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Childhood Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version

General Information About Childhood Central Nervous System (CNS) Germ Cell Tumors

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Primary brain tumors, including germ cell tumors (GCTs), are a diverse group of diseases that together constitute the most common solid tumors of childhood. The most recent World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Central Nervous System Tumours implements some molecular parameters, in addition to histology, to define brain tumor entities.[1,2] Some CNS tumor types, such as embryonal tumors and gliomas, are organized according to molecular characterization. However, this updated classification schema does not yet categorize intracranial GCTs using molecular parameters. Tumor location, extent of disease (brain invasion and tumor spread), and type of CNS GCT histology remain important factors that affect treatment and prognosis.

CNS GCTs are broadly classified as germinomatous (commonly referred to as germinoma) and nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) on the basis of clinicopathological and laboratory features, including tumor markers.[2,3] An alternative therapeutic classification in Japan distinguishes three groups on the basis of their prognosis: good prognosis (e.g., germinoma), intermediate prognosis (e.g., immature teratoma with malignant transformation), and poor prognosis (e.g., yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, and mixed tumors of those entities).[3]

The PDQ childhood brain tumor treatment summaries are organized primarily according to the WHO Classification of Central Nervous System Tumours.[1-3] For a full description of the classification of CNS tumors and a link to the corresponding treatment summary for each type of brain tumor, see the Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors Summary Index.

Incidence

In Western countries, GCTs represent 3% to 4% of primary brain tumors in children, with a peak incidence from age 10 to 19 years.[4,5] In Japan and other Asian countries, a series reported the incidence of CNS GCTs to be approximately 15% of all pediatric CNS tumors.[5-9] The genetic or environmental reasons for these differences remain unknown.

Overall, males have a higher incidence of GCTs than females. Male patients have a preponderance of pineal-region primary tumors.[10,11] However, male predominance is not noted in patients aged 10 years or younger at the time of diagnosis.[12]

Anatomy

CNS GCTs usually arise in the pineal and/or suprasellar regions of the brain as solitary or multiple lesions (see Figure 1). The most common site of origin is the pineal region (45%), and the second most common site is the suprasellar region (30%) within the infundibulum or pituitary stalk. Both of these sites are considered extra-axial or nonparenchymal CNS locations. Approximately 5% to 10% of patients present with synchronous tumors arising in both the suprasellar and pineal locations. Germinoma is the most frequently observed histology.[8] Other sites that may be involved include the basal ganglia, thalamus, and, less frequently, the ventricles, cerebral hemispheres, and brain stem.[10,11,13] Suprasellar tumors are most common in younger patients, whereas pineal or bifocal presentation predominates in older patients.[12]

EnlargeDrawing of the inside of the brain showing the supratentorium (the upper part of the brain) and the infratentorium (the lower back part of the brain). The supratentorium includes the cerebrum, ventricles (fluid-filled spaces), choroid plexus, hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, and optic nerve. The infratentorium includes the cerebellum and brain stem (pons and medulla). The spinal cord is also shown.
Figure 1. Anatomy of the inside of the brain. The supratentorium contains the cerebrum, ventricles (with cerebrospinal fluid shown in blue), choroid plexus, hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, and optic nerve. The infratentorium contains the cerebellum and brain stem.

Clinical Features

The signs and symptoms of CNS GCTs depend on the location of the tumor in the brain, as follows:

  • Suprasellar region. Patients with tumors arising in the suprasellar region often present with subtle or overt hormonal deficiencies and may experience a protracted prodrome lasting months to years. Diabetes insipidus caused by antidiuretic hormone deficiency occurs in 70% to 90% of patients and is the most common sentinel symptom. Patients can usually compensate for this deficiency by drinking excessive amounts of fluid for months to years. Eventually, other hormonal symptoms and visual deficits may emerge as the tumor expands dorsally and compresses or invades the optic chiasm and/or fills the third ventricle to cause hydrocephalus.[14-16]
  • Pineal region. Patients with tumors in the pineal region usually have a shorter history of symptoms than patients with tumors of the suprasellar or basal ganglionic region, with weeks to months of symptoms that include raised intracranial pressure and diplopia related to tectal and aqueductal compression. Signs and symptoms unique to masses in the pineal and posterior third ventricular region include Parinaud syndrome (vertical gaze impairment, convergence nystagmus, and light-near pupillary response dissociation), headache, and nausea and vomiting.
  • Bifocal tumors. Patients with bifocal primary tumors present with metasynchronous lesions in the suprasellar and pineal regions.[15] The secondary lesion is often asymptomatic and found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In children with pineal primary tumors, the suprasellar lesion may also be associated with unexplained precocious puberty.

Nonspecific symptoms such as enuresis, anorexia, and psychiatric complaints [17] can lead to delays in a diagnosis. However, signs of increased intracranial pressure or visual changes tend to result in an earlier diagnosis.[18]

Diagnostic Evaluation and Prognostic Factors

Radiographic characteristics of CNS GCTs cannot reliably differentiate germinomas from NGGCTs or other CNS tumors. The diagnosis of GCTs is based on the following:

  • Characteristic clinical signs and symptoms supported by neuroimaging.
  • GCT marker analysis in the serum and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Histology, if necessary.

The diagnosis of a suspected CNS GCT and an assessment of the clinical deficits and extent of metastases can usually be confirmed with the following tests:

  • MRI of brain and spine with and without gadolinium.
  • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta subunit human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) levels in both serum and CSF, and cytology, if needed. If preoperative CSF can be obtained safely and tumor markers are found to be elevated, histological confirmation may not be needed. Before definitive therapy is initiated, a lumbar CSF assessment for cytology and tumor markers should be performed, if safe, to reconfirm the diagnosis and help monitor treatment response and control. The diagnostic utility of lumbar CSF is better validated and more reliable than that obtained from the ventricles (see Table 1).[18,19]
  • Evaluation of pituitary/hypothalamic function.
  • Visual-field and acuity examinations for suprasellar or hypothalamic tumors.

If possible, a baseline neuropsychological examination should be performed after symptoms of endocrine deficiency and raised intracranial pressure are resolved.

CNS GCTs can be diagnosed and classified on the basis of histology alone, tumor markers alone, or a combination of both.[19-21] A diagnosis of GCTs often requires a tumor biopsy, except when imaging characteristics are present and increased tumor markers (usually AFP and beta-HCG) are found in the serum and/or CSF. The tumor markers AFP and beta-HCG are the most useful, although other markers, such as placental alkaline phosphatase and c-kit, are being investigated (see Table 1). When the tumor markers are negative or mildly elevated but below diagnostic criteria, or if there are any atypical findings, an endoscopic or open biopsy is needed to make a definitive diagnosis.

Distinguishing between different GCT types by CSF protein marker levels alone is somewhat arbitrary, and standards vary across continents. Patients with pure germinomas and teratomas usually present with negative markers, but low levels of beta-HCG can be detected in patients with germinomas.[22] Current international efforts are directed at determining a marker threshold for beta-HCG–secreting germinomas because data suggest that the beta-HCG levels that are used to distinguish germinomas from NGGCTs (50 IU/L in Europe and 100 IU/L in North America) are questionable.

