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Fernández-Rodríguez LJ, Maldonado-Pijoan X. Pineal germinoma in a young adult: A case report. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2022; 5:e1611. [PMID: 35347869 PMCID: PMC9458509 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracranial germinomas (GN) are rare cancers that primarily affect children, making them rarer still in adults. Standard treatment for this neoplasm includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) followed by radiotherapy (RT) or RT at a higher dose and larger field. These recommendations are based on studies focused mostly on children; it is currently unclear whether this treatment is applicable to adults. CASE We present a case of a 23-year-old adult male with no underlying pathologies, drug allergies, or family history of cancer, who presented for medical evaluation with blurred vision, diplopia, forgetfulness, and weight loss starting 3-4 months before the evaluation. Clinical examination indicated Parinaud's Syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) revealed a pineal tumor with ependymal dissemination in both lateral ventricles, which was causing obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient had surgery consisting of ventriculostomy, Holter shunt insertion, cisternal ventricular intubation, and cisterna magna anastomosis to improve ventricular drainage. Pathology confirmed pineal germinoma. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology and MRI of the axis were negative. Four cycles of NC were given to the patient (carboplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide), with reduced dosage. Once a partial volumetric response was confirmed, whole-ventricular radiotherapy (WVR) was initiated with a total tumor bed dose of 45 Gy over 25 sessions in 5 weeks. Optimum clinical results were observed, and no short-term (<90 day) radiation toxicity was observed. The patient was able to resume his normal activities soon after treatment. Follow-ups over 2 years post-surgery indicated continued control of the lesion and absence of symptoms except for mild diplopia. CONCLUSION Although this is a case report, these data suggest that a reduced NC course and WVR may effectively treat adult GN. This protocol likely decreases the risk of undesirable NC and RT secondary effects, while providing excellent local control; however, using a narrower RT field is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissett Jeanette Fernández-Rodríguez
- School of Medicine, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru.,Department of Medicine, Hospital de Alta Complejidad Virgen de la Puerta, La Esperanza, La Libertad, Peru
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Li D, Wen R, Gao Y, Xu Y, Xiong B, Gong F, Wang W. Pineal Region Gliomas: A Single-Center Experience with 25 Cases. World Neurosurg 2019; 133:e6-e17. [PMID: 31284062 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.06.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pineal region glioma is a rare systematically reported tumor in the literatures, and little is known about its behavior, development, and best treatment strategies because of its complex anatomical relationship and rarity. OBJECTIVE We reviewed the outcomes of patients with pineal region gliomas in West China hospital in the past 5 years and searched the literature to add more information. As a result, key factors related to prognosis are identified. METHODS Twenty-five patients with pineal region gliomas were selected and information was collected about detailed medical history, imaging data, treatment methods, pathologic results, and latest neurosurgical radiologic progress during follow-up. RESULTS Pilocytic astrocytomas (20%) and glioblastomas (24%) were the most common pathologic subtypes. Twenty-three patients underwent open surgery, 3 Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and 4 whole-brain radiation therapy. Chemotherapy was applied to 3 patients. Low-grade gliomas tended to have a better prognosis than did high-grade. Karnofsky Performance Status at admission (≤60) was intimately associated with prognosis for low-grade gliomas. As for high-grade gliomas, patients whose age at admission was ≤30 years had a better prognosis than did older patients (>30 years). However, whatever the grade, there was no overall survival difference as to gender, gross total resection versus not gross total resection, preoperative maximal tumor diameter (≤4 vs. >4 cm), and time since first symptoms (≤30 vs. >30 days), and radiation therapy versus no radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS Open surgery is the first-line strategy for pineal region gliomas with tolerable mortality and disability rate. Radiosurgery and chemotherapy can be applied as adjuvant or alternative methods when surgery is contraindicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denghui Li
- Neurosurgery Department of West China Hospital Affiliated to Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Wen
- Neurosurgery Department of West China Hospital Affiliated to Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Neurosurgery Department of West China Hospital Affiliated to Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangyang Xu
- Neurosurgery Department of West China Hospital Affiliated to Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Botao Xiong
- Neurosurgery Department of West China Hospital Affiliated to Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feilong Gong
