Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors

Intracranial germ cell tumors are a group of uncommon neoplasms of the central nervous system. The clinical features and natural history of these lesions are quite unique and variable. While intracranial germ cell tumors have been a fascination to neurooncologists for decades, the relatively small number of patients seen in any single institution has hampered the important clinical investigation that is so needed. This text is complete with detailed information concerning the epidemiology, pathology, oncological biology, clinical findings, radiology, and treatment options including surgical strategy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for this heterogeneous group of neoplasms. The ongoing clinical trials concerning the optimization of therapy are efficiently summarized. An important final segment addresses the late sequelae of therapy which is of great significance since the majority suffering from these tumors are young patients. This first and only book on intracranial germ cell tumors includes excellent and comprehensive data sheets, illustrations, and radiograms. It provides a detailed and outstanding reference source for physicians taking care of patients with intracranial germ cell tumors, and will be a very welcome edition to their reference libraries. Front Matter....Pages I-XIV Introduction....Pages 1-1 WHO histological classification of tumors of the central nervous system: germ cell tumors (WHO, 1993)....Pages 3-4 Epidemiology of CNS GCTs....Pages 5-16 Pathology....Pages 17-37 Immunobiology of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in germinomas....Pages 37-43 Genesis and genetics of intracranial germ cell tumors....Pages 45-76 Clinical findings and diagnosis....Pages 77-153 Prognosis of CNS GCTs....Pages 155-168 Overview for management....Pages 169-191 Surgical management....Pages 193-233 Chemotherapy for CNS GCTs....Pages 243-281 Radiotherapy for CNS GCTs....Pages 283-315 Adverse effect of therapy and late sequelae in survivors....Pages 317-369 Back Matter....Pages 371-374