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Germ Cell Tumor Treatment- Cancer/Oncology

Germ Cell Tumor Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.

KEY POINTS

  • Childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors form from germ cells.
  • There are different types of childhood CNS germ cell tumors.
    • Germinomas
    • Nongerminomas
  • The cause of most childhood CNS germ cell tumors is not known.
  • Signs and symptoms of childhood CNS germ cell tumors include unusual thirst, frequent urination, early puberty, or vision changes.
  • Imaging studies and tests are used to detect (find) and diagnose childhood CNS germ cell tumors.
  • A biopsy may be done to be sure of the diagnosis of CNS germ cell tumor.
  • Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery).

Childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors form from germ cells.

Germ cells are a type of cell that form as a fetus (unborn baby) develops. These cells later become sperm in the testicles or eggs in the ovaries. Sometimes while the fetus is forming, germ cells travel to other parts of the body and grow into germ cell tumors. Germ cells tumors that form in the brain or spinal cord are called CNSgerm cell tumors.

The most common places for one or more central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors to form is near the pineal gland and in an area of the brain that includes the pituitary gland and the tissue just above it. Sometimes germ cell tumors may form in other areas of the brain.

This summary is about germ cell tumors that start in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Germ cell tumors may also form in other parts of the body. See the PDQ summary on Childhood Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors Treatment for information on germ cell tumors that are extracranial (outside the brain).

CNS germ cell tumors usually occur in children but may occur in adults. Treatment for children may be different than treatment for adults. See the following PDQ summaries for information about treatment for adults:

  • Adult Central Nervous System Tumors Treatment
  • Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors Treatment

There are different types of childhood CNS germ cell tumors.

There are different types of CNS germ cell tumors. The type of CNS germ cell tumor depends on what the cells look like under a microscope. This summary is about the treatment of the following types of CNS germ cell tumors:

Germinomas

Germinomas are the most common type of CNS germ cell tumor and have a good prognosis.

Nongerminomas

Some nongerminomas make hormones. CNS teratomas are a type of nongerminoma that does not make hormones. They may have different kinds of tissue in them, such as hair, muscle, and bone. Teratomas are described as mature or immature, based on how normal the cells look under a microscope. Sometimes teratomas are a mix of mature and immature cells.

Other types of nongerminomas include the following:

  • Choriocarcinomas make the hormone beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG).
  • Embryonal carcinomas do not make hormones.
  • Yolk sac tumors make the hormone alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
  • Mixed germ cell tumors are made of more than one kind of germ cell.

The cause of most childhood CNS germ cell tumors is not known.

Signs and symptoms of childhood CNS germ cell tumors include unusual thirst, frequent urination, early puberty, or vision changes.

Signs and symptoms depend on the following:

  • Where the tumor has formed.
  • The size of the tumor.
  • Whether the tumor makes hormones.

Signs and symptoms may be caused by childhood CNS germ cell tumors or by other conditions. Check with your child’s doctor if your child has any of the following:

  • Being very thirsty.
  • Making large amounts of urine that is clear or almost clear.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Bed wetting or getting up at night to urinate.
  • Trouble moving the eyes or trouble seeing clearly.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Weight loss for no known reason.
  • Early or late puberty.
  • Short stature (being shorter than normal).
  • Headaches.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Feeling very tired.
  • Having problems with school work.

Imaging studies and tests are used to detect (find) and diagnose childhood CNS germ cell tumors.

The following tests and procedures may be used:

  • Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
  • Neurological exam: A series of questions and tests to check the brain, spinal cord, and nerve function. The exam checks a person’s mental status, coordination, and ability to walk normally, and how well the muscles, senses, and reflexes work. This may also be called a neuro exam or a neurologic exam.
  • Visual field exam: An exam to check a person’s field of vision (the total area in which objects can be seen). This test measures both central vision (how much a person can see when looking straight ahead) and peripheral vision (how much a person can see in all other directions while staring straight ahead). The eyes are tested one at a time. The eye not being tested is covered.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) with gadolinium: A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the brain and spinal cord. A substance called gadolinium is injected into a vein. The gadolinium collects around the cancer cells, so they show up brighter in the picture. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
  • Lumbar puncture: A procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal column. This is done by placing a needle between two bones in the spine and into the CSF around the spinal cord and removing a sample of the fluid. The sample of CSF is checked under a microscope for signs of tumor cells. The sample may also be checked for the amounts of protein and glucose. A higher than normal amount of protein or lower than normal amount of glucose may be a sign of a tumor. This procedure is also called an LP or spinal tap.
  • Tumor marker tests: A procedure in which a sample of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood and CSF by organs, tissues, or tumor cells in the body. Certain substances are linked to specific types of cancer when found in increased levels in the blood. These are called tumor markers. The following tumor markers are used to diagnose some CNS germ cell tumors:
    • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
    • Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG).
  • Blood chemistry studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher- or lower-than-normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease.
  • Blood hormone studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain hormones released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher- or lower-than-normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it. The blood will be checked for the levels of hormones made by the pituitary gland and other glands.

