Clinical Pearl of the Day: Germ Cell Tumors

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors are growths of cells that form from reproductive cells.

Insight:

• Germ cell tumors may or may not be cancerous. Most germ cell tumors occur in the testicles or the ovaries.
• Some germ cell tumors occur in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, brain and chest, though it's not clear why.
• Germ cell tumors that occur in places other than the testicles and ovaries (extragonadal germ cell tumors) are very rare.
• Treatment options for germ cell tumors may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy with drugs that kill cancer cells, and radiation therapy with powerful energy beams.
• The drugs that are commonly used for treating germ cell tumors include bleomycin (available as a generic drug), cisplatin (available as a generic drug), etoposide (Etopophos), and ifosfamide (Ifex).
• Support: Physical and emotional support is another treatment option that may be needed for these patients.

Sources:

Germ cell tumors - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Germ Cell Tumor - Childhood: Types of Treatment | Cancer.Net