When the Cure Becomes the Curse: Radiation-Induced Glioma of the Pons in Children Surviving Craniopharyngioma

Lay Summary A craniopharyngioma is a brain tumor that develops near the pituitary gland, a small but essential gland at the base of the brain. Standard treatment includes surgery and radiation therapy. We describe three patients who underwent both treatments for craniopharyngioma. Unfortunately, radiation therapy led to the development of a secondary brain tumor, known as radiation-induced glioma, in the pons. Although rare, this complication is highly aggressive and often fatal. Continuous optimization of therapeutic strategies remains necessary.