What is the most effective method to treat central nervous system germ cell tumors?

This is an automatically translated article.


The article was written by Dr. BS Pham Thi Viet Huong - Doctor of Hematology - Oncology. Currently, Doctor Viet Huong is working at the Hematology and Cell Therapy Unit of the Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Central nervous system germ cell tumors are rare primary intracranial tumors in young adults. The most common tumor location is in the pineal gland and the region above the pituitary.

1. What is a CNS germ cell tumor?


CNS germ cell tumors are a group of relatively rare tumors. The tumor originates near the third ventricle and extends from the suprapituitary region to the pineal gland. Pineal gland germ cell tumors are more common than suprapituitary and can spread to other parts of the brain and spinal cord, including the cerebrospinal fluid.
Different types of germ cells make up different types of tumors, including:

Thể tế bào mầm có thể tạo nên U túi noãn hoàng
Thể tế bào mầm có thể tạo nên U túi noãn hoàng

Germinoma Embryonic carcinoma Yolk sac tumor Teratoma Mixed germ cell tumors

2. Who gets CNS germ cell tumors?


Cranial germ cell tumors are rare, accounting for less than 5% of all brain tumors in children and young adults aged 1 to 30 years, and are more common in boys than girls.

3. What are the symptoms of CNS germ cell tumors?


Đau đầu,buồn nôn là các triệu chứng của u tế bào mầm thần kinh trung ương
Đau đầu,buồn nôn là các triệu chứng của u tế bào mầm thần kinh trung ương

Clinical symptoms depend on the location of the tumor in the brain. Tumors of the pineal gland can cause the following symptoms:
Increased fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus) Headache Vomiting, nausea Fatigue Feeling irritated Double vision Difficulty looking up or focusing on close objects Problems on coordination and balance. Tumors in the suprapubic region can cause the following symptoms:
Early or late puberty (and other hormone-related problems) Short growths Vision problems.

4. How are CNS germ cell tumors treated?


Phương pháp hóa trị giúp điều trị u tế bào mầm thần kinh trung ương
Phương pháp hóa trị giúp điều trị u tế bào mầm thần kinh trung ương

Most CNS germ cell tumors are treated with chemotherapy or chemotherapy in combination with radiation therapy.
4.1 Chemotherapy Use of drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing:
4.2 Radiation Therapy Use high-energy rays or other types of rays to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing: External beam radiation therapy uses machines outside the body to deliver X-rays to the tumor.

5. What is the survival rate of patients with CNS germ cell tumors?


Children with CNS germ cell tumors have a 90% survival rate. For other cranial germ cell tumors, radiation therapy can help control the disease in 40% to 60% of children. If chemotherapy is added, the overall 10-year survival rate ranges from 70% to 80%. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consulting services. and comprehensive, professional medical treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests and treat diseases here can be completely assured of the accuracy and high efficiency in the treatment process.

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