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Li MWT, Poon SWY, Cheung C, Wong CKC, Shing MMK, Chow TTW, Lee SLK, Pang GSW, Kwan EYW, Poon GWK, Yau HC, Tung JYL, Liu APY. Incidence and Predictors for Oncologic Etiologies in Chinese Children with Pituitary Stalk Thickening. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3935. [PMID: 37568752 PMCID: PMC10417368 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of children with endocrine disorders, pituitary stalk thickening (PST) poses a clinical conundrum due to the potential for underlying neoplasms and challenges in obtaining a tissue biopsy. The existing literature suggests Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) to be the commonest (16%) oncologic cause for PST, followed by germ cell tumors (GCTs, 13%) (CCLG 2021). As the cancer epidemiology varies according to ethnicity, we present herein the incidence and predictors for oncologic etiologies in Hong Kong Chinese children with PST. METHODS Based on a territory-wide electronic database, we reviewed patients aged < 19 years who presented to three referral centers with endocrinopathies between 2010 and 2022. Records for patients who underwent at least one MRI brain/pituitary were examined (n = 1670): those with PST (stalk thickness ≥ 3 mm) were included, while patients with pre-existing cancer, other CNS and extra-CNS disease foci that were diagnostic of the underlying condition were excluded. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients (M:F = 10:18) were identified. The median age at diagnosis of PST was 10.9 years (range: 3.8-16.5), with central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) being the most frequent presenting endocrine disorders. At a median follow-up of 4.8 years, oncologic diagnoses were made in 14 patients (50%), including 13 GCTs (46%; germinoma = 11, non-germinoma = 2) and one LCH (4%). Among patients with GCTs, 10 were diagnosed based on histology, two by abnormal tumor markers and one by a combination of histology and tumor markers. Three patients with germinoma were initially misdiagnosed as hypophysitis/LCH. The cumulative incidence of oncologic diagnoses was significantly higher in boys and patients with PST at presentation ≥6.5 mm, CDI or ≥2 pituitary hormone deficiencies at presentation and evolving hypopituitarism (all p < 0.05 by log-rank). CONCLUSIONS A higher rate of GCTs was observed in Chinese children with endocrinopathy and isolated PST. The predictors identified in this study may guide healthcare providers in Asia in clinical decision making. Serial measurement of tumor markers is essential in management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario W. T. Li
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (M.W.T.L.); (S.L.K.L.); (J.Y.L.T.)
| | - Sarah W. Y. Poon
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Claudia Cheung
- Department of Radiology, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K. C. Wong
- Department of Radiology, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Matthew M. K. Shing
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (M.W.T.L.); (S.L.K.L.); (J.Y.L.T.)
| | - Terry T. W. Chow
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (M.W.T.L.); (S.L.K.L.); (J.Y.L.T.)
| | - Samantha L. K. Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (M.W.T.L.); (S.L.K.L.); (J.Y.L.T.)
| | - Gloria S. W. Pang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (M.W.T.L.); (S.L.K.L.); (J.Y.L.T.)
| | - Elaine Y. W. Kwan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (M.W.T.L.); (S.L.K.L.); (J.Y.L.T.)
| | - Grace W. K. Poon
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho-Chung Yau
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joanna Y. L. Tung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (M.W.T.L.); (S.L.K.L.); (J.Y.L.T.)
| | - Anthony P. Y. Liu
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (M.W.T.L.); (S.L.K.L.); (J.Y.L.T.)