- Neurosurgery Department of West China Hospital Affiliated to Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Neurosurgery Department of West China Hospital Affiliated to Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Yang WP, Chien HY, Lin YC. β-human chorionic gonadotropin-secreting intracranial germ-cell tumor associated with high testosterone in an adult man: A case report. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:1129-1132. [PMID: 28693284 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A 38-year-old male patient presented with general weakness, polydipsia and a body weight loss of 10 kg in two years. Hypopituitarism with central hypothyroidism and central adrenal insufficiency were noted at Taipei City Hospital (Taipei, Taiwan). However, hypogonadotropic hypergonadism was also observed. The patient was diagnosed with an intracranial β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) secreting germ-cell tumor, and brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the tumor involved the pineal gland, stalk, posterior pituitary gland, right basal ganglion, hypothalamus, corpus callosum and posterior hippocampus. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) β-hCG level was 1936 IU/l, while the α-fetoprotein (AFP) level was <0.24 ng/ml. The serum AFP level of the patient was 3.28 ng/ml, and the β-hCG level was 178 IU/l with a CSF:serum β-hCG ratio >2:1. The patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as demonstrated by a marked decrease in size of the tumor and in the serum β-hCG levels. Intracranial β-hCG secreting germ-cell tumors are rare in adults and manifest differently compared with patients of early pubertal age. In contrast with the precocious puberty frequently observed in young patients, the diagnosis of adult patients is often delayed and the symptoms are associated with tumor size and location. The present case report described an adult male with an intracranial β-hCG secreting GCT, demonstrating hypopituitarism and asymptomatic hyperandrogenemia, and reviews and discusses the literature relevant to the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Yang
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hung-Yu Chien
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei 106, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Chun Lin
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Abstract
CNS germ cell tumors (GCT) are rare tumors that arise in midline brain regions (mostly pineal or suprasellar). They are of two types, germinoma and nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) which include teratoma, choriocarcinoma, yolk sac, embyronal carcinoma and mixed GCT. Tissue is needed for diagnosis unless serum or cerebrospinal fluid markers, b-HCG or AFP, are elevated. Germinomas can be cured with radiation therapy (RT) alone (whole ventricle fields, if localized), but chemotherapy may permit RT dose-reduction. Best outcomes for NGGCT are with RT and chemotherapy. Craniospinal RT is needed for all disseminated tumors and best survival for localized NGGCT has included craniospinal RT. Recent genetic findings in CNS GCT may lead to therapies targeting their oncogenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Robertson
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, 12-718 C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Huo L, Wang X, Allen PK, Wang L, Liao Y, Han Z, Shen L, Tu Q, Zhong M, Zhuang Y, Li J, Hong J. Predictors of long-term survival following postoperative radiochemotherapy for pathologically confirmed suprasellar germ cell tumors. Mol Clin Oncol 2014; 3:430-434. [PMID: 25798281 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2014.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of long-term survival following postoperative therapy for suprasellar germ cell tumors (GCTs). A total of 23 patients with pathologically confirmed suprasellar GCTs were reviewed between April, 1987 and October, 2008. The predictors were identified with a univariate Cox proportional hazards model and the results were used to group patients according to outcome. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates for the good- and poor-prognosis two groups were estimated with Kaplan-Meier analysis, with log-rank tests used to assess differences between the groups. The OS rate for all patients was 82.6% at 5 and 72.9% at 10 years. Lesion size (2-4 vs. >4 cm) and pathological type (pure germinoma vs. mixed GCT) were the only significant predictors of OS (P<0.05). The OS rate for the good-prognosis group was 92.9% at both 5 and 10 years, whereas the corresponding rates for the poor-prognosis group were 66.7 and 40.0%, respectively (P=0.020). The PFS rate for the good-prognosis group was 92.9% at 5 and 85.7% at 10 years, whereas the corresponding PFS rates for the poor-prognosis group were 44.4 and 33.3%, respectively (P=0.007). Lesion size and histology predicted outcome following postoperative therapy for suprasellar GCT. Therefore, pathological diagnosis is recommended whenever possible, as histology may dictate the choice of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huo
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Pamela K Allen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Longyun Wang
- Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Yuping Liao
- Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Zaide Han
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Liangfang Shen
- Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Qingsong Tu
- Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Meizuo Zhong
- Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jidong Hong
- Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
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Magrini S, Feletti A, Marton E, Longatti P. Gliomas of the pineal region. J Neurooncol 2013; 115:103-11. [PMID: 23820809 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-013-1200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although several series of pineal region tumors are available, the issue of pineal gliomas has been scarcely faced in the literature. Gliomas are usually included in largest series of pineal neoplasms. Therefore, whether pineal gliomas share the biological behavior of either hemispheric gliomas or other midline lesions is not yet defined. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze long-term morbidity and mortality of these lesions. In English published literature gliomas account for about 14-22 % of all pineal region tumors. Most of these tumors are pilocytic astrocytomas, while glioblastoma multiforme is rare. We retrospectively analyzed all pineal region tumors operated on in our department in the last 28 years, and identified eight pineal astrocytomas, accounting for 14.03 % of all pineal tumors. The series includes four pilocytic astrocytomas, two grade II diffuse astrocytomas, and two anaplastic astrocytomas. A comprehensive review of the available literature data shows that the mean survival time of WHO grade II gliomas is shorter when tumor grows in the pineal region than for hemispheric locations, although the limited amount of available data prevents a rigorous statistical analysis. This difference might be due to the peculiar infiltrating behavior of pineal tumors, which often can't be satisfactorily resected from vital structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Magrini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Treviso Regional Hospital, University of Padova, Piazzale Ospedale 1, 31100, Treviso, Italy
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Janjetovic S, Bokemeyer C, Fiedler W, Frenzel T, Calaminus G, Honecker F. Late recurrence of a pineal germinoma 14 years after radiation and chemotherapy: a case report and review of the literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 36:371-3. [PMID: 23774153 DOI: 10.1159/000351255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracranial germinomas (IG) are rare and highly curable tumors. The incidence and optimal treatment of recurrences are not well defined. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old male was diagnosed with a late recurrence of an IG 14 years after the initial diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis was complicated by the absence of tumor markers and delayed histological sampling of the lesion. Upon histological confirmation, the patient received 2 cycles of conventional chemotherapy, followed by 2 cycles of highdose chemotherapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The patient achieved a complete remission on magnetic resonance imaging scan. Consolidating radiation of the involved field was performed after termination of the chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Limited information on the optimal management of late relapses of IG call for individualized therapeutic approaches. Platinum-based chemotherapy, followed by high-dose chemotherapy and consolidative radiation, appears to be feasible and effective in this situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snjezana Janjetovic
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Hubertus Wald Tumor Center - University Cancer Center Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Treatment strategy for intracranial primary pure germinoma. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29:239-48. [PMID: 22965772 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-012-1902-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT This prospective randomized clinical study will address the efficacy of radiation (RT)-alone and combined with pre-RT chemotherapy (CTX) treatments and propose the novel standard treatment strategy for intracranial primary pure germinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2005 and 2008, there were 54 patients diagnosed with intracranial primary pure germinomas in a single institute. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 16.2 years (range 6-31 years). There were 19 men and 9 women (men/women ratio = 2.1:1). There were 21 patients with solitary tumors and 7 with multiple tumors. These patients were randomized as RT-only treatment group (11 solitary and 3 multiple tumors) and combined (10 solitary and 4 multiple tumors, neo-adjuvant CTX followed by response-adapted RT) treatment group. The follow-up period for RT only group has a median of 58 months (mean 58.2 months, range 41-82 months), and for combine therapy group, the median was 68.5 months (mean 67.8 months, range 41-88 months). All 14 patients in the RT-only group showed complete response (CR) and no recurrence. Eleven patients in the combined group had CR and three patients had partial response after neo-adjuvant CTX. All patients responded to RT as CR without recurrence. At the time of analysis, all 28 patients were alive without evidence of disease. CONCLUSION Neo-adjuvant CTX for localized germinomas seems to be unnecessary as a method to reduce radiation dose in our RT protocol. However, the effective control of multifocal or disseminated germinoma can be achieved by neo-adjuvant CTX followed by response-adapted reduced dose RT.
