[A case of primary intrasellar malignant germ cell tumor]

A case of a 13-year-old boy with a primary, intrasellar malignant germ cell tumor is reported. An immunohistochemical study revealed that the serum HCG and AFP levels were highly elevated and that the tumor contained elements of seminoma, choriocarcinoma, a yolk sac tumor, and an embryonal carcinoma. After operation, combined chemotherapy (cisplatin, vinblastine and bleomycin, i.e. PVB therapy) and irradiation were performed in hope of achieving the radiosensitizing effect of cisplatin. As a result, partial remission was obtained. Although PVB therapy is considered effective, combined radio-chemotherapy, as was done in this case, is thought to be better method for treating an intracranial, malignant germ cell tumor.