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Kremenevski N, Buchfelder M, Hore N. Intracranial Germinomas: Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, and Management. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:765-775. [PMID: 37036624 PMCID: PMC10256636 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intracranial germinomas constitute a rare brain tumor entity of unknown etiology, characterized by unique histopathology and molecular biology. In this manuscript, we review the literature focusing on the epidemiology, histopathology with molecular biology, clinical presentation with emphasis on tumor location, diagnostic workup, and current treatment strategies with related clinical outcomes of intracranial germinomas. RECENT FINDINGS Although the optimal treatment strategy remains a matter of debate, intracranial germinomas respond well to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both and are characterized by very high cure and survival rates. It is well-known that early discrimination of germinomas from other intracranial neoplasms facilitates the timely initiation of appropriate treatment, thereby contributing to the reduction of morbidity as well as mortality. Ongoing research will need to be directed towards discovering and refining reliable parameters for early diagnosis and evaluation of prognosis in patients with intracranial germinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kremenevski
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Michael Buchfelder
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nirjhar Hore
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Wong TT, Tsai ML, Chang H, Hsieh KLC, Ho DMT, Lin SC, Yen HJ, Chen YW, Lee HL, Yang TF. Brain and Spinal Tumors Originating from the Germ Line Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1405:421-455. [PMID: 37452948 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-23705-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Primary central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNS GCTs) are part of the GCTs in children and adults. This tumor entity presents with geographic variation, age, and sex predilection. There are two age peaks of incidence distribution at the first few months of life and in adolescence. CNS GCTs are heterogeneous in histopathological subtypes, locations, and tumor marker (AFP, β-hCG) secretions. In the WHO CNS tumor classification, GCTS are classified as germinoma and nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) with different subtypes (including teratoma). Excluding mature teratoma, the remaining NGGCTs are malignant (NGMGCT). In teratoma, growing teratoma syndrome and teratoma with somatic-type malignancy should be highlighted. The common intracranial locations are pineal region, neurohypophysis (NH), bifocal pineal-NH, basal ganglia, and cerebral ventricle. Above 50% of intracranial GCTs (IGCTs) present obstructive hydrocephalus. Spinal tumors are rare. Age, locations, hydrocephalus, and serum/CSF titer of β-hCG correlate with clinical manifestations. Delayed diagnosis is common in tumors arising in neurohypophysis, bifocal, and basal ganglia resulting in the increasing of physical dysfunction and hormonal deficits. Staging work-up includes CSF cytology for tumor cells and contrast-enhanced MRI of brain and spine for macroscopic metastasis before treatment commences. The therapeutic approach of CNS GCTs integrates locations, histopathology, staging, tumor marker level, and therapeutic classification. Treatment strategies include surgical biopsy/excision, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (single or combination). Secreting tumors with consistent imaging may not require histopathological diagnosis. Primary germinomas are highly radiosensitive and the therapeutic aim is to maintain high survival rate using optimal radiotherapy regimen with/without chemotherapy combination. Primary NGNGCTs are less radiosensitive. The therapeutic aim is to increase survival utilizing more intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The negative prognostic factors are residue disease at the end of treatment and serum or CSF AFP level >1000 ng/mL at diagnosis. In refractory or recurrent NMGGCTs, besides high-dose chemotherapy, new therapy is necessary. Molecular profiling and analysis help for translational research. Survivors of pediatric brain tumors frequently experience cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, physical disability, pituitary hormone deficiency, and other CNS complications after cranial radiotherapy. Continuous surveillance and assessment may lead to improvements in treatment protocols, transdisciplinary interventions, after-treatment rehabilitation, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Tong Wong
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
| | - Min-Lan Tsai
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Hsi Chang
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Kevin Li-Chun Hsieh
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Imaging, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Donald Ming-Tak Ho
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ju Yen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wei Chen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Lun Lee
