Analysis of prognostic factors and establishment of prognostic model for primary mediastinal germ cell tumors: a case controlled study

BACKGROUND

The overall prognosis of primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) is poor and the associated prognostic factors are not fully understood. Our goal was to investigate the prognostic factors of PMGCTs and to develop a validated prognostic prediction model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 114 PMGCTs with specific pathological types were included in this study. Clinicopathological characteristics of nonseminomatous PMGCTs and mediastinal seminomas were compared using the χ2 or Fisher's exact test. Independent prognostic factors of nonseminomatous PMGCTs screened using the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were then used to generate a nomogram. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated using the concordance index, decision curve, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and validated by bootstrap resampling. The Kaplan-Meier curves of independent prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

This study included 71 cases of nonseminomatous PMGCTs and 43 cases of mediastinal seminomas. The 3-year overall survival rates for nonseminomatous PMGCTs and mediastinal seminomas patients were 54.5 and 97.4%, respectively. The overall survival prognostic nomogram for nonseminomatous PMGCTs was established by integrating independent prognostic factors, including the Moran-Suster stage, white blood cell, hemoglobin, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio. The nomogram demonstrated good performance with a concordance index of 0.760 and the 1-year and 3-year AUC values of 0.821 and 0.833, respectively. These values were better than those of the Moran-Suster stage system. The bootstrap validation had an AUC of 0.820 (0.724-0.915) and showed a well-fitting calibration curve. Besides, patients with mediastinal seminomas showed favorable clinical outcomes and all the nine patients received neoadjuvant therapy and postoperative surgery achieved pathological complete response.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram based on staging and blood routine examination results was established to accurately and consistently predict the prognosis of patients with nonseminomatous PMGCTs.

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCT): A real-world analysis from a tertiary cancer care centre in India

BACKGROUND

Primary mediastinal GCT (PMGCT) is a rare entity and comprises 10-15% of all mediastinal tumors . We present our institutional experience of MGCT treated with multimodality management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis between 2010 to 2020 of all mediastinal germ cell tumors registered at our center. Data on patient demographics, treatments received, treatment toxicities and response were recorded. Overall survival and relapse free survival were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients were identified. The median age was 25.5 (range, 18-45) years. Common presenting features included cough (70%) and shortness of breath (70%) . Histology wise, 60% patients were non seminomatous histology whereas 33.3% patients were Seminoma.Twenty seven (90%) patients received chemotherapy as the first-line treatment, of whom five patients (16.6%) underwent surgery and radiation therapy subsequently. Median follow-up was 26.9 months. Thirteen patients (43.3%) had complete response (43.3%) and 8 patients had partial response (26.7%), while three patients (5.5%) had progressive disease. Three year relapse free survival rate was 69.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.8-85.6%). Overall survival (OS) at 3 years was 73.4% (95% CI, 49.4- 87.3%). Patients with seminoma had a 3 year OS of 90.0% (95% CI, 47.3-98.5%) compared to those with non-seminoma (63.53% [95% CI, 32.3-83.3%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiagent chemotherapy is the backbone of treatement in PMGCT. Seminomatous PMGCT have excellent prognosis, while further improvement is needed in those with non-seminomatous tumor.

Large mediastinal/thoracic benign teratoma presenting with haemoptysis: Report of a case and review of the literature

The mediastinal teratomas can grow to a large size before becoming symptomatic. The symptoms are usually due to the compression of adjacent structures. A computed tomographic scan of the chest is the investigation of choice for making a provisional diagnosis and planning for further management. Removal of large mediastinal/thoracic teratoma can be associated with various intraoperative and postoperative complications, which can be life-threatening sometimes. We operated on a patient with a large mediastinal mass extending into the right thoracic cavity up to the costo-phrenic angle. The postoperative period was eventful and required judicious intensive care. The patient eventually recovered with conservative treatment. A literature search was done on PubMed using the keywords benign mediastinal teratoma. Case series/original articles published in the last two decades, that is, after the year 2000, were evaluated. As per the review of the literature, the prevalence of benign mediastinal teratoma may be higher in eastern countries. Thoracoscopic surgery is the preferred modality except for cases with adhesions or infiltration into surrounding structures.

Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: A Thorough Literature Review

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) are a rare type of cancer affecting young adults. They have different molecular and clinical features compared to testicular germ cell tumors. Non-seminoma PMGCTs have the shortest 5-year overall survival and the poorest prognosis among all of the germ cell tumor presentations, while seminomas share the same survival and prognosis as their testicular counterparts. There is an unmet need for better treatment options for patients with non-seminoma PMGCTs in both first-line and salvage therapy, as the available options are associated with underwhelming outcomes. Identifying biological and genetic factors to predict treatment responses would be helpful in improving the survival of these patients.

Successful restart of chemotherapy in a patient with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumor after COVID-19 infection

Cancer patients are considered highly susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, it is not well known when chemotherapy can be safely restarted in cancer patients after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we describe the case of an 18-year-old man diagnosed with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (PMNSGCT) in which chemotherapy could be safely restarted after COVID-19. On day 11 of the third cycle of bleomycin, etoposide, plus cisplatin (BEP), he was diagnosed with mild COVID-19. On day 16 after the onset of COVID-19 (day 26 of third cycle of BEP), chemotherapy for his PMNSGCT was restarted. He received surgery after the fourth cycle of BEP without recurrence of COVID-19. Chemotherapy could be restarted and followed by surgery in this post-COVID-19 patient who had experienced mild illness after the discharge criteria were met and all symptoms had disappeared. We report this case with a review of the literature on restarting chemotherapy after SARS-CoV2 infection.

How to classify, diagnose, treat and follow-up extragonadal germ cell tumors? A systematic review of available evidence

PURPOSE

To present the current evidence and the development of studies in recent years on the management of extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCT).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline and the Cochrane Library. Studies within the search period (January 2010 to February 2021) that addressed the classification, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and follow-up of extragonadal tumors were included. Risk of bias was assessed and relevant data were extracted in evidence tables.

RESULTS

The systematic search identified nine studies. Germ cell tumors (GCT) arise predominantly from within the testis, but about 5% of the tumors are primarily located extragonadal. EGCT are localized primarily mediastinal or retroperitoneal in the midline of the body. EGCT patients are classified according to the IGCCCG classification. Consecutively, all mediastinal non-seminomatous EGCT patients belong to the "poor prognosis" group. In contrast mediastinal seminoma and both retroperitoneal seminoma and non-seminoma patients seem to have a similar prognosis as patients with gonadal GCTs and metastasis at theses respective sites. The standard chemotherapy regimen for patients with a EGCT consists of 3-4 cycles (good vs intermediate prognosis) of bleomycin, etoposid, cisplatin (BEP); however, due to their very poor prognosis patients with non-seminomatous mediastinal GCT should receive a dose-intensified or high-dose chemotherapy approach upfront on an individual basis and should thus be referred to expert centers Ifosfamide may be exchanged for bleomycin in cases of additional pulmonary metastasis due to subsequently planned resections. In general patients with non-seminomatous EGCT, residual tumor resection (RTR) should be performed after chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

In general, non-seminomatous EGCT have a poorer prognosis compared to testicular GCT, while seminomatous EGGCT seem to have a similar prognosis to patients with metastatic testicular seminoma. The current insights on EGCT are limited, since all data are mainly based on case series and studies with small patient numbers and non-comparative studies. In general, systemic treatment should be performed like in testicular metastatic GCTs but upfront dose intensification of chemotherapy should be considered for mediastinal non-seminoma patients. Thus, EGCT should be referred to interdisciplinary centers with utmost experience in the treatment of germ cell tumors.

Mediastinal germ cell tumours: where we are and where we are going-a narrative review

OBJECTIVE

In this review, we summarize the current state of the art of primary mediastinal germ cell tumours (PMGCTs) and we highlight challenges and future research directions for this disease.

BACKGROUND

PMGCTs account for 1-3% of all germ cell malignancies and for 15% of adult anterior mediastinal cancers. In 60-70% of cases PMGCTs are represented by nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (GCTs), and in 30-40% of cases by seminomas. Even if PMGCTs share histological and biochemical characteristics with gonadal GCTs, they have peculiar clinical and biological features. Nonseminomatous PMGCTs have a poor prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 40-50% after platinum-based chemotherapy and surgery, and a long-term OS of only 10% after salvage treatment. Due to the rarity of this disease, no level 1 evidence is available from randomised trials for PMGCTs. The combination of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) or etoposide, ifosfamide and cisplatin (VIP) for 4 cycles are recommended as first line treatment options for nonseminomatous PMGCTs. Surgery of the residual disease after chemotherapy is fundamental in the treatment of nonseminomatous PMGCTs. PMGCTs have high TP53 pathway gene alterations, while targetable gene alterations are rarely identified, thus challenging the advance of precision medicine in this field.

