Growth hormone therapy found safe for children with craniopharyngiomas

Growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) in children with craniopharyngiomas does not appear to increase the risk of tumor progression or recurrence, according to a study.

The systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed 11 studies comparing outcomes in children with craniopharyngiomas who received GHRT with those who did not.

There were no significant differences in tumor progression or recurrence between the groups (relative risk 0.77, 95% CI 0.56-1.05). Similarly, GHRT had minimal impact on body mass index (mean difference -0.94, 95% CI -1.88, 0.00). Limited data suggested a potential improvement in lipid profiles with GHRT, though researched cautioned further research is needed.

Reference
de Almeida MMG, de Freitas PHAG, Simão ÁMS, et al. Effects of growth hormone replacement therapy in childhood-onset craniopharyngioma: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Pituitary. 2024;28(1):8. doi: 10.1007/s11102-024-01488-8. PMID: 39724512.