The use of tumor markers and histology in GCT clinical trials is evolving. For example, in the COG-ACNS1123 (NCT01602666) trial, patients were eligible for assignment to the germinoma regimen without biopsy confirmation if they had one of the following:

  1. Either pineal region tumors or suprasellar primary tumors, normal AFP levels, and beta-HCG levels between 5 and 50 IU/L in serum and/or CSF.
  2. Bifocal (pineal and suprasellar) involvement or pineal lesions with diabetes insipidus, normal AFP levels, and beta-HCG levels of 100 IU/L or lower in serum and/or CSF.
Table 1. Immunohistochemical Markers and Germ Cell Tumor Variants
Tumor TypeBeta-HCGAFPPLAP c-kit
AFP = alpha-fetoprotein; HCG = human chorionic gonadotropin; PLAP = placental alkaline phosphatase; + = positive; +++ = highly positive (elevated); - = negative; ± = equivocal.
Germinoma±-±+
Germinoma (syncytiotrophoblastic) +-±+
Embryonal carcinoma ±+±-
Yolk sac tumor- +++±-
Choriocarcinoma +++-±-
Teratoma    
 Immature teratoma ±±-±
 Immature teratoma with malignant components±++±
 Mature teratoma----
Mixed germ cell tumor ±±±±

There is also an effort to use tumor markers to determine prognosis on the basis of the presence and degree of elevation of AFP and beta-HCG. This is an evolving process, and cooperative groups in North America, Europe, and Japan have adopted slightly different criteria.[23]

Alternative classification schemes for CNS GCTs have been proposed by groups such as the Japanese Pediatric Brain Tumor Study Group for CNS GCTs. This group based their stratification on the prognostic grouping of the differing histological variants, as shown in Table 2.[9]

Table 2. Japanese Pediatric Brain Tumor Study Group Classification
Prognostic Group Tumor Type
Good Germinoma, pure
Mature teratoma
IntermediateGerminoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells
Immature teratoma
Mixed tumors mainly composed of germinoma or teratoma
Teratoma with malignant transformation
PoorChoriocarcinoma
Embryonal carcinoma
Mixed tumors mainly composed of choriocarcinoma, yolk sac tumor, or embryonal carcinoma
Yolk sac tumor

It is crucial that appropriate staging is determined and that germinomas are distinguished from NGGCTs. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment plans differ significantly depending on GCT category and extent of disease.

Cellular and Molecular Classification

The pathogenesis of intracranial GCTs is unknown. The germ cell theory proposes that CNS GCTs arise from primordial germ cells that have aberrantly migrated and undergone malignant transformation. A genome-wide methylation profiling study of 61 GCTs supports this hypothesis.[24] Previous molecular studies that compared the genomic alterations in GCTs showed similar copy-number alterations in both CNS GCTs and systemic GCTs.[25]

An alternative hypothesis, the embryonic cell theory, proposes that GCTs arise from a pluripotent embryonic cell that escapes normal developmental signals and progresses to CNS GCTs.[26,27]

The WHO has classified CNS GCTs into the following groups:[1,2]

  • Germinoma.
  • Nongerminomatous GCTs.
    • Embryonal carcinoma.
    • Yolk sac tumor.
    • Choriocarcinoma.
    • Teratoma.
      • Mature teratoma.
      • Immature teratoma.
    • Teratoma with somatic-type malignancy.
    • Mixed GCT.

NGGCTs can consist of one malignant NGGCT type or contain multiple elements of GCT components, including teratomatous or germinomatous constituents.

Recurrent variants in KIT, genes in the MAPK pathway, and genes in the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway have been identified in CNS GCTs.[28-30]

In a retrospective analysis of 82 children and adults with CNS GCTs, chromosome 12p gain was the most frequent copy number alteration. 12p gain was more frequent in NGGCTs (20 of 40, 50%) than germinomas (5 of 42, 12%). 12p gain was associated with worse survival in patients with NGGCTs (10-year overall survival rate, 47% for patients with 12p gain vs. 90% without; P = .02).[31]

Global hypomethylation that mirrors primordial germ cells in early development has also been observed in CNS GCTs.[30]

In an evaluation of 21 cases of CNS germinomas diagnosed between 2000 and 2016, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Ninety percent of germinomas had germ cell components that stained positively for PD-L1. In addition, tumor-associated lymphocytes stained positive for PD-L1 in more than 75% of cases.[32]

References
  1. Louis DN, Perry A, Wesseling P, et al.: The 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System: a summary. Neuro Oncol 23 (8): 1231-1251, 2021. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. WHO Classification of Tumours Editorial Board, ed.: WHO Classification of Tumours: Central Nervous System Tumours. Vol. 6. 5th ed. IARC Press; 2021.
  3. Louis DN, Ohgaki H, Wiestler OD: WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System. 4th rev.ed. IARC Press, 2016.
  4. Matsutani M, Sano K, Takakura K, et al.: Primary intracranial germ cell tumors: a clinical analysis of 153 histologically verified cases. J Neurosurg 86 (3): 446-55, 1997. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Ostrom QT, Gittleman H, Liao P, et al.: CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary brain and other central nervous system tumors diagnosed in the United States in 2010-2014. Neuro Oncol 19 (suppl_5): v1-v88, 2017. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Committee of Brain Tumor Registry of Japan: Report of Brain Tumor Registry of Japan (1969-1996). Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 43 (Suppl): i-vii, 1-111, 2003. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. The Committee of Brain Tumor Registry of Japan: Brain Tumor Registry of Japan (2001–2004). Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 54 (Suppl): 1-102, 2014. Also available online. Last accessed August 21, 2023.
  8. Weksberg DC, Shibamoto Y, Paulino AC: Bifocal intracranial germinoma: a retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes in 20 patients and review of the literature. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 82 (4): 1341-51, 2012. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Matsutani M; Japanese Pediatric Brain Tumor Study Group: Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy for CNS germ cell tumors--the Japanese experience. J Neurooncol 54 (3): 311-6, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Goodwin TL, Sainani K, Fisher PG: Incidence patterns of central nervous system germ cell tumors: a SEER Study. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 31 (8): 541-4, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Villano JL, Propp JM, Porter KR, et al.: Malignant pineal germ-cell tumors: an analysis of cases from three tumor registries. Neuro Oncol 10 (2): 121-30, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Koh KN, Wong RX, Lee DE, et al.: Outcomes of intracranial germinoma-A retrospective multinational Asian study on effect of clinical presentation and differential treatment strategies. Neuro Oncol 24 (8): 1389-1399, 2022. [PUBMED Abstract]
  13. Graham RT, Abu-Arja MH, Stanek JR, et al.: Multi-institutional analysis of treatment modalities in basal ganglia and thalamic germinoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 68 (10): e29172, 2021. [PUBMED Abstract]
  14. Kilday JP, Laughlin S, Urbach S, et al.: Diabetes insipidus in pediatric germinomas of the suprasellar region: characteristic features and significance of the pituitary bright spot. J Neurooncol 121 (1): 167-75, 2015. [PUBMED Abstract]
  15. Hoffman HJ, Otsubo H, Hendrick EB, et al.: Intracranial germ-cell tumors in children. J Neurosurg 74 (4): 545-51, 1991. [PUBMED Abstract]
  16. Sethi RV, Marino R, Niemierko A, et al.: Delayed diagnosis in children with intracranial germ cell tumors. J Pediatr 163 (5): 1448-53, 2013. [PUBMED Abstract]
  17. Malbari F, Gershon TR, Garvin JH, et al.: Psychiatric manifestations as initial presentation for pediatric CNS germ cell tumors, a case series. Childs Nerv Syst 32 (8): 1359-62, 2016. [PUBMED Abstract]
  18. Crawford JR, Santi MR, Vezina G, et al.: CNS germ cell tumor (CNSGCT) of childhood: presentation and delayed diagnosis. Neurology 68 (20): 1668-73, 2007. [PUBMED Abstract]
  19. Allen J, Chacko J, Donahue B, et al.: Diagnostic sensitivity of serum and lumbar CSF bHCG in newly diagnosed CNS germinoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 59 (7): 1180-2, 2012. [PUBMED Abstract]
  20. Rosenblum MK, Nakazato Y, Matsutani M: Germ cell tumours. In: Louis DN, Ohgaki H, Wiestler OD: WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System. 4th rev.ed. IARC Press, 2016, pp 286-91.
  21. Murray MJ, Bartels U, Nishikawa R, et al.: Consensus on the management of intracranial germ-cell tumours. Lancet Oncol 16 (9): e470-e477, 2015. [PUBMED Abstract]
  22. Frazier AL, Olson TA, Schneider DT, et al.: Germ cell tumors. In: Pizzo PA, Poplack DG, eds.: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Oncology. 7th ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2015, pp 899-918.
  23. Calaminus G, Bamberg M, Harms D, et al.: AFP/beta-HCG secreting CNS germ cell tumors: long-term outcome with respect to initial symptoms and primary tumor resection. Results of the cooperative trial MAKEI 89. Neuropediatrics 36 (2): 71-7, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  24. Fukushima S, Yamashita S, Kobayashi H, et al.: Genome-wide methylation profiles in primary intracranial germ cell tumors indicate a primordial germ cell origin for germinomas. Acta Neuropathol 133 (3): 445-462, 2017. [PUBMED Abstract]
  25. Schneider DT, Zahn S, Sievers S, et al.: Molecular genetic analysis of central nervous system germ cell tumors with comparative genomic hybridization. Mod Pathol 19 (6): 864-73, 2006. [PUBMED Abstract]
  26. Sano K, Matsutani M, Seto T: So-called intracranial germ cell tumours: personal experiences and a theory of their pathogenesis. Neurol Res 11 (2): 118-26, 1989. [PUBMED Abstract]
  27. Teilum G: Embryology of ovary, testis, and genital ducts. In: Teilum G: Special Tumors of Ovary and Testis and Related Extragonadal Lesions: Comparative Pathology and Histological Identification. J. B. Lippincott, 1976, pp 15-30.
  28. Wang L, Yamaguchi S, Burstein MD, et al.: Novel somatic and germline mutations in intracranial germ cell tumours. Nature 511 (7508): 241-5, 2014. [PUBMED Abstract]
  29. Takami H, Fukuoka K, Fukushima S, et al.: Integrated clinical, histopathological, and molecular data analysis of 190 central nervous system germ cell tumors from the iGCT Consortium. Neuro Oncol 21 (12): 1565-1577, 2019. [PUBMED Abstract]
  30. Schulte SL, Waha A, Steiger B, et al.: CNS germinomas are characterized by global demethylation, chromosomal instability and mutational activation of the Kit-, Ras/Raf/Erk- and Akt-pathways. Oncotarget 7 (34): 55026-55042, 2016. [PUBMED Abstract]
  31. Satomi K, Takami H, Fukushima S, et al.: 12p gain is predominantly observed in non-germinomatous germ cell tumors and identifies an unfavorable subgroup of central nervous system germ cell tumors. Neuro Oncol 24 (5): 834-846, 2022. [PUBMED Abstract]
  32. Wildeman ME, Shepard MJ, Oldfield EH, et al.: Central Nervous System Germinomas Express Programmed Death Ligand 1. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 77 (4): 312-316, 2018. [PUBMED Abstract]

