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CNS Germ Cell Tumors

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The Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumor Program

More About
Germ Cell Tumors

About CNS Tumors
Age of Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Pathology
Surgery
Radiation & Chemotherapy
Disease Management
Although germ cell tumors of the brain are associated with high cure rates, their rarity and complexity of their diagnosi demand that treatment be provided at major pediatric-oriented medical centers.  Or, at the very least, treatment should be provided in consultation with physicians from such centers.

Because one patient may present with many different types of germ cell tumors, each with its own different biological behaviors:

  • it is essential that an accurate diagnosis be made to ensure that a patient is not under- or over-treated
  • a child's treatment will require a multitude of approaches at the same time
  • diagnosis and treatment should be undertaken at major pediaric-oriented medical centers (or, at the veyr least, in consultaiton with physicians from such centers)
  • it is crucial that new drug programs are developed through research to improve the cure rate for children with recurrent germ cell tumors of the brain

Our Research

Since 1990, Program Director Dr. Jonathan Finlay has initiated since 1990 a series of three international treatment studies, attempting to at least maintain the high cure rate for patients with these tumors, while minimizing the late effects of treatment by trying to eliminate radiation therapy:

  • Study 1 - conducted between 1990 and 1994
  • Study 2 - conducted between 1994 and 1997
  • Study 3 - opened in 2000 (currently under revision)

Current Study

In our current study, we plan to determine, through biological studies of tumor tissue, which patients may be cured without need for irradiation, so we can assign appropriate treatment right upon diagnosis of the tumor.

An additional, and critical component, of these studies, has been the ongoing evaluations of the surviving patients’ late effects of the treatment, through follow-up neuropsychological testing and quality of life evaluations. 

Finally, the Program Director, Dr. Jonathan Finlay, has recently published the largest experience ever on the successful treatment of patients with recurrent CNS germ cell tumors, through the use of marrow-ablative chemotherapy with autologous (the patients’ own) peripheral blood stem cells.  The hospital currently has open a limited-institution study of thiotepa, carboplatin and temzolomide with autologous peripheral blood stem cell rescue for patients with all types of recurrent malignant brain tumors, provided the patients can be first brought to a state of minimal residual tumor burden, either through surgery and/or drug treatment.

Additional Information

For further information on our current treatment of children, adolescents and young adults with  primary CNS germ cell tumors, either newly-diagnosed or at recurrence, please contact the:

Program Director
Dr. Jonathan Finlay