METHODS

We performed a narrative review of international literature published in English on PMGCTs, focusing the attention on clinical trials, international guidelines and translational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of patients with PMGCTs is challenging and should be performed in experienced centers. International collaborations should become a priority to ensure optimal patient management. Clinical investigation of new therapeutic options remains an important unmet clinical need, and inclusion of patients in clinical trials should be encouraged. Liquid biopsy is a new promising strategy in PMGCTs.

Successful treatment of radiotherapy and apatinib in patient with mediastinal mixed non-seminomatous germ cell tumor: A case report

RATIONALE

Mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (MNSGCTs) are rare malignancies. Chemotherapy followed by surgical resection has been regarded as the standard management, but treatment options for chemotherapy-refractory patients or those with unresectable tumors are limited, resulting in a very poor prognosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 18-year-old female presented with symptoms of cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath for 2 months, and the symptoms gradually worsened.

DIAGNOSIS

Computed tomography (CT) revealed a large mediastinal mass invading the pericardium and great blood vessels. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were normal. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens revealed mixed MNSGCT with embryonal carcinoma and immature teratoma components.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient achieved complete remission (CR) and long-term survival after multimodal therapy comprising chemotherapy, positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT)-guided volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and anti-angiogenic targeted therapy.

OUTCOMES

The patient was followed up for more than 4 years without recurrence, metastasis, or treatment-related adverse effects.

LESSONS

The case presented here highlights the importance of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment, providing evidence that radiotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy may play an important role in unresectable or residual tumors after failure of conventional treatments of MNSGCT. Percutaneous biopsy is necessary for diagnosis if the tumor is unresectable, and serum AFP and HCG levels are normal. Additionally, PET/CT is an effective method for evaluation of efficacy and radiotherapy guidance for patients with MNSGCTs.

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumours with high prevalence of somatic malignancy: An experience from a single tertiary care oncology centre

BACKGROUND

Primary mediastinal germ tumours (PMGCT) constitute, a mere 3-4% of all germ cell tumours (GCT). Although they account for approximately 16% of mediastinal tumours in adults and 19-25% in children as per western literature, there is hardly any large series on PMGCT reported from the Indian subcontinent.

DESIGN

We have retrospectively analysed clinicopathological features of 98 cases of PMGCT diagnosed over 10 years (2010-2019) from a tertiary-care oncology centre.

RESULTS

The study group (n = 98) comprised predominantly of males (n = 92) (M:F ratio-15:1), with an age range between 3 months to 57 years (median: 25 years). The tumours were predominantly located in the anterior mediastinum (n = 96). Broadly, Non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT) were more common (n = 73, 74%) compared to pure seminoma (n = 25, 26%). Mixed NSGCT was the most common histological subtype (n = 30) followed by pure mature teratoma (n = 18), pure Yolk sac tumour (n = 13), mixed seminoma and NSGCT (n = 5), pure immature teratoma (n = 3) and GCT; NOS (n = 4). Interestingly, all female patients had exclusive teratomas. Nine cases revealed secondary somatic malignancy (5 carcinomas and 4 sarcomas). The majority of patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 71). Surgical excision was performed in 60 patients. Follow up was available in 68 patients. NSGCT showed a poor prognosis as compared to seminoma (p value = 0.03) and tumours with somatic malignancies had a more aggressive clinical course.

CONCLUSION

PMGCT was seen predominantly in young adult males and somatic malignancies were noted in as high as 9% of cases. Patient with somatic malignancy have aggressive clinical course, hence, extensive sampling and careful histopathological evaluation are recommended for the identification and definitive characterization.

Nomograms for Predicting Prognosis of Primary Mediastinal Seminoma: A Population-Based Study

Objectives

Primary mediastinal seminoma (PMS) was an uncommon carcinoma, and the appropriate treatment remained controversial due to the low incidence. We aimed to investigate the demographics and tumor biological characteristics to determine the potential effective treatment and predict the prognosis.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with PMS were selected between 1975 and 2016 from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard model were conducted to determine the prognostic factors, and nomograms were employed to visually predict the prognosis. Concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were conducted to validate the prediction model.

