From the Guidelines
Germ cell tumours (GCTs) are a type of cancer that arises from the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs, and can occur in the ovaries or testicles, as well as in other parts of the body such as the brain or spine.
Characteristics of GCTs
- GCTs are unique neoplasms that recapitulate phenomena that take place during embryonic germ cell development 1
- They are biologically and histologically diverse, encompassing the full spectrum of both benign and malignant disease
- GCTs can be divided into two main categories: seminomas and non-seminomas, with non-seminomas showing a variety of differentiation patterns from embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues 1
Types of GCTs
- Dysgerminomas: a type of GCT that is most commonly found in the ovaries and is often diagnosed at an early stage 1
- Immature teratomas: a type of GCT that can occur in the ovaries or testicles and can be either benign or malignant 1
- Embryonal tumors: a type of GCT that can occur in the ovaries or testicles and is often aggressive 1
- Endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumors: a type of GCT that can occur in the ovaries or testicles and is often aggressive 1
Treatment of GCTs
- Surgery is often the primary treatment for GCTs, with the goal of removing the tumor and preserving fertility whenever possible 1
- Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery, particularly for more advanced or aggressive tumors 1
- The 5-day bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin (BEP) regimen is a common chemotherapy treatment for GCTs 1
From the Research
Definition of Germ Cell Tumors
- Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a group of biologically complex malignancies that affect patients at different sites within the body and at different ages 2.
- They originate from the primordial germ cell, which normally gives rise to ovarian and testicular egg and sperm producing cells 2.
- GCTs can give rise to all types of human tissues, resulting in different kinds of tumors 2.
Characteristics of Germ Cell Tumors
- GCTs are the most common solid tumors affecting men between the ages of 20 and 34 years 3.
- They can occur in various locations, including the testis, ovary, and mediastinum 2, 4.
- GCTs are capable of somatic (embryonal) and extra-embryonal differentiation 4.
- They can be benign or malignant, with malignant testicular neoplasms being 10 times more common than their ovarian and 20 times more common than their extragonadal counterparts 4.
Types of Germ Cell Tumors
- GCTs can be classified into different types, including seminoma, non-seminoma, and extragonadal germ cell tumors 4.
- They can also be classified based on their location, such as testicular, ovarian, or mediastinal primary GCTs 2.
- The different types of GCTs can have different molecular characteristics, biology, and requirements for curative treatments 2.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Germ Cell Tumors
- GCTs can be diagnosed using various methods, including imaging studies and tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) 4.
- Treatment options for GCTs include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy 3, 5.
- The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and overall health 3, 5.