Germ cell tumors of the central nervous system: A brief review and site-specific considerations

Germ cell tumors of the central nervous system (GCT-CNS) arise predominantly in midline locations of the CNS and affect young patients in their first to third decades of life. Involvement of the CNS is thought to be a sequelae of residual primordial germ cells with incomplete embryologic migration. Clinically, GCT-CNS present with symptoms of ventricular obstruction or compression of affected brain structures. Histologically, these tumors are analogous to their gonadal and extra-gonadal counterparts. Diagnosis relies heavily on morphology and immunohistochemical findings, and can be complicated by limited tumor sampling. There is currently only a limited role for molecular studies. Treatment of these lesions is made difficult by their involvement of deep and vital brain structures and accurate pathologic diagnosis is essential for appropriate therapy. Diagnosis should involve review of the clinical history, imaging studies, and assessment of serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor markers. Current therapeutic strategies involving radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy are quite effective, in spite of the locational difficulties that often prevent gross total resection.