Results

A total of 476 patients were included with a median age of 31 years (range, 2–76 years), and a median size of the tumor was 11.6 cm (range, 0.2–24.0 cm). The 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS) rates were 70.4% and 68.4%, respectively. Age, the extent of the primary site, metastatic status, and surgery performance were independent prognostic factors. Not received surgery was considered a poor prognostic factor for OS (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.13–3.03; P=0.013). The C-index was 0.733 (95% CI, 0.685–0.781) and 0.819 (95% CI, 0.737–0.901) for internal and external validation for predicting OS, respectively. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.743 (95% CI, 0.681–0.804) for predicting OS (sensitivity, 0.532; specificity, 0.887) in the training cohort.

Conclusions

The nomogram could efficiently predict the survival of patients with PMS. Surgery was the potential effective treatment, and chemotherapy was strongly recommended for patients over 40 years.

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumours: real world experience in the low middle income (LMIC) setting

PURPOSE

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumours (PMGCTs) are rare; with limited data available about their outcomes and optimal treatment in the low middle income countries setting. We studied the clinical profile of patients with PMGCT treated at our centre in order to estimate their survival outcomes and to identify prognostic factors affecting the same.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven patients with PMGCTs treated between April 2001 and June 2019 were included. Baseline characteristics, details of first line chemotherapy, response rates, toxicity and surgical outcomes were noted. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Among 57 male patients (seminoma = 20 and nonseminomatous = 37), the median follow-up was 10 months (range: 1-120 months). For mediastinal seminoma, 9 (45%) and 11 (55%) patients had good and intermediate risk disease, respectively. Nineteen patients (95%) received BEP (Bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin) chemotherapy. 94.7% had partial responses and median event-free survival was not reached. All patients were alive and disease free at 2 years. For primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (PMNSGCTs), all patients were poor risk. Thirty-four (91.8%) received BEP/EP chemotherapy as first line. Responses were PRM+ (partial response with elevated markers) in 7 (20.5%) and PRM- in 12 (35.2%). The incidence of febrile neutropenia was 50% and 55.8% in seminole and PMNSGCT, respectively. The median OS was 9.06 months and median PFS was 4.63 months for PMNSGCT. The proportion of patients alive at 1 year and 2 years were 35% and 24.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Primary mediastinal seminomas are rarer and have better survival outcomes. Treatment of PMNSGCT is still a challenge and is associated with poorer survival outcomes.

Multimodality treatment outcome in patients with primary malignant mediastinal germ cell tumor in adults

BACKGROUND

Malignant mediastinal germ cell tumor (MGCT) is rare and has poor outcomes even after multimodality treatment. Data from resource-poor countries are scarce in the literature.

AIMS

To evaluate the clinicopathologic features and treatment outcome of primary malignant MGCT at our center.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Single institutional data review of patients aged ≥18 years, treated with a diagnosis of malignant MGCT between Nov'2013 and Nov'2019. Risk stratification was done as per International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) classification. Patients were treated with platinum based chemotherapy and surgical resection for the residual disease was performed in non-seminomatous histology.28 patients had MGCT with a median age of 25 years (range:18-36) and all were male. Seven patients had superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) at diagnosis and pre-treatment histological diagnosis was available in 23 (82%) patients. Seven (25%) patients had seminoma histology, all were of good risk as per IGCCCG risk criteria, whereas others had non-seminoma histology with poor-risk group. Seven patients with seminoma histology achieved a complete response after initial treatment. Six patients with non-seminoma histology underwent complete resection of residual disease post-chemotherapy and five revealed residual viable tumors. After a median follow-up of 10.8 months (range:2.9-75), 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) estimate was 61.2% and 94.7% in the whole cohort, respectively and 3-year PFS and OS estimate was 100% in patients with seminoma histology.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest data set of MGCT patients' outcomes reported from India with multi-modality treatment. All patients were male and one-fourth had SVCO at presentation. Seminoma histology patients had a 100% outcome after initial platinum based chemotherapy. But, those with non-seminoma histology had a poor outcome even with chemotherapy and surgery.