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Von Rohr E, Gönner F, Schroth G, Cerny T. Relapse and subarachnoid dissemination of a pineal germinoma 14 years after radiation therapy. J Clin Neurosci 2012; 6:247-9. [PMID: 18639162 DOI: 10.1016/s0967-5868(99)90514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/1998] [Accepted: 11/23/1998] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Intracranial germinomas are rare tumours which are highly curable with radiotherapy. In recent years treatment with chemotherapy has gained importance. Recurrence and dissemination is seen in about 10-20% of cases within the first 2 years after diagnosis; late recurrence and dissemination is very rare. We describe a patient with a recurrent germinoma 14 years after radiotherapy of a pineal tumour. We further report the management with chemotherapy, the late side effects of radiotherapy and the course of the disease with its fatal dissemination. We conclude that the use of radiotherapy, despite being highly effective, is clearly limited by its late side-effects. New regimens with chemotherapy seem promising but proved to be less effective in our case with tumour seeding throughout the subarachnoid space.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Von Rohr
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract
Germinomas are gonadal neoplasms that rarely occur extragonadally in the midline structures of the human body. Newly diagnosed adult cases of pineal gland germinomas are very rare since most of the cases are diagnosed in the mid teens. The estimated incidence of this tumor in western countries is between 0.4-3.4%. Typically, this tumor is diagnosed by its characteristic radiological appearance alone, supported by tumor marker(s) or by stereotactic biopsy of the tumor. We are reporting a very unique case of pineal germinoma diagnosed in an adult at our institute by cerebrospinal fluid cytology with literature review. We analyzed case reports, literature reviews, and therapy and diagnostic articles about pineal germinoma in the English literature from 1983 to 2009 through the national library of medicine, Pubmed, and OVID search engines. We used key words "pineal germinoma," "pineal gland tumor," "CNS germinoma," and "extragonodal germinomas" to search for our articles.
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Nakamura H, Takeshima H, Makino K, Kochi M, Ushio Y, Kuratsu JI. Recurrent intracranial germinoma outside the initial radiation field: a single-institution study. Acta Oncol 2009; 45:476-83. [PMID: 16760185 DOI: 10.1080/02841860500519778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Between 1975 and 2005, we treated 52 newly diagnosed germinoma patients. Until 1991, patients with pure germinomas or germinomas with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGCs) received whole-brain radiotherapy only. Of the 52 patients, 30 were treated with a reduced radiation volume and combined chemotherapy; seven of these received local irradiation with 24 Gy, two received whole-brain (30 Gy) plus local irradiation (20 Gy), 16 received extended local irradiation delivered to the whole ventricles (30 Gy) plus local (20 Gy) irradiation, and five received extended local irradiation (24 Gy). Of the 30 patients treated with a reduced radiation volume and combined chemotherapy, four experienced tumor recurrence; three patients had been treated with 24 Gy of local radiotherapy and one had received extended local (30 Gy) plus local (20 Gy) irradiation in addition to chemotherapy. In these patients, the delivered radiotherapy was inadequate and the origin of the recurrent tumors was outside the radiation field. None of the patients who had received at least 24 Gy of whole ventricle radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy experienced tumor recurrence. In combination with chemotherapy, the delivery of irradiation covering the ventricles effectively reduced the incidence of tumor recurrence in patients with germinomas or germinomas with STGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Nakamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.
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Calugaru V, Taillibert S, Lang P, Simon JM, Delattre JY, Mazeron JJ. Chimiothérapie néoadjuvante suivie d'une radiothérapie adaptée à la réponse tumorale dans les tumeurs germinales séminomateuses du système nerveux central: expérience de l'hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière et revue de la littérature. Cancer Radiother 2007; 11:122-8. [PMID: 17459755 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2007.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2006] [Revised: 12/30/2006] [Accepted: 01/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Retrospective analysis of ten cases of germinoma of the central nervous system treated in Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten male patients were treated from 1997 to 2005 for histologically verified primary seminoma of the central nervous system. The median age was 27 years (range 18-40 years). Our option for the treatment was the association of 3-4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide) to radiotherapy. Five patients received a craniospinal radiotherapy of 30 Gy (for one patient 36 Gy) followed by a tumoral boost from 20 to 24 Gy. For five patients, irradiated volume was limited to the tumour, total dose from 24 to 54 Gy (for three patients the total dose was from 24 to 30 Gy). Surgery was used for five patients, but only in one case was macroscopic complete. RESULTS Six patients were in situation of complete remission after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All the patients were in situation of complete remission after the irradiation. All the patients were alive free of disease with a median follow-up 46 months (range 13-90 months). CONCLUSION In spite of the fact that the intracranial germinal tumours are not the subject of a consensual treatment strategy, this retrospective analysis pleads in favour of chemotherapy followed by limited dose and volume irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Calugaru
- Service de radiothérapie oncologique, groupe hospitalier de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France
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Ho CL, Deruytter MJ. Dual occurrence of pineal germinoma and testicular seminoma. Case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Neurosurg 2006; 42:38-44. [PMID: 16357500 DOI: 10.1159/000089508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A 16-year-old male presented with obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to pineal germinoma. There have been many reported cases of abdominal metastasis of pineal germinoma after ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Endoscopic ventriculostomy was preferred in our case, thus avoiding iatrogenic peritoneal seeding, but spinal metastasis was unavoidable. Metastatic infiltration of the ventricular system and spinal meninges is the commonest mode of spread. Later, the patient underwent orchidectomy for an asymptomatic left testicular seminoma. He responded to chemotherapy, and had a complete recurrence-free remission for more than 10 years. As far as we know there are only a handful of reported cases of dual occurrence of two primary germ cell tumors (GCT), i.e. gonadal seminoma and pineal germinoma with spinal seeding. We also addressed the controversial subject of radiation versus chemotherapy in the management of patients with pineal germinomas. A review of the relevant literature and recommendations for future treatment of similar cases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Long Ho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heilig Hart Ziekenhuis, Roeselare, Belgium.