A biopsy may be done to be sure of the diagnosis of CNS germ cell tumor.

If doctors think your child may have a CNS germ cell tumor, a biopsy may be done. For brain tumors, the biopsy is done by removing part of the skull and using a needle to remove a sample of tissue. Sometimes, a needle guided by a computer is used to remove the tissue sample. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, the doctor may remove as much tumor as safely possible during the same surgery. The piece of skull is usually put back in place after the procedure.

Sometimes the diagnosis can be made based on the results of imaging and tumor marker tests and a biopsy is not needed.

The following test may be done on the sample of tissue that is removed:

  • Immunohistochemistry: A test that uses antibodies to check for certain antigens in a sample of tissue. The antibody is usually linked to a radioactive substance or a dye that causes the tissue to light up under a microscope. This type of test may be used to tell the difference between different types of brain tumors.

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery).

The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:

  • The type of germ cell tumor.
  • The type and level of any tumor markers.
  • Where the tumor is in the brain or in the spinal cord.
  • Whether the cancer has spread within the brain and spinal cord or to other parts of the body.
  • Whether the tumor is newly diagnosed or has recurred (come back) after treatment.

Stages of Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

KEY POINTS

  • Childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors rarely spread outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors rarely spread outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Staging is the process used to find out how much cancer there is and if cancer has spread. There is no standard staging system for childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors. The treatment plan depends on the following:

  • The type of germ cell tumor.
  • Whether the tumor has spread within the CNS or to other parts of the body.
  • The results of tests and procedures done to diagnose childhood CNS germ cell tumors.
  • Whether the tumor is newly diagnosed or has recurred (come back) after treatment.

Recurrent Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

Childhood central nervous system germ cell tumors may recur (come back) after they have been treated. The tumors usually come back in the same place as the first tumor. The tumor also may come back in other places and/or in the meninges (thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord).

Treatment Option Overview

KEY POINTS

  • There are different types of treatment for patients with childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors.
  • Children with childhood CNS germ cell tumors should have their treatment planned by a team of health care providers who are experts in treating cancer in children.
  • Childhood CNS germ cell tumors may cause signs or symptoms that begin before the cancer is diagnosed and continue for months or years.
  • Treatment for childhood CNS germ cell tumors may cause side effects.
  • Four types of treatment are used:
    • Radiation therapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Surgery
    • High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue
  • New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.
    • Targeted therapy
  • Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
  • Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment.
  • Follow-up tests may be needed.

There are different types of treatment for patients with childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors.

Different types of treatment are available for children with childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment.

Because cancer in children is rare, taking part in a clinical trial should be considered. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.

Children with childhood CNS germ cell tumors should have their treatment planned by a team of health care providers who are experts in treating cancer in children.

Treatment will be overseen by a pediatric oncologist and/or a radiation oncologist, A pediatric oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer. A radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy. These doctors work with other pediatric health care providers who are experts in treating children with childhood CNS germ cell tumors and who specialize in certain areas of medicine. These may include the following specialists:

  • Pediatrician.
  • Pediatric neurosurgeon.
  • Neurologist.
  • Endocrinologist.
  • Ophthalmologist.
  • Pediatric nurse specialist.
  • Rehabilitation specialist.
  • Psychologist.
  • Social worker.

Childhood CNS germ cell tumors may cause signs or symptoms that begin before the cancer is diagnosed and continue for months or years.

Childhood CNS germ cell tumors may cause signs or symptoms that continue for months or years. Signs or symptoms caused by the tumor may begin before the cancer is diagnosed. Signs or symptoms caused by treatment may begin during or right after treatment.