Risk of second primary malignancies of adolescent and young adult patients with germ cell cancer: A US population-based analysis

PURPOSE

Germ cell cancer (GCC) is a group of neoplasms with heterogeneity. Predominant in young adults, GCC potentially mitigates a high number of productive years of life lost. Indeed, long-term side effects have arisen as a problem in GCC survivors, especially in adolescent and young adult (AYA) subgroup. The objective of this study is to delineate survival and second primary malignancies (SPMs) in AYA patients with GCC.

METHODS

We used US population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 Regs Custom Data (1976-2016 varying) and SEER 9 Regs Research Data, November 2019 Sub (1975-2017) for survival analysis and SPM analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 5-, 10- and 20-year overall survival rates for AYA patients with GCC were 93%, 91.3%, and 86.9%, respectively. Compared with the general population, a significantly higher risk of SPMs was observed in multiple sites, especially stomach, (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 2.94), pancreas (SIR = 3.72), intrahepatic bile duct (SIR = 3.12), soft tissue including heart (SIR = 4.65), leukemia (SIR = 3.70), and testis (SIR = 562.18). The excess risks to develop leukemia were even higher in those with primary mediastinal GCC (SIR = 69.50, P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval = 30.00-136.94). Multivariate analysis indicated age of diagnosis, primary site, race, receipt of radiotherapy, and histological subtype independently correlated with risk of SPMs.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides risk factors of SPM in AYA patients with GCC, which could facilitate the individualization of long-term surveillance in this population.

Outcomes following surgery for primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors in the cisplatin era

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors involves cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove residual disease. We undertook a study to determine short and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors who underwent surgery at our institution from 1982 to 2017 was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 255 patients (mean age, 29.2 years) were identified. Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred postoperatively in 27 patients (10.9%), which was responsible for all 11 (4.3%) postoperative deaths. Of patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, more patients received bleomycin-containing chemotherapy (25 out of 169; 14.8%) than non-bleomycin regimens (2 out of 77; 2.6%) (P = .004). With respect to variables independently predictive of long-term survival, evidence of choriocarcinoma before chemotherapy (n = 12) was determined to be an adverse factor (P = .006). In contrast, biopsy-proven elements of seminoma (n = 34) were predictive of improved survival (P = .04). The worst pathology identified in the residual mediastinal mass after chemotherapy was necrosis in 61 patients (25.0%), teratoma in 84 patients (34.4%), and malignant (persistent germ cell or non-germ cell cancer) in 97 patients (39.8%), which influenced overall survival (P < .001). Additionally, teratoma with stromal atypia (n = 18) demonstrated decreased survival compared with teratoma without atypia (n = 66; P = .031). Patients with malignancy involving >50% of the residual mass (n = 47) had a 2.3-fold increased risk of death compared with ≤50% malignancy (n = 45; P = .008). Finally, elevated postoperative serum tumor markers (n = 40) was significantly predictive of adverse survival (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, avoiding bleomycin-containing chemotherapy is important. Pre- and postchemotherapy pathology and postoperative serum tumor markers are independent predictors of long-term survival.

Primary mediastinal seminoma

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long term treatment results of patients with primary mediastinal seminoma.

Methods

Sixteen patients aged 21-46 diagnosed with primary mediastinal seminoma between 1983 and 2014. Mean size of the tumor was 65 cm². In all patients gonadal involvement was excluded. In 6 patients, metastases to regional lymph nodes were found and none of them presented with distant metastases. HCG was elevated in 6 patients (38%). Eight patients underwent surgery as first-line of the treatment: 7 partial and 1 complete resection of the tumor. Chemotherapy (CTH) and radiotherapy (RTH) were methods of treatment in 14 cases. Tumor was irradiated to total dose of 36.0-50.4 (median 42.5) Gy. In statistical analysis overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

During median time of 11 years of the follow-up, complete or partial regression (PR) of the tumor was seen in all patients after primary treatment. Recurrence of the tumor was seen in 3 patients. The 5-, 10- and 15-year local control rates were 75%. One was treated with CTH, other two with RTH. All of them responded with complete regression (CR) of the tumor. Three patients died during the follow-up. All others are alive without disease. The 5-, 10- and 15-year OS was 100%, 91% and 91% respectively.

Conclusions

Chemoradiotherapy of primary mediastinal seminoma gives satisfactory treatment results with good local control rate. The treatment outcome is comparable to primary testicular seminoma.

