Optimum management of pineal germ cell tumours

Non-seminomatous pineal region germ cell tumours have a poor prognosis when treated with radiation alone but little is known of the results of treatment with modern chemotherapy. Between 1983 and 1990 five pineal region germ cell tumours presented to the Charing Cross Hospital, London. All five patients received the EpPlt/OMB chemotherapy schedule with escalated dose systemic methotrexate and intra-CSF methotrexate. Two patients had had prior radiotherapy. Four patients (80%) remain well and disease-free 6 months--5 years after completing therapy. Chemotherapy is an effective modality for the treatment of pineal germ cell tumours and should be used when non-seminomatous elements are present or when the placement of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt in the presence of malignant cells in the CSF presents a risk of dissemination.