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Fen Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Taieb A, Mounira EE. Pilot Findings on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Induced Pituitary Diseases: A Mini Review from Diagnosis to Pathophysiology. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122004. [PMID: 36560413 PMCID: PMC9786744 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2019, a massive vaccination campaign has been undertaken rapidly and worldwide. Like other vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine is not devoid of side effects. Typically, the adverse side effects of vaccination include transient headache, fever, and myalgia. Endocrine organs are also affected by adverse effects. The major SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-associated endocrinopathies reported since the beginning of the vaccination campaign are thyroid and pancreas disorders. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced pituitary diseases have become more frequently described in the literature. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE for commentaries, case reports, and case series articles reporting pituitary disorders following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The search was reiterated until September 2022, in which eight case reports were found. In all the cases, there were no personal or familial history of pituitary disease described. All the patients described had no previous SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to the vaccination episode. Regarding the type of vaccines administered, 50% of the patients received (BNT162b2; Pfizer-BioNTech) and 50% received (ChAdOx1 nCov-19; AstraZeneca). In five cases, the pituitary disorder developed after the first dose of the corresponding vaccine. Regarding the types of pituitary disorder, five were hypophysitis (variable clinical aspects ranging from pituitary lesion to pituitary stalk thickness) and three were pituitary apoplexy. The time period between vaccination and pituitary disorder ranged from one to seven days. Depending on each case's follow-up time, a complete remission was obtained in all the apoplexy cases but in only three patients with hypophysitis (persistence of the central diabetes insipidus). Both quantity and quality of the published data about pituitary inconveniences after COVID-19 vaccination are limited. Pituitary disorders, unlike thyroid disorders, occur very quickly after COVID-19 vaccination (less than seven days for pituitary disorders versus two months for thyroid disease). This is partially explained by the ease of reaching the pituitary, which is a small gland. Therefore, this gland is rapidly overspread, which explains the speed of onset of pituitary symptoms (especially ADH deficiency which is a rapid onset deficit with evocative symptoms). Accordingly, these pilot findings offer clinicians a future direction to be vigilant for possible pituitary adverse effects of vaccination. This will allow them to accurately orient patients for medical assistance when they present with remarkable symptoms, such as asthenia, polyuro-polydipsia, or severe headache, following a COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ach Taieb
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Farhat Hached Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Exercice Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Correspondence:
| | - El Euch Mounira
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Charles Nicoles, Tunis 4074, Tunisia
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Shao X, Li J, Yang Q, Li K, Yao Y, Sun F, Li Z. Transnasal Endoscopic and Transoral Approaches in the Biopsies of Ventral Atlas and Axis Vertebrae: A Comprehensive Retrospective Study for Preprocedural Scheme, Biopsy Procedure, Core Technique Analysis, Diagnostic Yield and Clinical Outcome. Orthop Surg 2022; 14:1593-1606. [PMID: 35706342 PMCID: PMC9363750 DOI: 10.1111/os.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe and analyze the transoral and transnasal approaches for pathologies of the ventral atlas and axis vertebrae, which are considered technically challenging regions for diagnostic biopsy. METHODS A series of transnasal endoscopic approach (TNA) and transoral approach (TOA) biopsies for the pathologies of the first and second cervical vertebrae were conducted and retrospectively analyzed from July 2014 to May 2021. The depth of the biopsy trajectory was measured on computed tomography images for all nine patients (eight males and one female with an average age of 58.11 ± 11.60 years), as were the coronal, sagittal, and vertical biopsy safe ranges. The characteristics of each lesion, including radiographic features, blood supply, and destruction of anterior or posterior vertebral body edges, were evaluated to guide the biopsy. Four biopsy core techniques (BCTs), including "lesion perforating", "aspiration", "cutting-and-scraping" and "biopsy forceps utilization" were elaborated in this study. The biopsy procedures and periprocedural precautions were demonstrated. Patient demographics, clinical data, lesion characteristics, diagnostic yield, and complications were recorded for each case. RESULTS Eight TOA biopsies for the axis vertebral body and one TNA biopsy for the atlas anterior arch were successfully performed and yielded adequate pathologies. All biopsies were organized based on the preprocedural radiographic measurements, which showed that the average length of biopsy trajectory and coronal, sagittal, and