A Study of Patients with Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors Treated Using Multimodal Therapy

OBJECTIVES

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) are rare, which often makes them difficult to treat. Herein, we examined patients with PMGCTs who underwent multimodal treatment.

METHODS

We examined 6 patients (median age: 25 years, range: 19-27 years) with PMGCTs who underwent multimodal treatment between April 2001 and March 2015. Three patients had seminomas, 2 patients had yolk sac tumors, and 1 patient had choriocarcinoma. The median observation period was 32.5 months (range: 8-84 months).

RESULTS

Three of the 6 patients received initial operation followed by 3-4 courses of chemotherapy (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) or etoposide and cisplatin (EP)). One patient developed multiple lung metastases 17 months after surgery; received salvage chemotherapy with vinblastine, ifosfamide, and cisplatin; and achieved complete remission. The remaining 3 patients received initial BEP and EP chemotherapy. Multiple lung metastases and supraclavicular lymph node metastases were detected in 2 of these patients at the initial diagnosis. The patients underwent resections to remove residual tumor after treatment, and no viable tumor cells were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Reliable diagnosis and immediate multimodal treatments are necessary for patients with PMGCTs. The 6 patients treated in our hospital have never experienced recurrence after the multimodal treatment.

Comparison of the clinical features and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes of mediastinal malignant germ cell tumors with nonmediastinal extragonadal placements

OBJECTIVE

Even though the primary mediastinal extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are rare, they are noteworthy in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses. In this study, we aimed to identify the clinical features of mediastinal malignant GCTs and compare the results of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between mediastinal and nonmediastinal malignant EGCTs.

METHOD

Data of the patients with EGCT who were treated and underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at our hospital between 1988 and 2015 were retrieved retrospectively. Results were compared between mediastinal and nonmediastinal EGCTs.

RESULTS

Data of 65 patients diagnosed with EGCT (37 [56.92%] cases with mediastinal EGCT and 28 [43.07%] cases with nonmediastinal EGCT) were assessed. The clinical stages, frequency of pretransplant status, mean pretransplant time, and mean number of chemotherapy lines before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were not significantly different between groups. Although the overall survival did not significantly differ between groups, the 5-year survival was significantly higher in mediastinal EGCTs (P=0.02). Yolk sac tumor was significantly more common in mediastinal EGCTs (P=0.05). Mortality rates were higher in seminomas and yolk sac tumors in all cases, higher in embryonal carcinomas in mediastinal EGCT group and higher in yolk sac tumors in nonmediastinal EGCT group. While choriocarcinomas had more aggressive courses in mediastinal EGCTs, seminomas and yolk sac tumors had poorer prognosis in nonmediastinal EGCTs. Short pretransplant time and persistence of elevated posttransplant βhCG and AFP levels were the significant mortality risk factors both in mediastinal and nonmediastinal EGCTs.

CONCLUSION

Mediastinal placement of EGCT was not a poor prognostic factor; furthermore, the 5-year survival was significantly higher in mediastinal EGCTs. According to our knowledge, this is the first study that compares the clinical outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of mediastinal and nonmediastinal malignant EGCTs.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: 10-Years' Experience at a Single Institution with a Bleomycin-Containing Regimen

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of the residual tumor remains the standard of care for patients with mediastinal germ cell tumors (MGCTs). To prevent pulmonary complications, a non-bleomycin-containing regimen is generally preferred. This study aims to review the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was undertaken in patients treated for MGCTs between 2003 and 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were enrolled; 7 patients were diagnosed with seminoma, while 33 patients had non-seminoma. 92% of patients received chemotherapy as a first treatment modality: 87% bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin; 13% etoposide and cisplatin, with an objective response rate of 61.3%. Among these, 44% achieved a complete serological response. 17 patients underwent surgical resection of the residual tumor. No patient suffered from pulmonary complications after surgery. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 71.4 and 27.3% in seminoma and non-seminoma patients, respectively (p = 0.051). For those who received chemotherapy followed by surgical resection with no viable tumor or only mature teratoma detected, the 5-year OS was 72.7% compared with 20.7% in patients not treated with surgery (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed the importance of a multimodality approach with primary chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of the residual tumor. A bleomycin-containing regimen can be safely used in this setting.