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Regueiro C. Tratamiento de los tumores germinales intracraneales y otros tumores de la región pineal. Neurocirugia (Astur) 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s1130-1473(03)70549-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hasegawa T, Kondziolka D, Hadjipanayis CG, Flickinger JC, Lunsford LD. The role of radiosurgery for the treatment of pineal parenchymal tumors. Neurosurgery 2002; 51:880-9. [PMID: 12234394 DOI: 10.1097/00006123-200210000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2002] [Accepted: 05/31/2002] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Radiosurgery is an appealing alternative management strategy for selected patients with biopsy-proved pineal parenchymal tumors. The purpose of this report was to clarify its role in conjunction with other surgical, radiation, and medical approaches. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 16 patients who had undergone radiosurgery as the primary or adjuvant treatment for pineal parenchymal tumors. Ten patients (62.5%) had pineocytomas, two (12.5%) had mixed pineocytoma and pineoblastoma, and four (25%) had pineoblastomas. The mean marginal dose was 15 Gy, and the mean tumor volume was 5.0 cm(3). The mean follow-up periods from the time of diagnosis or the time of radiosurgery were 61 and 52 months, respectively. RESULTS The overall actuarial 2- and 5-year survival rates after diagnosis were 75.0 and 66.7%, respectively. In 14 patients who were evaluated with imaging, 4 (29%) demonstrated complete remission, 8 (57%) had partial remission, 2 (14%) had no change, and no patient had local progression. The local tumor control rate (complete remission, partial remission, or no change) was 100%. Five patients died during follow-up. One patient with a pineocytoma and three patients with pineoblastomas died secondary to leptomeningeal or extracranial spread tumor. No cause of death was established for one patient. Two patients developed adverse radiation effects after radiosurgery. CONCLUSION Our initial experience suggests that stereotactic radiosurgery is a valuable primary management modality for patients with pineocytomas. As adjuvant therapy, radiosurgery may be used to boost local tumor dose during multimodality management of malignant pineal parenchymal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Hasegawa
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA
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Hasegawa T, Kondziolka D, Hadjipanayis CG, Flickinger JC, Lunsford LD. The Role of Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Pineal Parenchymal Tumors. Neurosurgery 2002. [DOI: 10.1227/00006123-200210000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Wenger M, Lövblad KO, Markwalder R, Taub E. Late recurrence of pineal germinoma. SURGICAL NEUROLOGY 2002; 57:34-9; discussion 39-40. [PMID: 11834272 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-3019(01)00652-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral germinomas and their occasional recurrences can usually be cured by irradiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two treatment modalities. Late recurrences, as in our case, are distinctly rare. CASE DESCRIPTION This patient presented at age 24 with a calcified tumor in the pineal area. The radiological diagnosis was germinoma. No tissue diagnosis was obtained. Radiation therapy was given, and there was a complete response. The patient's symptoms reappeared 13 years later. Imaging studies revealed a lesion in the anterior corpus callosum. A germinoma was diagnosed by stereotactic biopsy. Because of complications attributed to the initial course of radiation therapy, no further radiation was given. Five courses of chemotherapy resulted in a partial remission lasting six months. The patient later died because of massive tumor progression with intracerebral, intraventricular, cerebellar, and meningeal dissemination. CONCLUSIONS As this case illustrates, exceptional recurrences of cerebral germinomas may appear even many years after adequate initial treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wenger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, Berne, Switzerland
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18
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Nakajima T, Kumabe T, Jokura H, Yoshimoto T. Recurrent Germinoma in the Optic Nerve: Report of Two Cases. Neurosurgery 2001. [DOI: 10.1227/00006123-200101000-00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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19
