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Cohen D, Litofsky NS. Diagnosis and Management of Pineal Germinoma: From Eye to Brain. Eye Brain 2023; 15:45-61. [PMID: 37077304 PMCID: PMC10108908 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s389631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pineal germinomas can be very complex in terms of presentation, diagnosis, and management. This review attempts to simplify this complexity in an organized manner, addressing the anatomic relationships that provide the basis for the uniqueness of pineal germinoma. Ocular findings and signs and symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure are the keys to suspecting the diagnosis and obtaining the necessary imaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies. Other symptoms can suggest spread beyond the pineal region. Surgery may only be needed to obtain tissue for a definitive diagnosis, as germinoma is highly responsive to chemotherapy and focused radiation therapy. Hydrocephalus, usually related to tumor obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct, may also need to be addressed. Outcome for pineal germinoma is usually excellent, but relapse can occur and may require additional intervention. These issues are detailed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cohen
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - N Scott Litofsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
- Correspondence: N Scott Litofsky, Department of Neurosurgery, One Hospital Drive, MC, 321, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA, Tel +1-573-882-4908, Fax +1-573-884-5184, Email
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Nath J, Roy PS, Sarma G, Sarma B, Khanikar D. Pineal gland germinoma with spinal drop metastases: A case report and review of literature. J Cancer Res Ther 2023; 19:S904-S908. [PMID: 38384076 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_657_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Germ cell tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) is an infrequent entity consisting of only 0.2%-1.7% of all primary CNS tumors. The pineal gland is the commonest location of CNS germinoma. Traditionally, radiotherapy alone has been used to treat localized pineal germinoma, which has delivered a very high cure rate. Spinal drop metastases from pineal germinoma can develop after a long time from diagnosis and primary treatment. Currently, craniospinal irradiation is the standard of care in metastatic pineal germinoma with spinal drop metastases along with systemic chemotherapy. Very few cases of pineal germinoma with spinal drop metastases have been published in the literature. We report a pineal gland germinoma case with spinal drop metastases in an 18-year-old boy and reviewed the published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotiman Nath
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Partha S Roy
- Medical Oncology, Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Gautam Sarma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Biswajit Sarma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Duncan Khanikar
- Medical Oncology, Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Tsurubuchi T, Hara K, Takano S, Muroi A, Fukushima H, Mizumoto M, Sakamoto N, Matsuda M, Akutsu H, Sakurai H, Ishikawa E. Factors Influencing Craniospinal Relapse of Intracranial Germinoma After Complete Remission. World Neurosurg 2022; 166:e325-e336. [PMID: 35842173 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.07.010] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the pathomechanism of the recurrence of intracranial germinoma after complete response and to confirm the association of the initial magnetic resonance imaging and therapeutic factors with recurrence. METHODS This study included patients who were followed up for ≥5 years and who were treated in our hospital from 1980 to 2021. Those with germinoma and germinoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells were diagnosed pathologically. Data were categorizedbased on "gender," "single region," "intraventricular dissemination at the initial diagnosis," "hydrocephalus," "types of radiation therapy (RT)," and "chemotherapy." Fisher's exact probability test was used to assess differences between the no recurrence and recurrence groups. RESULTS Among 43 patients, 34 had no recurrence, 5 had delayed recurrence (≥60 months), and 4 had early recurrence (<60 months). Follow-up periods were 143.5 (60-380), 198 (88-222), and 132.5 (75-291) months for the no recurrence, delayed recurrence, and early recurrence groups, respectively. Five patients with delayed recurrence showed 3 intracranial lesions and 2 spinal lesions. Four patients with early recurrence showed 3 intracranial lesions and 1 spinal lesion. Differences in delayed recurrences (focal RT vs. RT including whole-ventricle system; P = 0.0491) were significant in Fisher's exact test. CONCLUSIONS RT including the whole-ventricle system reduces delayed craniospinal relapses including dissemination, local, and distant recurrences even ≥5 years after complete response in patients with primary central nervous system germinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Tsurubuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Kei Hara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shingo Takano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ai Muroi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroko Fukushima
