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Pubertal dysfunctions in intracranial germ cell tumors

Cristina Partenope1,2, Sabrina Criscuolo2,3, Fernando Carceller4

  • 1Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Science University of Piemonte Orientale, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy.

Frontiers in Endocrinology
|June 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric intracranial germ cell tumors (IC-GCTs) frequently cause pubertal disorders like pseudo-precocious puberty (PPP) and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH). Early endocrine evaluation and long-term follow-up are crucial for managing these conditions in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Pediatric intracranial germ cell tumors (IC-GCTs) are associated with significant endocrine complications, particularly pubertal dysfunctions.
  • These disorders can manifest at diagnosis or during the follow-up period, impacting growth and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and types of pubertal disorders in pediatric patients diagnosed with IC-GCTs.
  • To analyze the patterns and evolution of these endocrine dysfunctions over time.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical, radiological, histopathological, and hormonal data from 60 pediatric IC-GCT patients.
  • Classification of pubertal dysfunctions into pseudo-precocious puberty (PPP), central precocious puberty (CPP), and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH).

Main Results:

  • Pubertal disorders were identified in 27 patients (45%).
  • Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) was the most common (20 cases), followed by pseudo-precocious puberty (PPP) (5 cases).
  • Central precocious puberty (CPP) developed in 3 patients, and some cases evolved over time.

Conclusions:

  • Pubertal dysfunctions are a common complication of pediatric IC-GCTs, particularly those with suprasellar involvement.
  • The spectrum of disorders includes PPP, CPP, and HH, with potential for evolution.
  • Long-term specialist endocrine follow-up is essential for optimal management.
Abstract

Keywords:
adolescentsgerm cell tumorhypogonadotrophic hypogonadismpediatricsprecocious pubertysuprasellar tumor

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