Stage Information for Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

There is no universally accepted clinical staging system for germ cell tumors (GCTs), but a modified Chang staging system has traditionally been used.[1] Staging evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) GCTs includes the following:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition to whole-brain MRI, MRI of the spine is required.
  • Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When medically permissible, lumbar CSF should be obtained for the measurement of tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] and beta subunit human chorionic gonadotropin [beta-HCG]) and for cytopathological review.

    Ventricular tumor markers are obtained for AFP and beta-HCG in the presence of obstructive hydrocephalus and a necessary CSF diversion. However, ventricular CSF does not serve as a substitute for CSF tumor staging and cytopathological review. Both serum and CSF tumor markers should be obtained for a thorough staging and diagnostic evaluation.[2]

Patients with localized disease and negative CSF cytology are considered to be metastatic negative (M0). Patients with positive CSF cytology or patients with drop metastasis (spinal or cranial subarachnoid metastases) are considered to be metastatic positive (M+). Appropriate staging is crucial because patients with metastatic disease require extended radiation fields.

GCTs may be disseminated throughout the neuraxis at the time of diagnosis or at any disease stage. Several patterns of spread may occur in germinomas, such as subependymal dissemination in the lateral or third ventricles and parenchymal infiltration. Extracranial spread to lung or bone is rare but has been reported.[3,4]

References
  1. Calaminus G, Kortmann R, Worch J, et al.: SIOP CNS GCT 96: final report of outcome of a prospective, multinational nonrandomized trial for children and adults with intracranial germinoma, comparing craniospinal irradiation alone with chemotherapy followed by focal primary site irradiation for patients with localized disease. Neuro Oncol 15 (6): 788-96, 2013. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Fujimaki T, Mishima K, Asai A, et al.: Levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with malignant germ cell tumor can be used to detect early recurrence and monitor the response to treatment. Jpn J Clin Oncol 30 (7): 291-4, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Jennings MT, Gelman R, Hochberg F: Intracranial germ-cell tumors: natural history and pathogenesis. J Neurosurg 63 (2): 155-67, 1985. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Gay JC, Janco RL, Lukens JN: Systemic metastases in primary intracranial germinoma. Case report and literature review. Cancer 55 (11): 2688-90, 1985. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment Option Overview for Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

Teratomas, germinomas, and other nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) have differing prognoses and require different treatment regimens. Studies have observed the following:[1-5]

  • For children older than 3 years and adults, radiation therapy has been an important component of therapy for germinomas and NGGCTs, although the optimal dose and field of irradiation are debated.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs), similar to gonadal and extragonadal GCTs, have demonstrated sensitivity to chemotherapy.
  • Germinomas are highly chemosensitive and radiosensitive tumors. They are curable with craniospinal irradiation and local site–boost radiation therapy alone. However, the use of neoadjuvant or preirradiation chemotherapy allows reduced radiation therapy doses and volumes and, subsequently, reduced long-term radiation therapy–related effects.
  • In North America and Europe, patients with localized germinomas are effectively treated with whole-ventricular irradiation supplemented with tumor site–boost radiation therapy. Focal irradiation to the tumor bed, regardless of response to chemotherapy, is considered inadequate treatment.[6]
  • For NGGCTs, the combined use of more intensive neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by either localized or craniospinal irradiation has resulted in improved survival rates in the last decade.[5,7,8]
  • Patients with bifocal intracranial GCTs limited to the suprasellar and pineal region were treated in the same manner as patients with localized, nonmetastatic tumors in studies in North America and Europe.[8]

Table 3 outlines the treatment options for patients with newly diagnosed and recurrent childhood CNS GCTs.

Table 3. Treatment Options for Childhood Central Nervous System (CNS) Germ Cell Tumors (GCTs)
Treatment GroupTreatment Options
Newly diagnosed childhood CNS germinomasNeoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by response-based radiation therapy
Radiation therapy
Newly diagnosed childhood CNS nongerminomatous GCTsChemotherapy followed by radiation therapy
Surgery, if incomplete response to chemotherapy before irradiation
Newly diagnosed childhood CNS teratomasGross-total resection
Recurrent childhood CNS GCTs Chemotherapy followed by additional radiation therapy
High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue with or without additional radiation therapy

Dramatic improvements in survival have been achieved for children and adolescents with cancer. Between 1975 and 2010, childhood cancer mortality decreased by more than 50%.[9] Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors require close monitoring because side effects of cancer therapy may persist or develop months or years after treatment. For information about the incidence, type, and monitoring of late effects in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors, see Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer.