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Nakajima T, Kumabe T, Jokura H, Yoshimoto T. Recurrent germinoma in the optic nerve: report of two cases. Neurosurgery 2001; 48:214-7; discussion 217-8. [PMID: 11152350 DOI: 10.1097/00006123-200101000-00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE Intracranial germinomas often disseminate via the ventricular and subarachnoid pathways, but seeding to the perioptic arachnoid space is extremely unusual. We report two cases of recurrent germinoma seeding in the optic nerve. CLINICAL PRESENTATION Two men with pure germinoma were initially treated with three cycles of a three-drug regimen of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin, and a complete response was achieved. Patient 1 experienced ventricle wall dissemination 10 months after undergoing the initial treatment and was successfully treated with three cycles of carboplatin and etoposide and then by 24-Gy whole-ventricle radiation. Twelve months later, he complained of progressive visual acuity loss, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral enhancement of the optic nerves. Patient 2 also experienced ventricle wall dissemination 3 months after undergoing the initial chemotherapy, but he exhibited a complete response after undergoing 24-Gy whole-ventricle radiation. Two years later, he complained of progressive visual acuity loss. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral enhancement of the optic nerves and cerebellar hemispheres. INTERVENTION None of the locations of recurrence were included in the irradiation field, whereas there was no recurrence within the radiation field. Complete responses were obtained with three cycles of a three-drug regimen of ifosfamide, cisplatin, and etoposide and then by 24-Gy whole-brain radiation that included the bilateral optic nerves. The visual acuity of each patient improved slightly. CONCLUSION Delayed seeding in the optic nerve may result from germinoma cells that remain dormant, so they cannot be destroyed by chemotherapy regimens alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nakajima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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20
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Bonichon N, San Galli F, Pérel Y, Trouette R, Dahan O, Dautheribes M, Maire JP, Guérin J, Caudry M. [Central nervous system. Experience of the Bordeaux University Hospital Center and review of the literature]. Cancer Radiother 1999; 3:297-304. [PMID: 10486540 DOI: 10.1016/s1278-3218(99)80071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Retrospective analysis of 17 patients with intracranial germ cell tumors treated in a multidisciplinary consultation at the Bordeaux University Hospital a and literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen consecutive patients were treated from 1978 to 1995 for a primary intracranial germ cell tumor. Median age was 14 (range 3-29 years). There were two malignant teratoma, six proved germinoma and nine presumed germinoma (diagnostic based on biological, radiological and treatment criteria). All received radiotherapy from 30 to 60 Gy (median 40 Gy) in different volumes. Chemotherapy was administered in 15 cases, three after surgery and 12 after radiotherapy. RESULTS All tumours were in complete remission after initial treatment. The two malignant teratomas recurred in non-irradiated area after nine and 48 months, and the patients died. None of the germinoma recurred within a follow-up period of two to 17 years (median 65 months). Five and 10 year actuarial overall survival rates were the same: 84% for all histologies and 100% for germinomas. Only two patients developed school difficulties and six presented an hypopituitarism, of which one was consecutive to radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was well tolerated. CONCLUSION This retrospective study and literature analysis are in favor of limited dose and volume of radiation therapy associated with chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bonichon
- Service de radiothérapie, hôpital Saint-André, Bordeaux, France
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21
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Hupperets PS, Defesche HF, de Bruijckere LM, Twijnstra A. The role of chemotherapy in intracranial germinoma: a case report. Ann Oncol 1999; 10:723-6. [PMID: 10442196 DOI: 10.1023/a:1008230822840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The case of a 29-year-old man with histologically proven simultaneous germinoma (seminoma) of the pineal gland and a stage I embryonal carcinoma of the testis is reported. An intradural metastatic lesion from the pineal germinoma was diagnosed at the level of the first thoracic vertebra. Treatment, after inguinal orchiectomy, was chemotherapy only, rather than conventional radiotherapy for the pineal germinoma. METHODS Therapy consisted of bleomycin (B), etoposide (E) and cisplatin (P). MRI was used to assess the effectiveness of BEP chemotherapy. RESULTS A complete remission of the pineal gland germinoma and the epidural metastasis was documented after two cycles of BEP chemotherapy and after 15 months of follow-up the patient remains free of relapse. DISCUSSION The pathogenesis of simultaneously occurring germinoma of the pineal gland and embryonal cell carcinoma of the testis is discussed. The choice of therapy in these circumstances is a matter of debate and the good result of chemotherapy alone in this patient suggest that primary chemotherapy may be the therapy of choice in patients with pineal germinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Hupperets
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands
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22