vertical safe biopsy ranges were 85.00 ± 5.88, 20.63 ± 4.75, 16.25 ± 1.49, and 24.63 ± 2.26 mm, respectively, and these corresponding data were 95, 36, 9, and 26 mm in the TNA patient. Six osteolytic lesions (66.7%), one osteoblastic lesion (11.1%), and two mixed lesions (22.2%) were observed, among which seven lesions had a rich blood supply. Biopsy forceps and core needles were utilized to obtain samples in six and three patients, respectively. All the TNA and TOA biopsies were performed with cooperative application of multiple BCTs under compound anatomic and stereotactic navigations. Intraprocedural or postprocedural complications occurred in no patients who underwent the biopsy in the follow-up period (1-39 months). No significant differences were found between the preprocedural and postprocedural blood indexes and visual analogue scale scores. CONCLUSION With a sophisticated preprocedural arrangement, cooperative application of BCTs, and careful periprocedural precautions, transnasal endoscopic and transoral biopsies are two feasible, efficient, and well-tolerated procedures that achieve satisfactory diagnostic yield, complication rate, and clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhao Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ka Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Radiography, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feifei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenfeng Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Jeon C, Choi JW, Kong DS, Shin HJ. Outcome of endoscopic transcortical intraventricular biopsy of isolated thickened pituitary stalk lesions in children. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2021:1-6. [PMID: 34861646 DOI: 10.3171/2021.9.peds21254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic transcortical intraventricular biopsy in pediatric patients with isolated thickened pituitary stalk lesions. METHODS From 1994 to 2018, 16 pediatric patients (8 males and 8 females) underwent endoscopic transcortical intraventricular biopsy at a single institution to establish an accurate pathological diagnosis for appropriate treatment strategies. RESULTS Preoperatively, the median diameter of the pituitary stalks was 5.31 ± 1.67 mm (range 3.86-9.17 mm). Overall, the diagnostic yield at endoscopic intraventricular biopsy was 93.8%. Histopathological diagnosis included germinoma (n = 10, 62.5%), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (n = 4, 25%), pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 1, 6.3%), and pituicytoma (n = 1, 6.3%). Two patients developed new diabetes insipidus after the procedure, and 3 patients had new postoperative hypothyroidism. There were no postoperative neurological deficits in this series. CONCLUSIONS Neuroendoscopic biopsy via the transcortical intraventricular corridor was shown to be safe and to aid in a reliable histopathological diagnosis in the management of isolated pituitary stalk lesions in pediatric patients. It can be considered a minimally invasive alternative to open biopsy via transcranial or endonasal corridors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiman Jeon
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul; and
| | - Jung Won Choi
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul; and
| | - Doo-Sik Kong
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul; and
| | - Hyung Jin Shin
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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Molecular Pathology and Targeted Therapies for Personalized Management of Central Nervous System Germinoma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070661. [PMID: 34357128 PMCID: PMC8306901 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracranial germinomas are rare tumours, usually affecting male paediatric patients. They frequently develop in the pineal and suprasellar regions, causing endocrinological disturbances, visual deficits, and increased intracranial pressure. The diagnosis is established on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers, and tumour stereotactic biopsy. Imaging techniques, such as susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), T2* (T2-star) gradient echo (GRE) or arterial spin labelling based perfusion-weighted MRI (ASL-PWI) facilitate the diagnosis. Germinomas are highly radiosensitive tumours, with survival rates >90% in the context of chemoradiotherapy. However, patients with resistant disease have limited therapeutic options and poor survival. The aim of this review is to highlight the genetic, epigenetic, and immunologic features, which could provide the basis for targeted therapy. Intracranial germinomas present genetic and epigenetic alterations (chromosomal aberrations, KIT, MAPK and PI3K pathways mutations, DNA hypomethylation, miRNA dysregulation) that may represent targets for therapy. Tyrosine kinase and mTOR inhibitors warrant further investigation in these cases. Immune markers, PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) and PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1), are expressed in germinomas, representing potential targets for immune checkpoint inhibitors. Resistant cases should benefit from a personalized management: genetic and immunological testing and enrolment in trials evaluating targeted therapies in intracranial germinomas.
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