Mediastinal Mature Teratoma Revealed by Empyema

Teratomas are germ cell tumors, manifested with a great variety of clinical features; the most common extragonadal site is the anterior mediastinum. In this case, we report the patient with a large mature mediastinal teratoma with several components of ectodermal and endothermal epithelium. A 24-year-old female patient presented with history of persistent chest pain and progressively aggravating dyspnea for the previous 3 months. A chest X-ray showed a large opacity of the entire left hemithorax. Transcutaneous needle aspiration revealed a purulent fluid. The tube thoracostomy was introduced and the effusion was evacuated. Some weeks later, patient was seen in emergency for persistent cough and lateral chest pain. CT scan revealed a mass of the left hemithorax. The mass showed heterogeneous density, without compressing mediastinum great vessels and left hilar structures. Lipase value was elevated in needle aspiration. The patient underwent a total resection of the mediastinum mass via a left posterolateral thoracotomy. Microscopy revealed a mature teratoma with cystic structures. The patient subsequently made a full recovery. This case provide benign mediastinal teratoma with total atelectasis of left lung and elevated lipase value in needle transcutaneous aspiration; this event is explained by pancreatic component in the cystic tumor. Total removal of the tumor is adequate treatment for this type of teratoma and the prognosis is excellent.

Role of radiotherapy in treating patients with primary malignant mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumor: A 21-year experience at a single institution

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with primary malignant mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (MMNSGCT) by comparing the efficacies of different treatment modalities.

Methods

The charts of 62 consecutive patients with MMNSGCT between 1990 and 2010 were reviewed. Analyses included Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox multivariate regression.

Results

There was sufficient data of 61 patients for inclusion in the study. The median age was 25 years. At diagnosis, 35 patients had tumors located in the mediastinum, 26 had lung and/or distant metastases. At a median follow-up of 47.2 months, 32 patients had died and 43 had developed progressive disease. The one, three, and five-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 72.1%, 50.8%, 49.2% and 47.5%, 32.8%, 32.8%, respectively. Patients who received radiotherapy in the primary treatment regimen showed improved five-year OS (68.2% vs. 38.5%, P = 0.043), PFS (45.5% vs. 20.5%, P = 0.023), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (77.3% vs. 38.5%, P = 0.003) compared with those who did not receive radiotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that radiotherapy was an independent prognostic factor of five-year OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.39, P = 0.037), PFS (HR 0.42, P = 0.017), and LRFS (HR 0.31, P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Radiotherapy in a chemotherapy-based treatment regimen could significantly reduce local recurrence and improve survival of MMNGCT patients.

Chromium exposure and germinal embryonal carcinoma: first two cases and review of the literature

The aim of the study was to determine the potential role of occupational exposures to chromium (Cr) in the onset of extragonadal germinal embryonal carcinoma. The first two cases of workers in a company with Cr exposure are reported. The published scientific literature regarding the topic in peer-reviewed journals including MEDLINE and CancerLit databases was extensively reviewed. Two young patients who were coworkers in the same company, exposed to Cr, developed extragonadal germinal embryonal carcinomas. One of them also developed angiosarcoma of the mediastinum. To the best of our knowledge these are the first two cases of germinal embryonal carcinoma in patients with occupational exposure to Cr.

Extragonadal germ cell tumors: clinical presentation and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) represent a unique entity, and as such require specialized management. This review article will discuss the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment modalities for EGCTs.

RECENT FINDINGS

The anterior mediastinal germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common EGCT. These tumors originate in the anterior mediastinum without any testis primary. Mediastinal nonseminomatous GCTs carry a poor prognosis with 40-50% overall survival and should be treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of the residual tumor. At Indiana University, we recommend etoposide (VP-16), ifosfamide and cisplatin (VIPx4) instead of bleomycin, etoposide and platinum (BEPx4) to prevent pulmonary complications, as these patients require extensive thoracic surgical resection. Patients who relapse have a dismal outcome with only 10% long-term survival. Our preferred treatment option is surgery for localized relapse; if surgery is not feasible, then high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant in an experienced center is a reasonable approach. Retroperitoneal GCT should be treated in a similar fashion to primary testis cancer.

SUMMARY

The utilization of cisplatin-based chemotherapy is associated with the best chance of cure for EGCTs. This should be followed by surgical resection of residual tumor in nonseminomatous GCT.