References
  1. Osuka S, Tsuboi K, Takano S, et al.: Long-term outcome of patients with intracranial germinoma. J Neurooncol 83 (1): 71-9, 2007. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Allen JC, Kim JH, Packer RJ: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for newly diagnosed germ-cell tumors of the central nervous system. J Neurosurg 67 (1): 65-70, 1987. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Kellie SJ, Boyce H, Dunkel IJ, et al.: Primary chemotherapy for intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors: results of the second international CNS germ cell study group protocol. J Clin Oncol 22 (5): 846-53, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Calaminus G, Kortmann R, Worch J, et al.: SIOP CNS GCT 96: final report of outcome of a prospective, multinational nonrandomized trial for children and adults with intracranial germinoma, comparing craniospinal irradiation alone with chemotherapy followed by focal primary site irradiation for patients with localized disease. Neuro Oncol 15 (6): 788-96, 2013. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Fangusaro J, Wu S, MacDonald S, et al.: Phase II Trial of Response-Based Radiation Therapy for Patients With Localized CNS Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol 37 (34): 3283-3290, 2019. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Joo JH, Park JH, Ra YS, et al.: Treatment outcome of radiation therapy for intracranial germinoma: adaptive radiation field in relation to response to chemotherapy. Anticancer Res 34 (10): 5715-21, 2014. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Goldman S, Bouffet E, Fisher PG, et al.: Phase II Trial Assessing the Ability of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Second-Look Surgery to Eliminate Measurable Disease for Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol 33 (22): 2464-71, 2015. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Calaminus G, Frappaz D, Kortmann RD, et al.: Outcome of patients with intracranial non-germinomatous germ cell tumors-lessons from the SIOP-CNS-GCT-96 trial. Neuro Oncol 19 (12): 1661-1672, 2017. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Smith MA, Altekruse SF, Adamson PC, et al.: Declining childhood and adolescent cancer mortality. Cancer 120 (16): 2497-506, 2014. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Childhood CNS Germinomas

Treatment options for newly diagnosed childhood central nervous system (CNS) germinomas include the following:

  1. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by response-based radiation therapy.
  2. Radiation therapy.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Response-Based Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy has been explored to reduce radiation therapy doses and associated neurodevelopmental morbidity. Several studies have confirmed the feasibility of this approach for maintaining excellent survival rates.[1-4][Level of evidence B4]; [5-8][Level of evidence C1]

Chemotherapy agents such as cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, etoposide, cisplatin, and carboplatin are highly active in CNS germinomas. Managing patients receiving chemotherapy agents that require hyperhydration (e.g., cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin) can be quite challenging because of the possibility of diabetes insipidus in patients with primary tumors of the suprasellar region.[9]

An international group of investigators explored a chemotherapy-only approach primarily for younger children. A complete response was achieved in 84% of patients with germinomas who were treated with chemotherapy alone. However, 50% of these patients suffered tumor relapse or progression. Many recurrences were local, local plus ventricular, and ventricular alone and/or with leptomeningeal dissemination throughout the CNS, which required additional therapy, including radiation.[10]

Subsequent studies have continued to support the need for radiation therapy after chemotherapy and the likely requirement for whole-ventricular irradiation (24 Gy) with local tumor site–boost radiation therapy (total dose, 40 Gy).[11][Level of evidence B4]; [12][Level of evidence C1] Excellent results have also been reported for patients with metastatic germinomas who received craniospinal irradiation of 24 Gy with local tumor site–boost radiation therapy (total dose, 40 Gy).[1][Level of evidence B4]; [13]

Optimal management of bifocal lesions is less clear, but most investigators consider this presentation a form of metachronous primary disease to be staged as M0. A meta-analysis of 60 patients demonstrated excellent progression-free survival after craniospinal irradiation alone. Chemotherapy plus localized radiation therapy, including whole-ventricular irradiation, also resulted in excellent disease control.[14][Level of evidence C2] For germinomas that arise outside of the pineal or suprasellar region, the effectiveness of therapy, as used for pineal and/or suprasellar lesions, is not well delineated. However, one retrospective review of 47 patients with basal ganglion and thalamic tumors reported progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates that were similar to those reported in patients with tumors arising in more common areas of the brain.[15]

Results have been reported for the ACNS1123 (NCT01602666) phase II trial (stratum 2) that investigated response-based radiation therapy for localized germinomas. Patients were aged 3 to 21 years. Patients who had a complete response to carboplatin and etoposide chemotherapy received 18 Gy of whole-ventricle irradiation and a 12-Gy boost to the tumor bed. Patients who had a partial response to chemotherapy proceeded to receive 24 Gy of whole-ventricle irradiation and a 12-Gy boost to the tumor bed. Longitudinal cognitive functioning was evaluated prospectively. There were 137 eligible patients. Among 90 evaluable patients, 74 were treated with 18 Gy of radiation, and 16 were treated with 24 Gy of whole-ventricle irradiation.[16]

  • The study failed to demonstrate noninferiority of the 18 Gy whole-ventricle irradiation regimen, compared with the study-specified threshold of a 95% 3-year PFS rate. The analysis was confounded by including any patient who could not be assessed for progression at 3 years as a treatment failure, which lead to a PFS rate of 86%. If these patients who could not be assessed were excluded, the Kaplan-Meier–based 3-year PFS estimates were 94.5% (± 2.7%) for the 18 Gy cohort.
  • Collectively, estimated mean IQ, attention, and concentration were within normal range. A lower mean attention score was observed at 9 months for patients who were treated with 24 Gy of radiation. Acute effects in processing speed were observed for patients who were treated with 18 Gy at 9 months, which improved at the 30-month assessment. However, the sample size was small and did not account for confounding variables such as surgical complications, hydrocephalus, and limited long-term follow-up data.
  • None of the evaluable patients had a relapse within the ventricular field or in the primary tumor region. All four disease progressions occurred outside of the radiation field, at a median time of 8.91 months after radiation therapy.
  • Of the eight relapses, three occurred along the biopsy tract.
  • Residual disease at the end of treatment was not associated with a worse prognosis.

Other studies have supported this treatment approach, reporting excellent outcomes in children with CNS germinomas.[17,18]

Radiation Therapy

CNS germinomas are highly radiosensitive and have been traditionally treated successfully with radiation therapy alone. Historically, patients with nondisseminated disease have been treated with craniospinal irradiation plus a boost to the region of the primary tumor. The dose of craniospinal irradiation has ranged from 24 Gy to 36 Gy, although studies have used lower doses. The local tumor dose of radiation therapy has ranged between 40 Gy and 50 Gy. Studies of lower-dose craniospinal irradiation have shown excellent outcomes.[19] This modification has resulted in 5-year OS rates exceeding 90%.[20]; [21][Level of evidence B4]; [22,23][Level of evidence C1] These excellent survival rates have allowed investigators to focus on reducing the radiation treatment volume and dose in an attempt to decrease late effects.[21,24,25]

