaviors equally impaired their ability to achieve long-term goals. Temperature dysregulation was the only symptom not deemed very or extremely important in prioritizing new treatment development. Both groups generally aligned on treatment priorities, though survivors placed a modest but significantly greater importance on fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness, while caregivers placed a modest but significantly greater importance on obesity. Conclusions: Real-world survivor and caregiver perspectives on priority symptoms and treatments can inform care management, strengthen support strategies, and guide patient-focused drug development meaningful to CP survivors.