Outcomes of combined modality therapy for patients with stage III or IV mediastinal malignant germ cell tumors

PURPOSE

The treatment of primary mediastinal germ cell tumors with cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgery is an established practice; however, the prognosis has remained poor. This study reviews the survival outcomes of patients with primary mediastinal germ cell tumors to evaluate the efficacy of our treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 11 consecutive patients with primary mediastinal germ cell tumors.

RESULTS

We had treated four patients with seminomas and seven patients with non-seminomas. Ten patients had undergone cisplatin-based chemotherapy. All patients underwent complete resection. Two patients showed a failure of first-line chemotherapy and thus received salvage chemotherapies, including paclitaxel plus ifosfamide followed by high-dose carboplatin plus etoposide (TI-CE) with stem cell transplantation. One of them died of relapse 29 months later; while the other patient remained disease-free for 56 months postoperatively. The postoperative overall 3-year survival rates of the patients with non-seminomas and seminomas were 83 and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Complete resection after establishing normalized or decreased at a low-level serum tumor markers plateau plays a crucial role in the management of patients with primary mediastinal malignant germ cell tumors.

A mediastinal germ cell tumor mimicking an ectopic pregnancy

The objective is to report the case of a 36 year-old female with a primary mediastinal germ cell tumor mimicking an ectopic pregnancy. The patient under birth control pill presented, at seven weeks of amenorrhea, a β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level of 850 UI and uterine vacuity with left lateral uterine heterogeneous mass but no bleeding and no pain. She received left adnexectomy, uterine curettage and further treatment by methotrexate because of persistent high β-hCG markers. Computed tomography scan finally permitted to discover a voluminous anterior mediastinal tumor. We may recommend investigating patients with a simple chest X-ray that present with persistent increased β-hCG despite efficient ectopic pregnancy treatment.

Mediastinal dysgerminoma complicating pregnancy

Malignancy complicating pregnancy represents one of the most challenging clinical situations. Lack of evidence and the presence of the dependent fetus contribute to the management dilemma. A 26-year-old primigravida presented at 23 weeks of gestation with a bulging substernal mass. Fine-needle aspiration was reported as mediastinal dysgerminoma. She was treated with weekly bleomycin and three weekly cisplatin and etoposide (BEP). Maternal neutropenia after 11 weeks of bleomycin required colony stimulator factor. Fetal growth restriction necessitated delivery at 31 weeks. Significant clinical and radiological tumour regression was noted after chemotherapy. Postnatally mother received external beam radiotherapy but the disease worsened two weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. Mediastinal dysgerminoma differs from the ovarian counterpart and therefore therapeutic success reports on ovarian germ cell tumours complicating pregnancy cannot be extrapolated. The safety of the BEP regimen for the fetus is yet to be established.

Treatment strategies and prognostic factors of patients with primary germ cell tumors in the mediastinum

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with primary mediastinal germ cell tumor (PMGCT) by identifying the prognostic factors and efficacies of different treatment modalities.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with PMGCT who were treated consecutively at Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, from 1988 to 2010 were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Fifty-two men and 3 women with a median age of 25 years were identified, of whom 17 (30.9%) had pure seminomatous, 38 (69.1%) had nonseminomatous histology, 27 (49.1%) had tumor located at mediastinum, 20 (36.4%) had lung metastases and/or effusions, and 8 (14.5%) had distant metastases. Three treatments surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were performed in 11 (20%) patients, two treatments chemotherapy plus surgery or radiotherapy were performed in 25 (45.6%), and single treatment surgery or chemotherapy was performed in 17 (30.9%). The other two patients (3.6%) received no treatment. After a median follow-up time of 31.4 months, the 5-year survival rate was 52%. The median overall survival time was 87.9 months. Patients who received two treatments had the longest survival time of 118.3 months, P = 0.000. Those who had pure seminoma histology, whose tumor confined to the mediastinum and who achieved complete or partial remission at initial evaluation, who had complete resection and radiotherapy were considered to have better prognosis according to univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, extension and response rate at initial evaluation were independently predictive of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumor is rare with a dominant frequency in young male patients. Chemotherapy combined with local therapy like surgery or radiotherapy is a reasonable treatment strategy recommended. Extension and initial remission rate are independent prognostic factors.