Treatment for childhood CNS germ cell tumors may cause side effects.

For information about side effects that begin during treatment for cancer, see our Side Effects page.

Side effects from cancer treatment that begin after treatment and continue for months or years are called late effects. Late effects of cancer treatment may include the following:

  • Physical problems.
  • Changes in mood, feelings, thinking, learning, or memory.
  • Second cancers (new types of cancer).

Some late effects may be treated or controlled. It is important to talk with your child's doctors about the possible late effects caused by some treatments. (See the PDQ summary on Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer for more information).

Four types of treatment are used:

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. There are two types of radiation therapy:

  • External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Certain ways of giving radiation therapy can help keep radiation from damaging nearby healthy tissue. This type of radiation therapy may include the following:
    • Stereotactic radiosurgery: Stereotactic radiosurgery is a type of external radiation therapy. A rigid head frame is attached to the skull to keep the head still during the radiation treatment. A machine aims a single large dose of radiation directly at the tumor. This procedure does not involve surgery. It is also called stereotaxic radiosurgery, radiosurgery, and radiation surgery.
  • Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.

The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type of cancer being treated.

External radiation therapy is used to treat childhood CNS germ cell tumors. Radiation therapy to the brain can affect growth and development in young children. Certain ways of giving radiation therapy can lessen the damage to healthy brain tissue. For children younger than 3 years, chemotherapy may be given instead. This can delay or reduce the need for radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type of cancer being treated.

Surgery

Whether surgery to remove the tumor can be done depends on where the tumor is in the brain. Surgery to remove the tumor may cause severe, long-term side effects.

Surgery may be done to remove teratomas and may be used for germ cell tumors that come back. Even if the doctor removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the surgery, some patients may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are left. Treatment given after the surgery, to lower the risk that the cancer will come back, is called adjuvant therapy.

High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue

High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue is a way of giving high doses of chemotherapy and replacing blood -forming cells destroyed by the cancer treatment. Stem cells (immature blood cells) are removed from the blood or bone marrow of the patient or a donor and are frozen and stored. After the chemotherapy is completed, the stored stem cells are thawed and given back to the patient through an infusion. These reinfused stem cells grow into (and restore) the body’s blood cells.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to attack cancer cells. Targeted therapies usually cause less harm to normal cells than chemotherapy or radiation therapy do.

Targeted therapy is being studied for the treatment of childhood CNS germ cell tumors that have recurred (come back).

Treatment Options for Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

  • Newly Diagnosed CNS Germinomas
  • Newly Diagnosed CNS Teratomas
  • Newly Diagnosed CNS Nongerminomas
  • Recurrent Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

Newly Diagnosed CNS Germinomas

Treatment of newly diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) germinomas may include the following:

  • Radiation therapy to the tumor and ventricles (fluid -filled spaces) of the brain. A higher dose of radiation is given to the tumor than the area around the tumor.
  • Chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy, for younger children.
  • A clinical trial of chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy given in lower doses depending on how the tumor responds to treatment.

Newly Diagnosed CNS Teratomas

Treatment of newly diagnosed mature and immature central nervous system (CNS) teratomas may include the following:

  • Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be given if any tumor remains after surgery.

Newly Diagnosed CNS Nongerminomas

It is not clear what treatment is best for newly diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) nongerminomas is. Treatment of choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, or mixed germ cell tumor may include the following:

  • Chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. If a mass remains after chemotherapy, surgery may be needed to check if the mass is a mature teratoma, fibrosis, or a growing tumor.
    • If the mass is a mature teratoma or fibrosis, radiation therapy is given.
    • If the mass is a growing tumor, other treatments may be given.
  • Surgery to remove as much of the mass as possible and check for tumor cells, if tumor marker levels are normal and the mass continues to grow (called growing teratoma syndrome).

  • A clinical trial of chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy given in lower doses depending on how the tumor responds to treatment.

Recurrent Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

Treatment of recurrent childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors may include the following:

  • Chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy.
  • High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue using the patient's stem cells.
  • A clinical trial of a new treatment.
  • A clinical trial that checks a sample of the patient's tumor for certain gene changes. The type of targeted therapy that will be given to the patient depends on the type of gene change.

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