Patterns of relapse after craniospinal irradiation versus reduced-volume radiation therapy (whole-brain or whole-ventricular radiation therapy) have supported the omission of craniospinal irradiation for localized germinomas.[26-28] On the basis of these results, the treatment for patients with localized germinomas has been modified to cover the whole ventricular system (24 Gy) followed by a boost to the primary site (30–40 Gy), rather than to deliver radiation therapy to the entire craniospinal axis or even to the whole brain. This change has not resulted in worse outcomes and is expected to minimize the acute and long-term toxicity of radiation therapy. Focal radiation therapy directed only to the tumor volume, even after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, results in ventricular relapses; therefore, focal radiation therapy is not recommended.[25]

Treatment Options Under Clinical Evaluation for Newly Diagnosed Childhood CNS Germinomas

Early-phase therapeutic trials may be available for selected patients. These trials may be available via the Children’s Oncology Group, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, or other entities. Information about National Cancer Institute (NCI)–supported clinical trials can be found on the NCI website. For information about clinical trials sponsored by other organizations, see the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

References
  1. Calaminus G, Kortmann R, Worch J, et al.: SIOP CNS GCT 96: final report of outcome of a prospective, multinational nonrandomized trial for children and adults with intracranial germinoma, comparing craniospinal irradiation alone with chemotherapy followed by focal primary site irradiation for patients with localized disease. Neuro Oncol 15 (6): 788-96, 2013. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Kretschmar C, Kleinberg L, Greenberg M, et al.: Pre-radiation chemotherapy with response-based radiation therapy in children with central nervous system germ cell tumors: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 48 (3): 285-91, 2007. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Allen JC, DaRosso RC, Donahue B, et al.: A phase II trial of preirradiation carboplatin in newly diagnosed germinoma of the central nervous system. Cancer 74 (3): 940-4, 1994. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Buckner JC, Peethambaram PP, Smithson WA, et al.: Phase II trial of primary chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose radiation for CNS germ cell tumors. J Clin Oncol 17 (3): 933-40, 1999. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Khatua S, Dhall G, O'Neil S, et al.: Treatment of primary CNS germinomatous germ cell tumors with chemotherapy prior to reduced dose whole ventricular and local boost irradiation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 55 (1): 42-6, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Cheng S, Kilday JP, Laperriere N, et al.: Outcomes of children with central nervous system germinoma treated with multi-agent chemotherapy followed by reduced radiation. J Neurooncol 127 (1): 173-80, 2016. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. O'Neil S, Ji L, Buranahirun C, et al.: Neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric and adolescent patients with central nervous system germinoma treated with a strategy of chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and volume irradiation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 57 (4): 669-73, 2011. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Lee DS, Lim DH, Kim IH, et al.: Upfront chemotherapy followed by response adaptive radiotherapy for intracranial germinoma: Prospective multicenter cohort study. Radiother Oncol 138: 180-186, 2019. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Afzal S, Wherrett D, Bartels U, et al.: Challenges in management of patients with intracranial germ cell tumor and diabetes insipidus treated with cisplatin and/or ifosfamide based chemotherapy. J Neurooncol 97 (3): 393-9, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Balmaceda C, Heller G, Rosenblum M, et al.: Chemotherapy without irradiation--a novel approach for newly diagnosed CNS germ cell tumors: results of an international cooperative trial. The First International Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumor Study. J Clin Oncol 14 (11): 2908-15, 1996. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. da Silva NS, Cappellano AM, Diez B, et al.: Primary chemotherapy for intracranial germ cell tumors: results of the third international CNS germ cell tumor study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 54 (3): 377-83, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Alapetite C, Brisse H, Patte C, et al.: Pattern of relapse and outcome of non-metastatic germinoma patients treated with chemotherapy and limited field radiation: the SFOP experience. Neuro Oncol 12 (12): 1318-25, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  13. Abu-Arja MH, Shatara MS, Okcu MF, et al.: The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of metastatic central nervous system germinoma: A meta-analysis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 70 (10): e30601, 2023. [PUBMED Abstract]
  14. Weksberg DC, Shibamoto Y, Paulino AC: Bifocal intracranial germinoma: a retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes in 20 patients and review of the literature. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 82 (4): 1341-51, 2012. [PUBMED Abstract]
  15. Graham RT, Abu-Arja MH, Stanek JR, et al.: Multi-institutional analysis of treatment modalities in basal ganglia and thalamic germinoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 68 (10): e29172, 2021. [PUBMED Abstract]
  16. Bartels U, Onar-Thomas A, Patel SK, et al.: Phase II trial of response-based radiation therapy for patients with localized germinoma: a Children's Oncology Group study. Neuro Oncol 24 (6): 974-983, 2022. [PUBMED Abstract]
  17. Cappellano AM, Dassi N, Mançano B, et al.: Outcome of Children and Adolescents With Primary Intracranial Germinoma Treated With Chemotherapy and Reduced Dose-Field Irradiation: A Prospective Brazilian Experience. JCO Glob Oncol 9: e2200257, 2023. [PUBMED Abstract]
  18. Li B, Feng J, Chen L, et al.: Relapse pattern and quality of life in patients with localized basal ganglia germinoma receiving focal radiotherapy, whole-brain radiotherapy, or craniospinal irradiation. Radiother Oncol 158: 90-96, 2021. [PUBMED Abstract]
  19. Bamberg M, Kortmann RD, Calaminus G, et al.: Radiation therapy for intracranial germinoma: results of the German cooperative prospective trials MAKEI 83/86/89. J Clin Oncol 17 (8): 2585-92, 1999. [PUBMED Abstract]
  20. Shibamoto Y, Abe M, Yamashita J, et al.: Treatment results of intracranial germinoma as a function of the irradiated volume. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 15 (2): 285-90, 1988. [PUBMED Abstract]
  21. Cho J, Choi JU, Kim DS, et al.: Low-dose craniospinal irradiation as a definitive treatment for intracranial germinoma. Radiother Oncol 91 (1): 75-9, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  22. Huang PI, Chen YW, Wong TT, et al.: Extended focal radiotherapy of 30 Gy alone for intracranial synchronous bifocal germinoma: a single institute experience. Childs Nerv Syst 24 (11): 1315-21, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  23. Eom KY, Kim IH, Park CI, et al.: Upfront chemotherapy and involved-field radiotherapy results in more relapses than extended radiotherapy for intracranial germinomas: modification in radiotherapy volume might be needed. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 71 (3): 667-71, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  24. Chen MJ, Santos Ada S, Sakuraba RK, et al.: Intensity-modulated and 3D-conformal radiotherapy for whole-ventricular irradiation as compared with conventional whole-brain irradiation in the management of localized central nervous system germ cell tumors. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 76 (2): 608-14, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  25. Joo JH, Park JH, Ra YS, et al.: Treatment outcome of radiation therapy for intracranial germinoma: adaptive radiation field in relation to response to chemotherapy. Anticancer Res 34 (10): 5715-21, 2014. [PUBMED Abstract]
  26. Rogers SJ, Mosleh-Shirazi MA, Saran FH: Radiotherapy of localised intracranial germinoma: time to sever historical ties? Lancet Oncol 6 (7): 509-19, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  27. Shikama N, Ogawa K, Tanaka S, et al.: Lack of benefit of spinal irradiation in the primary treatment of intracranial germinoma: a multiinstitutional, retrospective review of 180 patients. Cancer 104 (1): 126-34, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  28. Hardenbergh PH, Golden J, Billet A, et al.: Intracranial germinoma: the case for lower dose radiation therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 39 (2): 419-26, 1997. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Childhood CNS Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumors

Treatment options for newly diagnosed childhood central nervous system (CNS) nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) include the following:

  1. Chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy.
  2. Surgery, for tumors that partially respond to chemotherapy or for tumors that increase in size during or after therapy (possible growing teratoma syndrome).

