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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
Summary
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.
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