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Kitamura K, Shirato H, Sawamura Y, Suzuki K, Ikeda J, Miyasaka K. Preirradiation evaluation and technical assessment of involved-field radiotherapy using computed tomographic (CT) simulation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy for intracranial germinoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1999; 43:783-8. [PMID: 10098433 DOI: 10.1016/s0360-3016(98)00488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the importance of preirradiation mental and endocrinological evaluation, and the effectiveness of involved-field radiotherapy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS Following etoposide and cisplatin with or without ifosfamide, 13 patients with nondisseminated disease received involved-field irradiation of 24 Gy in 12 fractions within 3 weeks and 2 patients with disseminated germinoma received 24 Gy craniospinal irradiation (CSI). CT simulation was used to cover the tumor bed. RESULTS Full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) tests given at the time of the initial radiotherapy showed less than 90 in 7 of 11 patients who had tumors involving the neurohypophyseal region, but the 4 patients who had solitary pineal tumors showed higher scores. Panhypopituitarism was observed in 9 patients with tumors involving the neurohypophyseal region. All patients are alive without disease, with a median follow-up period of 40 months. No in-field relapse was noted after the involved-field radiotherapy. One patient experienced a recurrence outside of the planning target volume. CONCLUSION Decline of neurocognitive and endocrine functions were often seen in patients with tumors involving the hypophyseal region, but not in patients with solitary pineal germinoma before radiotherapy. Involved-field radiotherapy using 24 Gy is effective with the help of CT simulation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kitamura
- Department of Radiology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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Aoyama H, Shirato H, Kakuto Y, Inakoshi H, Nishio M, Yoshida H, Hareyama M, Yanagisawa T, Watarai J, Miyasaka K. Pathologically-proven intracranial germinoma treated with radiation therapy. Radiother Oncol 1998; 47:201-5. [PMID: 9683370 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(98)00017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A retrospective multi-institutional study was conducted to survey what percentage of intracranial germinomas were treated with pathological confirmation before radiotherapy and to investigate the influence of field selection on outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven percent of patients (41 of 110 patients) were pathologically confirmed before radiotherapy during the past 16 years at eight institutions in Northern Japanese prefectures. Pathological confirmation was obtained in 26, 37 and 53% of cases during 1978-1983, 1984-1989 and 1990-1994, respectively. All 110 patients were examined using computed tomography (CT) scans. Among the 41 patients with pathologically confirmed germinoma, radiation fields were craniospinal in 23 patients, whole-brain in 10 patients and local without ventricle inclusion in eight patients. RESULTS For the 41 patients with pathologically confirmed germinoma, the actuarial and cause-specific survival rates were 91/94% at 5 years and 87/90% at 10 years, respectively. The relapse-free survival rate at 10 years was 90. 76 and 22% for the craniospinal field, whole-brain field and local field without ventricle inclusion, respectively. CONCLUSION Pathological confirmation was obtained in only 37% of CT-scan era cases, although the confirmations were more commonly carried out later in the study period. Limited local irradiation alone without ventricle inclusion cannot be recommended for localized tumors even with the help of CT scanning.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Aoyama
- Department of Radiology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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Haddock MG, Schild SE, Scheithauer BW, Schomberg PJ. Radiation therapy for histologically confirmed primary central nervous system germinoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1997; 38:915-23. [PMID: 9276355 DOI: 10.1016/s0360-3016(97)00135-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate survival and patterns of recurrence in patients with primary central nervous system germinoma treated with radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS Data regarding 48 patients with histologically confirmed, primary central nervous system germinoma were reviewed. All had been operated on at the Mayo Clinic between the years 1935 and 1993. Thirty-two patients (67%) were treated since 1973. The study group included 39 males and 9 females, with a median age at diagnosis of 17 years (range, 6-42 years). Twelve patients (25%) were treated with craniospinal axis irradiation, 11 (23%) received whole-brain irradiation without spinal axis irradiation, and 24 (50%) underwent partial-brain irradiation. Treatment volumes were unknown in one patient. The median dose to the primary tumor was 44.00 Gy (range, 7.44-59.40 Gy). The median follow-up was 5.5 years (range, 4 months to 37 years). RESULTS Actuarial 5-year and 10-year survival for the entire study group of patients was 80%. There was a trend toward improved survival in patients treated after 1973 (introduction of computed tomography) with 5-year and 10-year survival of 91% vs. 63% in prior years (p = 0.07). For the group of 31 patients treated since 1973 with known treatment volumes, the spinal axis failure rate at 5 years was 49% for patients treated with partial brain fields (11 patients) vs. 0% for