The optimal treatment regimen for CNS NGGCTs remains unclear.

The prognosis for children with CNS NGGCTs is inferior to that for children with germinomas, but the difference is diminishing with the addition of multimodality therapy. NGGCTs are radiosensitive, but patient survival rates after standard craniospinal irradiation alone has been poor, ranging from 20% to 45% at 5 years.[1] With the current treatment regimens, the 3-year to 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for patients with NGGCTs range from 75% to 90%.[2-4] In patients with NGGCTs who suffer tumor relapses, most occur within 3 years of diagnosis.[2]

Chemotherapy Followed by Radiation Therapy

The use of chemotherapy before radiation therapy has increased survival rates. However, the specific chemotherapy regimen, length of therapy, and the optimal radiation field, timing, and dose remain under investigation.[1,5,6] Anticancer agents that have been used include carboplatin, etoposide, bleomycin, ifosfamide, and vinblastine in different combinations. Some investigators have proposed radiation therapy fields that are smaller than those used for craniospinal irradiation (e.g., whole-ventricular irradiation with a boost to the local tumor site) for patients with nondisseminated NGGCT. Controversy exists over the pattern of tumor relapse in patients treated with chemotherapy and focal or whole-ventricular radiation therapy.[1,7-9]

Evidence (chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy):

  1. A Children's Oncology Group (COG) study (ACNS0122 [NCT00047320]) evaluated neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy for children with localized NGGCTs.[2] Neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisted of six courses with carboplatin/etoposide alternating with ifosfamide/etoposide. After chemotherapy was completed, responding patients received 36 Gy of craniospinal radiation therapy, with 54 Gy to the tumor bed.
    • On the basis of a central review, 87% of patients showed either partial response (PR) or complete response (CR).
    • For the 102 eligible patients in the study, the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was 84% (± 4%), and the OS rate was 93% (± 3%).
    • At 3 years, the EFS rate was 92% and the OS rate was 98% for all patients who achieved CR or PR either after induction chemotherapy or with the absence of malignant elements documented during second-look surgery.
  2. The European SIOP-CNS-GCT-96 (NCT00293358) trial evaluated neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of four courses with cisplatin/etoposide/ifosfamide followed by focal radiation therapy (54 Gy) for patients with nonmetastatic disease.[3]
    • Patients with localized tumors (n = 116) demonstrated 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 72% (± 4%) and OS rates of 82% (± 4%).
  3. Stratum 1 of the COG ACNS1123 (NCT01602666) study evaluated the efficacy of reduced-dose and reduced-volume radiation therapy in children and adolescents with localized NGGCTs who achieved PRs, CRs, and marker normalization after six cycles of chemotherapy. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of reduced radiation therapy on PFS, with a goal of preserving neurocognitive function. Isolated spinal relapses occurred in 10% of patients in this trial, causing early stoppage of the protocol. This is compared with 8% of patients who developed a similar pattern of relapse in the ACNS0122 (NCT00047320) trial.

    Patients in this study received six cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide. If a CR or PR with or without second-look surgery was achieved, the patient was eligible for reduced radiation therapy, defined as 30.6 Gy to the whole-ventricular field and a 54-Gy boost to the tumor bed, compared with 36 Gy of craniospinal irradiation plus a 54-Gy tumor-bed boost used in the ACNS0122 trial.[4,10]

    • Of the 107 patients enrolled, 66 (61.7%) achieved a CR or PR and received reduced radiation therapy. The 3-year PFS rate was 87.8% (± 4.04%), and the OS rate was 92.4% (± 3.3%).
    • There were eight documented recurrences; six patients had distant spinal relapse alone and two patients had combined local-plus-distant relapse.
    • Patients with localized NGGCTs who achieved a CR or PR with chemotherapy and received reduced radiation therapy had a good PFS rate, similar to patients in the ACNS0122 trial who received craniospinal irradiation.
    • There was no significant difference in survival rates for NGGCT patients with localized disease in the two COG studies. The predominant site of relapse for patients in the ACNS1123 trial was in the spine, which was unique.[2,4]
    • A subgroup analysis compared protons with photons to the whole ventricles for treating patients with NGGCTs.[11] Mean radiation doses and the doses to 40% of volumes, including the supratentorial brain, cerebellum, bilateral temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes, were significantly lower among patients who were treated with protons than patients who were treated with photons. Late effects data confirming a clinical benefit are not available.

The current and prevailing controversy in the management of patients with newly diagnosed, localized NGGCTs—who have no evidence of dissemination and either a complete radiographic response to chemotherapy or have no evidence of disease before and after the initiation of chemotherapy—is the radiation volume. The SIOP-CNS-GCT-96 (NCT00293358) trial employed involved fields of radiation only for these patients with no radiographic evidence of residual or disseminated disease. Two COG protocols used either craniospinal or whole-ventricular fields of radiation plus a boost to the primary tumor. The incidence of isolated spinal relapses was similar in all of these studies, ranging from 8% to 11%.

Patients with relapsed NGGCTs are difficult to treat with curative intent, and their prognosis is guarded. Whether craniospinal irradiation or whole-ventricular plus spinal radiation should be included for all newly diagnosed NGGCT patients is an unresolved controversy and a major question for future clinical trials.

Surgery

A small percentage of patients treated with chemotherapy may have normalization of tumor markers with a less-than-complete radiographic response. Occasionally, a mass continues to expand in size even though tumor markers may have normalized. This condition, designated as growing teratoma syndrome, represents an accelerated growth of the mature teratoma components during or after treatment.[2,12-14] In such circumstances, complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice, as it provides histological confirmation and exclusion of mixed germ cell tumor components.

A SIOP trial identified a significant OS advantage for patients without residual disease (5-year PFS rate, 85% ± 0.04% vs. 48% ± 0.07%), which underscores the important role of second-look surgery after chemotherapy and before irradiation.[3]

A second-look surgery can help determine whether the residual mass contains teratoma, fibrosis, or residual NGGCT.[7,15] If second-look surgery finds mature teratoma or fibrosis after chemotherapy, the general approach is to proceed with radiation therapy as if the patient had achieved a CR to chemotherapy. However, if an active tumor is observed, then alternative treatment approaches are generally considered.[2]

Treatment Options Under Clinical Evaluation for Newly Diagnosed Childhood CNS NGGCTs

Early-phase therapeutic trials may be available for selected patients. These trials may be available via the COG, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, or other entities. Information about National Cancer Institute (NCI)–supported clinical trials can be found on the NCI website. For information about clinical trials sponsored by other organizations, see the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

The following is an example of a national and/or institutional clinical trial that is currently being conducted:

  • ACNS2021 (NCT04684368) (A Study of a New Way to Treat Children and Young Adults With a Brain Tumor Called NGGCT): This phase II trial studies the effect of chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy in treating patients with localized NGGCTs. The purpose of this study is to examine the tumor response to induction chemotherapy. Tumor response will then determine additional treatment options, including radiation therapy or high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant followed by radiation therapy.
References
  1. Robertson PL, DaRosso RC, Allen JC: Improved prognosis of intracranial non-germinoma germ cell tumors with multimodality therapy. J Neurooncol 32 (1): 71-80, 1997. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Goldman S, Bouffet E, Fisher PG, et al.: Phase II Trial Assessing the Ability of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Second-Look Surgery to Eliminate Measurable Disease for Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol 33 (22): 2464-71, 2015. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Calaminus G, Frappaz D, Kortmann RD, et al.: Outcome of patients with intracranial non-germinomatous germ cell tumors-lessons from the SIOP-CNS-GCT-96 trial. Neuro Oncol 19 (12): 1661-1672, 2017. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Fangusaro J, Wu S, MacDonald S, et al.: Phase II Trial of Response-Based Radiation Therapy for Patients With Localized CNS Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol 37 (34): 3283-3290, 2019. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Matsutani M; Japanese Pediatric Brain Tumor Study Group: Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy for CNS germ cell tumors--the Japanese experience. J Neurooncol 54 (3): 311-6, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Calaminus G, Bamberg M, Jürgens H, et al.: Impact of surgery, chemotherapy and irradiation on long term outcome of intracranial malignant non-germinomatous germ cell tumors: results of the German Cooperative Trial MAKEI 89. Klin Padiatr 216 (3): 141-9, 2004 May-Jun. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Baranzelli M, Patte C, Bouffet E, et al.: Carboplatin-based chemotherapy (CT) and focal irradiation (RT) in primary germ cell tumors (GCT): A French Society of Pediatric Oncology (SFOP) experience (meeting abstract). [Abstract] Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology 18: A-538, 140A, 1999.
  8. Aoyama H, Shirato H, Ikeda J, et al.: Induction chemotherapy followed by low-dose involved-field radiotherapy for intracranial germ cell tumors. J Clin Oncol 20 (3): 857-65, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Kim JW, Kim WC, Cho JH, et al.: A multimodal approach including craniospinal irradiation improves the treatment outcome of high-risk intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 84 (3): 625-31, 2012. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Murphy ES, Dhall G, Fangusaro J, et al.: A Phase 2 Trial of Response-Based Radiation Therapy for Localized Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors: Patterns of Failure and Radiation Dosimetry for Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumors. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 113 (1): 143-151, 2022. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Mak DY, Siddiqui Z, Liu ZA, et al.: Photon versus proton whole ventricular radiotherapy for non-germinomatous germ cell tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 69 (9): e29697, 2022. [PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Kim CY, Choi JW, Lee JY, et al.: Intracranial growing teratoma syndrome: clinical characteristics and treatment strategy. J Neurooncol 101 (1): 109-15, 2011. [PUBMED Abstract]
  13. Kong DS, Nam DH, Lee JI, et al.: Intracranial growing teratoma syndrome mimicking tumor relapse: a diagnostic dilemma. J Neurosurg Pediatr 3 (5): 392-6, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  14. Michaiel G, Strother D, Gottardo N, et al.: Intracranial growing teratoma syndrome (iGTS): an international case series and review of the literature. J Neurooncol 147 (3): 721-730, 2020. [PUBMED Abstract]
  15. Oya S, Saito A, Okano A, et al.: The pathogenesis of intracranial growing teratoma syndrome: proliferation of tumor cells or formation of multiple expanding cysts? Two case reports and review of the literature. Childs Nerv Syst 30 (8): 1455-61, 2014. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Childhood CNS Teratomas

Teratomas are designated as mature or immature on the basis of the absence or presence of differentiated tissues. The Japanese Pediatric Brain Tumor Study Group stratifies teratomas for classification and intensity of treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) into a good-prognosis group (mature teratomas) and an intermediate-prognosis group (immature teratomas) (see Table 2), while the Children’s Oncology Group includes immature teratomas with other nongerminomatous germ cell tumors.

Treatment options for newly diagnosed childhood central nervous system (CNS) teratomas include the following:

  1. Gross-total resection.

Gross-Total Resection

The primary treatment for teratomas is gross-total resection.[1,2][Level of evidence C1]

Adjuvant treatment in the form of focal radiation therapy and/or adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with subtotally resected tumors is controversial. Small institutional series suggested a potential utility of stereotactic radiosurgery.[1,2][Level of evidence C1]

References
  1. Huang X, Zhang R, Zhou LF: Diagnosis and treatment of intracranial immature teratoma. Pediatr Neurosurg 45 (5): 354-60, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Lee YH, Park EK, Park YS, et al.: Treatment and outcomes of primary intracranial teratoma. Childs Nerv Syst 25 (12): 1581-7, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Recurrent Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

Treatment options for recurrent childhood central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs) include the following:

  1. Chemotherapy followed by additional radiation therapy.
  2. High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue with or without additional radiation therapy.

For patients who had localized germinomas at diagnosis and were treated with craniospinal and local boost radiation therapy, the most common form of relapse is at the primary site.[1] In contrast, the site of relapse is more variable in patients who relapse after chemotherapy and focal radiation therapy with or without whole-ventricular radiation to the primary site of disease. These patients have different combinations of local, disseminated ventricular, cerebral, leptomeningeal, and spinal relapse.[1,2]

Patients with disseminated germinomas and nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) also may have complex patterns of relapse, including local and/or disseminated intracranial or intraspinal relapse after treatment with craniospinal radiation therapy alone or preirradiation chemotherapy with various volumes and doses of radiation therapy.[1-3]

Enrollment on clinical trials should be considered for all patients with recurrent disease. Information about ongoing National Cancer Institute (NCI)–supported clinical trials is available from the NCI website.

Chemotherapy Followed by Additional Radiation Therapy

Patients with germinomas that were treated initially with chemotherapy only can benefit from chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy at the time of relapse.[4,5] Reirradiation, including radiosurgery, after chemotherapy at recurrence has been used.[5-9]

High-Dose Chemotherapy With Stem Cell Rescue With or Without Additional Radiation Therapy

For patients with pure germinomas who previously received radiation therapy, myeloablative chemotherapy with stem cell rescue has been used. High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue may also have curative potential for some patients with relapsed systemic NGGCTs.[7,9-13]

Treatment Options Under Clinical Evaluation for Recurrent Childhood CNS GCTs

There are limited clinical trials available for patients with recurrent NGGCTs. Early-phase therapeutic trials may be available for selected patients. These trials may be available via the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, or other entities. Information about NCI-supported clinical trials can be found on the NCI website. For information about clinical trials sponsored by other organizations, see the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

References
  1. Calaminus G, Kortmann R, Worch J, et al.: SIOP CNS GCT 96: final report of outcome of a prospective, multinational nonrandomized trial for children and adults with intracranial germinoma, comparing craniospinal irradiation alone with chemotherapy followed by focal primary site irradiation for patients with localized disease. Neuro Oncol 15 (6): 788-96, 2013. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Calaminus G, Frappaz D, Kortmann RD, et al.: Outcome of patients with intracranial non-germinomatous germ cell tumors-lessons from the SIOP-CNS-GCT-96 trial. Neuro Oncol 19 (12): 1661-1672, 2017. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Goldman S, Bouffet E, Fisher PG, et al.: Phase II Trial Assessing the Ability of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Second-Look Surgery to Eliminate Measurable Disease for Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol 33 (22): 2464-71, 2015. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Merchant TE, Sherwood SH, Mulhern RK, et al.: CNS germinoma: disease control and long-term functional outcome for 12 children treated with craniospinal irradiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 46 (5): 1171-6, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Sawamura Y, Ikeda JL, Tada M, et al.: Salvage therapy for recurrent germinomas in the central nervous system. Br J Neurosurg 13 (4): 376-81, 1999. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Hu YW, Huang PI, Wong TT, et al.: Salvage treatment for recurrent intracranial germinoma after reduced-volume radiotherapy: a single-institution experience and review of the literature. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 84 (3): 639-47, 2012. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Murray MJ, Bailey S, Heinemann K, et al.: Treatment and outcomes of UK and German patients with relapsed intracranial germ cell tumors following uniform first-line therapy. Int J Cancer 141 (3): 621-635, 2017. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Wong K, Opimo AB, Olch AJ, et al.: Re-irradiation of Recurrent Pineal Germ Cell Tumors with Radiosurgery: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature. Cureus 8 (4): e585, 2016. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Callec L, Lardy-Cleaud A, Guerrini-Rousseau L, et al.: Relapsing intracranial germ cell tumours warrant retreatment. Eur J Cancer 136: 186-194, 2020. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Beyer J, Kramar A, Mandanas R, et al.: High-dose chemotherapy as salvage treatment in germ cell tumors: a multivariate analysis of prognostic variables. J Clin Oncol 14 (10): 2638-45, 1996. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Motzer RJ, Mazumdar M, Bosl GJ, et al.: High-dose carboplatin, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide for patients with refractory germ cell tumors: treatment results and prognostic factors for survival and toxicity. J Clin Oncol 14 (4): 1098-105, 1996. [PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Mabbott DJ, Monsalves E, Spiegler BJ, et al.: Longitudinal evaluation of neurocognitive function after treatment for central nervous system germ cell tumors in childhood. Cancer 117 (23): 5402-11, 2011. [PUBMED Abstract]
  13. Acharya S, DeWees T, Shinohara ET, et al.: Long-term outcomes and late effects for childhood and young adulthood intracranial germinomas. Neuro Oncol 17 (5): 741-6, 2015. [PUBMED Abstract]