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizumoto
- Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Noriaki Sakamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Diagnostic Pathology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masahide Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Akutsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Shimotsuga, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sakurai
- Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Eiichi Ishikawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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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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Chen R, Tao C, You C, Ju Y. Fast-developing fatal diffuse leptomeningeal dissemination of a pineal germinoma in a young child: a case report and literature review. Br J Neurosurg 2018; 36:262-269. [PMID: 30451003 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2018.1520804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracranial germinomas are uncommon and constitute less than 1% of all intracranial tumors. They usually arise in the midline of the brain, most commonly in the pineal region. Pineal germinomas tend to spread through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, pineal germinomas with fast-developing diffuse subarachnoid/leptomeningeal dissemination are extremely rare, especially in young children. METHODS The case of a 4-year-old boy with a pineal germinoma who died of diffuse subarachnoid/leptomeningeal dissemination 1 month after radiotherapy is reported. A PubMed search with specific key terms was used to review cases of pineal germinomas with metastasis. RESULTS The patient presented with a two-week history of worsening headache, visual disturbances and nonprojectile vomiting. Parinaud's sign was positive on physical examination. Head computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a lesion in the pineal region with eccentric calcification and obvious supratentorial hydrocephalus. Pineal germinoma was suspected. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt followed by focal radiotherapy ameliorated the headaches and visual disturbances. The patient was discharged home without further treatment due to financial difficulties. One month after discharge, he was readmitted due to worsening headache, vomiting and lethargy. MRI showed a decrease in the size of the pineal lesion but revealed a diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement including the sulcus, basal cistern, prepontine cistern, and supravermian cistern. The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he died 26 hours after readmission. The characteristics of pineal germinomas with metastasis are reported based on a review of the literature. CONCLUSIONS Metastases in pineal germinomas predominately occur in adolescents or young adults, most commonly as spinal "drop metastases." Dissemination usually develops several years after the initial tumor diagnosis and has a relatively good clinical prognosis. However, fast widespread subarachnoid/leptomeningeal dissemination and sudden death may occur in a young child before salvage treatment, as in the presented case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Chen
- a Department of Neurosurgery , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610041 , China
| | - Chuanyuan Tao
- a Department of Neurosurgery , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610041 , China
| | - Chao You
- a Department of Neurosurgery , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610041 , China
| | - Yan Ju
- a Department of Neurosurgery , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan 610041 , China
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The necessity of long-term follow-up including spinal examination after successful initial treatment of intracranial germinoma: case reports. Childs Nerv Syst 2016; 32:547-51. [PMID: 26351071 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-015-2872-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracranial germinomas seldom recur at spinal space following whole-brain or whole-ventricular (WV) radiotherapy. The majority of the spinal recurrence takes place within 5 years after treatment; therefore, late spinal failure beyond 5 years after successful initial treatment is rare. CASE PRESENTATIONS We describe the cases of two patients with intracranial germinoma, who developed spinal recurrence 7 and 9 years after the initial treatment with WV radiotherapy combined with and without chemotherapy, respectively. In both cases, spinal recurrent tumors were histologically diagnosed as germinoma and they were successfully treated with chemotherapy and local radiotherapy without tumor recurrence for 11 years and 11 months, respectively. CONCLUSION Intracranial germinomas may potentially present with spinal recurrence many years after successful initial WV radiotherapy. Physicians must be aware of patients' symptoms during the clinical examination. Regular long-term monitoring, including spinal examination, is necessary for 5-10 years or longer.
