ISSN:
1433-0350
Keywords:
Key words Brain neoplasm
;
Chemotherapy
;
Germ cell tumor
;
Germinoma
;
Radiation therapy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Primary germ cell tumors of the central nervous system are rare neoplasms, accounting for no more than 2% of all malignancies in children and young people under 20 in the Western hemisphere. They have unique features related to age at diagnosis and sites of origin, as well as race and gender predilection. Prognosis has been clearly shown to be strongly related to pathological classification as either pure germinoma or nongerminomatous germ cell tumor, although many of these lesions are comprised of mixed elements. The presence of serum or cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker elevation has been an essential determinant of response to treatment. Because of the deleterious effects of irradiation on the immature nervous system, investigators have used chemotherapeutic strategies that either reduce or eliminate radiation therapy. In this article, we review the most recent advances in therapy for CNS germ cell tumors in the pediatric population and highlight the importance of cooperative trials in this setting.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003810050546
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