Long-Term Effects of Childhood CNS Germ Cell Tumors

A significant proportion of children with central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs) present with endocrinopathies, including diabetes insipidus and panhypopituitarism. In most cases, these endocrinopathies are permanent despite tumor control, and patients will need continuous hormone replacement therapy.[1,2]

Although significant improvements in the overall survival of patients with CNS GCTs have occurred, patients face significant late effects based on the location of the primary tumor and its treatment. These sequelae are not only limited to children, but they can also occur in adolescents and young adults. Treatment-related late effects include the following:

  • Each chemotherapeutic agent has its own characteristic long-term side effects.
  • Radiation therapy to the areas commonly affected by GCTs is known to contribute to a decline in patient performance status, visual-field impairments, endocrine disorders, learning disabilities, stroke, and psychiatric conditions.[3-9]
  • Second tumors have been identified in this population, some of which are thought to be related to previous irradiation.[8,10,11]

Current clinical trials and therapeutic approaches are directed at minimizing the long-term sequelae that result from the treatment of CNS GCTs.

For information about the incidence, type, and monitoring of late effects in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer, see Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer.

References
  1. Rosenblum MK, Matsutani M, Van Meir EG: CNS germ cell tumours. In: Kleihues P, Cavenee WK, eds.: Pathology and Genetics of Tumours of the Nervous System. International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2000, pp 208-14.
  2. Hoffman HJ, Otsubo H, Hendrick EB, et al.: Intracranial germ-cell tumors in children. J Neurosurg 74 (4): 545-51, 1991. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Osuka S, Tsuboi K, Takano S, et al.: Long-term outcome of patients with intracranial germinoma. J Neurooncol 83 (1): 71-9, 2007. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Balmaceda C, Finlay J: Current advances in the diagnosis and management of intracranial germ cell tumors. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 4 (3): 253-62, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Odagiri K, Omura M, Hata M, et al.: Treatment outcomes, growth height, and neuroendocrine functions in patients with intracranial germ cell tumors treated with chemoradiation therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 84 (3): 632-8, 2012. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Liang SY, Yang TF, Chen YW, et al.: Neuropsychological functions and quality of life in survived patients with intracranial germ cell tumors after treatment. Neuro Oncol 15 (11): 1543-51, 2013. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Mabbott DJ, Monsalves E, Spiegler BJ, et al.: Longitudinal evaluation of neurocognitive function after treatment for central nervous system germ cell tumors in childhood. Cancer 117 (23): 5402-11, 2011. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Acharya S, DeWees T, Shinohara ET, et al.: Long-term outcomes and late effects for childhood and young adulthood intracranial germinomas. Neuro Oncol 17 (5): 741-6, 2015. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Wong J, Goddard K, Laperriere N, et al.: Long term toxicity of intracranial germ cell tumor treatment in adolescents and young adults. J Neurooncol 149 (3): 523-532, 2020. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Jabbour SK, Zhang Z, Arnold D, et al.: Risk of second tumor in intracranial germinoma patients treated with radiation therapy: the Johns Hopkins experience. J Neurooncol 91 (2): 227-32, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Sands SA, Kellie SJ, Davidow AL, et al.: Long-term quality of life and neuropsychologic functioning for patients with CNS germ-cell tumors: from the First International CNS Germ-Cell Tumor Study. Neuro Oncol 3 (3): 174-83, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]

Current Clinical Trials

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Latest Updates to This Summary (10/08/2024)

The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. This section describes the latest changes made to this summary as of the date above.

Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Childhood Central Nervous System (CNS) Germinomas

Added text to state that other studies have supported the treatment approach of chemotherapy and response-based radiation therapy, reporting excellent outcomes in children with CNS germinomas (cited Cappellano et al. as reference 17).

This summary is written and maintained by the PDQ Pediatric Treatment Editorial Board, which is editorially independent of NCI. The summary reflects an independent review of the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or NIH. More information about summary policies and the role of the PDQ Editorial Boards in maintaining the PDQ summaries can be found on the About This PDQ Summary and PDQ® Cancer Information for Health Professionals pages.

About This PDQ Summary

Purpose of This Summary

This PDQ cancer information summary for health professionals provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information about the treatment of childhood central nervous system germ cell tumors. It is intended as a resource to inform and assist clinicians in the care of their patients. It does not provide formal guidelines or recommendations for making health care decisions.

Reviewers and Updates

This summary is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the PDQ Pediatric Treatment Editorial Board, which is editorially independent of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The summary reflects an independent review of the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Board members review recently published articles each month to determine whether an article should:

  • be discussed at a meeting,
  • be cited with text, or
  • replace or update an existing article that is already cited.

Changes to the summaries are made through a consensus process in which Board members evaluate the strength of the evidence in the published articles and determine how the article should be included in the summary.

The lead reviewers for Childhood Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors Treatment are:

  • Kenneth J. Cohen, MD, MBA (Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital)
  • Karen J. Marcus, MD, FACR (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children's Hospital)
  • Roger J. Packer, MD (Children's National Hospital)
  • D. Williams Parsons, MD, PhD (Texas Children's Hospital)
  • Malcolm A. Smith, MD, PhD (National Cancer Institute)

Any comments or questions about the summary content should be submitted to Cancer.gov through the NCI website's Email Us. Do not contact the individual Board Members with questions or comments about the summaries. Board members will not respond to individual inquiries.

Levels of Evidence

Some of the reference citations in this summary are accompanied by a level-of-evidence designation. These designations are intended to help readers assess the strength of the evidence supporting the use of specific interventions or approaches. The PDQ Pediatric Treatment Editorial Board uses a formal evidence ranking system in developing its level-of-evidence designations.

Permission to Use This Summary

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The preferred citation for this PDQ summary is:

PDQ® Pediatric Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Childhood Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated <MM/DD/YYYY>. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/child-cns-germ-cell-treatment-pdq. Accessed <MM/DD/YYYY>. [PMID: 26389498]

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Disclaimer

Based on the strength of the available evidence, treatment options may be described as either “standard” or “under clinical evaluation.” These classifications should not be used as a basis for insurance reimbursement determinations. More information on insurance coverage is available on Cancer.gov on the Managing Cancer Care page.

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