The 8th Postgraduate Course in Childhood Craniopharyngioma (CP) took place on June 11–12 in Denver, Colorado, hosted by Prof. Todd Hankinson. This meeting continues a tradition launched 15 years ago by Prof. Hermann Muller in response to patient community calls for greater expert collaboration and the sharing of clinical and research developments in CP care.
The course convened global leaders in neurosurgery, endocrinology, radiation oncology, and translational research, with discussions spanning surgical innovation, imaging advances, and emerging treatment strategies for hypothalamic obesity and other long-term effects.
Highlights included:
- Surgical Approaches & Imaging: Dr. Jeff Wisoff and Dr. Lei Cao emphasized the importance of surgical expertise and advanced imaging techniques in preserving the hypothalamus. Dr. Jay Storm and Dr. Cui presented treatment strategies for cystic ACP and discussed risks associated with endoscopic surgery.
- Radiation Therapy: Dr. Tom Merchant highlighted proton therapy’s potential to preserve cognitive function and emphasized the need to better understand and assess radiation-related effects.
- Innovative Research: Topics ranged from 3D tumor organoid models (Dr. Laurens Verweij) to genetically engineered mouse models (Dr. JP Martinez-Barbera), offering hope for earlier diagnosis and targeted treatment development.
- Clinical Collaboration: Presenters from the CONNECT, PNOC/CBTN, and ATPC consortia shared progress on trials and data sharing aimed at advancing CP therapies.
- Hypothalamic Obesity & Quality of Life: Dr. Sanne Hulsman advocated for a broader definition of hypothalamic syndrome, while Dr. Megan Kelsey and Dr. Ally Shapiro shared insights from clinical trials and behavioral research. Dr. Christina Chambers underscored the long-term endocrine impacts and benefits of growth hormone therapy.
- Patient-Centered Data: Representing the Raymond A. Wood Foundation, Dr. Nathalie Kayadjanian presented on the global patient registry as a critical tool for capturing patient experiences and informing future research.
The course concluded with working groups outlining next steps: establishing Centers of Excellence, enhancing translational trial design with patient-centered metrics, and refining preclinical models to better reflect tumor biology.
The Raymond A. Wood Foundation is proud to be part of a global movement driving innovation in CP care. This meeting reinforces our mission to empower survivors through research, technology, and advocacy that centers their lived experience. By advancing collaboration and deepening scientific understanding, we take another step toward a future where children diagnosed with CP not only survive—but thrive.