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Sivasubramaniam V, Zebian B, Thakur B, Saran F, Chandler C. Germinoma recurrence in the conus medullaris 12 years after remission of primary intracranial lesion in the pituitary. J Clin Neurosci 2015; 25:150-2. [PMID: 26642951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.06.024] [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: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Intracranial germinomas are rare primary central nervous system tumours that are highly sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recurrences are infrequent, with the majority occurring within 5 years. Although multidisciplinary treatments have resulted in good event-free survival, long-term outcomes, over decades, are relatively poorly reported. We present a rare case of a recurrence in the conus medullaris 12 years after complete remission of the primary pituitary germinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first case of a significantly delayed spinal recurrence, occurring at a very distant and uncommon site, from the primary tumour. This case highlights the importance of long-term follow-up, even after complete remission, in order to identify and limit disability from late spinal recurrences in a relatively young patient population. We consider the literature regarding identifying high risk patients, and the role of craniospinal irradiation in limiting late spinal recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinothan Sivasubramaniam
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Department of Neurosurgery, St George's Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Bassel Zebian
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bhaskar Thakur
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Frank Saran
- Department of Neuro-oncology and Paediatric Oncology, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, UK
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Primary spinal germ cell tumors: a case analysis and review of treatment paradigms. Case Rep Med 2013; 2013:798358. [PMID: 24312128 PMCID: PMC3838823 DOI: 10.1155/2013/798358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. Primary intramedullary spinal germ cell tumors are exceedingly rare. As such, there are no established treatment paradigms. We describe our management for spinal germ cell tumors and a review of the literature. Clinical Presentation. We describe the case of a 45-year-old man with progressive lower extremity weakness and sensory deficits. He was found to have enhancing intramedullary mass lesions in the thoracic spinal cord, and pathology was consistent with an intramedullary germ cell tumor. A video presentation of the case and surgical approach is provided. Conclusion. As spinal cord germinomas are highly sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy, a patient can be spared radical surgery. Diverse treatment approaches exist across institutions. We advocate biopsy followed by local radiation, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, as the optimal treatment for these tumors. Histological findings have prognostic value if syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGCs) are found, which are associated with a higher rate of recurrence. The recurrence rate in STGC-positive spinal germinomas is 33% (2/6), whereas it is only 8% in STGC-negative tumors (2/24). We advocate limited volume radiotherapy combined with systemic chemotherapy in patients with high risk of recurrence. To reduce endocrine and neurocognitive side effects, cranio-spinal radiation should be used as a last resort in patients with recurrence.
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Jinguji S, Okamoto K, Yoshimura J, Yoneoka Y, Ogura R, Saito A, Fujii Y. Occurrence of metachronous pure germinomas long after treatment of a mixed germ cell tumor containing yolk sac tumor and germinoma. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2013; 11:68-73. [PMID: 23082803 DOI: 10.3171/2012.9.peds12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The authors report a rare case involving the occurrence of metachronous pure germinomas long after treatment of a mixed germ cell tumor (GCT) categorized as having a poor prognosis. A neurohypophysial germinoma occurred 4 years and 6 months after the initial treatment of a mixed pineal GCT containing a yolk sac tumor and a germinoma. Furthermore, intramedullary germinomas occurred 21 years after the initial treatment of the mixed GCT and 15 years after the second treatment of the neurohypophysial germinoma. The neurohypophysial germinoma was not confirmed histopathologically, but the intramedullary germinoma was histopathologically diagnosed as a pure germinoma. Serum α-fetoprotein levels at the second neurohypophysial and third intramedullary occurrences of the germinomas were less than 10 ng/ml. Therefore, no yolk sac components seemed to be contained in the tumors. The second neurohypophysial and third intramedullary germinomas might be recurrences of the germinoma component of the pineal mixed GCT, which consisted of a yolk sac tumor and a germinoma. However, it seems very unlikely that only the germinoma, categorized in the good prognosis group, would be the only one to recur. Hence, it seems plausible that both the second and the third occurrences of pure germinoma were de novo metachronous GCTs arising after the pineal mixed GCT was cured. The authors' case indicates the possibility of multicentric GCTs in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Jinguji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, University of Niigata, Japan.
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