those having undergone whole brain (10 patients) or craniospinal axis (10 patients) irradiation (p = 0.007). The rate of brain failure was also significantly higher in patients receiving less than whole-brain irradiation; at 5 years, 45% of the patients treated with partial-brain fields had intracranial recurrence of disease compared to 6 % of patients treated with craniospinal axis or whole-brain irradiation (p = 0.01). Among the 32 modern era patients, the rate of brain failure was higher in patients who received doses less than 40 Gy (median dose, 48.55 Gy; range, 30.60-59.40 Gy) to the primary tumor (5-year brain failure rate 52% vs. 11%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION The long-term survival of patients with histologically proven CNS germinoma treated with radiation is excellent. Whole-brain or craniospinal axis irradiation appears to result in fewer spine and brain failures than does partial-brain irradiation. Furthermore, the administration of doses greater than 40 Gy to the primary tumor is associated with better local control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Haddock
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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25
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Radiation therapy for intracranial germ cell tumors: Predictive value of tumor response as evaluated by computed tomography. Int J Clin Oncol 1997. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02488875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Kretschmar CS. Germ cell tumors of the brain in children: a review of current literature and new advances in therapy. Cancer Invest 1997; 15:187-98. [PMID: 9095216 DOI: 10.3109/07357909709115773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C S Kretschmar
- Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children, New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kreth FW, Schätz CR, Pagenstecher A, Faist M, Volk B, Ostertag CB. Stereotactic management of lesions of the pineal region. Neurosurgery 1996; 39:280-9; discussion 289-91. [PMID: 8832665 DOI: 10.1097/00006123-199608000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The relevance of the computed tomography-guided stereotactic approach for the management of lesions of the pineal region is analyzed. METHODS In a retrospective analysis conducted between 1985 and 1993, the risk profile, the diagnostic accuracy, and the therapeutic relevance of the stereotactic approach in 106 patients was studied. Survival analysis was used to assess the reliability of the stereotactically obtained diagnosis in terms of follow-up observation. RESULTS A histological diagnosis was obtained in 103 of the 106 patients. In three patients, a conclusive diagnosis could not be established because of intraoperative complications. One lesion was misdiagnosed as a pineocytoma instead of a pineoblastoma. Two of the 106 patients died; 9 patients experienced perioperative morbidity. In 38 patients, the stereotactic approach was also useful for therapy. Cyst aspiration and/or internal drainage was performed in 18 patients with symptomatic cystic lesions, and radiosurgical treatment with use of interstitial 125iodine was performed in 16 patients with low-grade tumors and in 4 patients with solitary metastases. In 12 patients, the obtained tissue diagnosis was the basis for deferring additional therapy. In 43 patients with germ-cell tumors, pineoblastomas, or malignant gliomas, a stereotactic biopsy was the starting point for additional radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Open tumor resection played a minor role (five patients). CONCLUSION The stereotactic approach to the pineal region is a relatively safe procedure in experienced hands. The diagnosis obtained by computed tomography-guided stereotactic biopsy is a valid basis for treatment decisions. Long-term follow-up observation of the benign lesions is necessary for a definite confirmation of diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F W Kreth
- Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg, Germany
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Abstract
Between 1980 and 1992, 32 patients with intracranial germinomas were treated with radiation. All patients were confirmed histopathologically prior to treatment. Of the 32 intracranial germinomas reviewed, 14 were located in the suprasellar region, 12 in the basal ganglia and thalamus, four in the pineal, and two in both the pineal and suprasellar regions. Three patients had subarachnoid seeding. Craniospinal irradiation was undertaken for 29 patients. The median dose of 54 Gy was delivered to the tumor bed, 36 Gy to the whole brain and 24 Gy to the spinal axis. Five and 10-year survival rates were 96.9 and 96.9%, respectively. Local control was achieved in all patients except one who died of persistent tumor after 2 months following radiotherapy. No intracranial recurrence or spinal metastasis were found. Tumor site did not relate to the prognosis. One patient developed severe intellectual deterioration, three patients had vertebral growth impairment. The present study confirms the excellent result with radiotherapy alone for patients with germinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Huh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
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