Germ Cell Tumours

Germ cell tumours (GCT) are a diverse group of tumours that usually develop within the ovaries or testes. These are called gonadal germ cell tumours.

However germ cell tumours can also occur in other parts of the body. As a baby develops in the womb, the germ cells usually move to the ovaries or testes. Sometimes they fail to migrate to their proper location and settle in other parts of the body, where they can develop into tumours. These are called extragonadal germ cell tumours. The most common places for these tumours to occur are at the bottom of the spine (sacrococcygeal), the brain, chest and abdomen.

There are several distinct sub-types of germ cell tumour, depending on the characteristics of the cells involved. These include yolk-sac tumours, germinomas, embryonal carcinomas and teratomas. They may be benign or malignant.

The cause of germ cell tumours is not known but research is ongoing.

Incidence

Germ cell tumours are rare, accounting for around 3 per cent of childhood cancer registrations. This represents about 45 children a year in the UK.

The pattern by age and sex varies greatly according to the type of tumour. In boys, incidence peaks very early at around two years of age and then declines before rising again in adolescence. In girls, incidence is low until age 6 or 7 years and then rises with age up to 15 years.

Survival

The overall survival rate for children diagnosed with germ cell tumours is 93 per cent.

Gonadal germ cell tumours now have a survival rate of 99 per cent.

The symptoms depend on where the tumour develops, but usually a lump appears that can either be felt or leads to other problems such as chest or abdominal pain. The tumour may press on adjacent structures, such as the bladder causing excessive urination.

A variety of tests and investigations may be needed to diagnose a germ cell tumour.

A biopsy is likely to be taken; this will help to determine the precise type of tumour and whether it is malignant or benign. A CT or MRI scan will enable doctors to determine the exact position of the tumour. Chest x-rays may be taken to check whether the cancer has spread to the lungs.

Germ cell tumours often produce proteins that can be measured in the blood. These proteins are alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and are known as tumour markers. The levels of these proteins will be checked when the tumour is diagnosed and will be monitored during and after treatment. Sometimes the presence of these markers is enough to diagnose a GCT and a biopsy is not needed.

Staging

The ‘stage’ of a cancer is a term used to describe its size and whether it has
spread beyond its original site. Knowing the particular type and stage of the cancer helps doctors to decide on the most appropriate treatment. Generally cancer is divided into four stages:

• Stage 1: the cancer is small and has not spread and has been completely removed.
• Stages 2 and 3: the cancer is larger and may not have been completely removed or may have spread to nearby organs.
• Stage 4: the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body and formed new tumours is known as secondary or metastatic cancer

Treatment depends on the staging, size and position of the tumour.

The principal treatment for germ cell tumours is surgery, except where the tumour is in the brain or spinal cord. If the tumour is benign or if it is malignant but localised and has not spread, then surgery alone may be sufficient. Surgery may involve removal of the testis or ovary if this is where the tumour first developed.

In cases where the tumour has spread, or if it cannot be easily or completely removed, chemotherapy will be given before and after surgery. Germ cell tumours are very sensitive to chemotherapy and a combination of drugs is usually used over a few months.

Tumours in the brain are sensitive to chemotherapy but may also be treated with radiotherapy.

Side effects and complications of treatment

Treatment often causes side effects and these will be discussed before treatment starts.

The possible side effects of chemotherapy depend upon the drugs used but may include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, reduced resistance to infection, bruising and bleeding, tiredness and diarrhoea.

These problems are all temporary and can be minimised with good supportive care.

Follow-up

The outlook for children with germ cell tumours is good.

Children will have regular follow-ups to check for any recurrence of the cancer and for any problems which may arise as a result of the treatment they were given.

A small number of children may develop long-term problems because of their cancer treatment.

Surgery and radiotherapy may both cause functional or cosmetic problems depending on the area of the body in which the tumour occurred. Removal of a single ovary or testis should not affect a child’s future ability to have children.

Chemotherapy may cause problems with heart and kidney function, fertility problems and a small increase in risk of developing another cancer.

Occasionally, the cancer can recur. This is called a relapse. Relapse occurs most likely as a result of a few of the original cancer cells surviving the treatment. Sometimes, this is because cancer cells spread to other parts of the body and were too small to be detected during the follow-up immediately after treatment.

The treatment and prognosis for relapsed disease will depend on a number of factors including the site of relapse.

Many children have their treatment as part of a clinical trial.

Trials aim to improve understanding of the best way to treat the cancer, usually by comparing the standard treatment with a new or modified version.

If appropriate, the child’s medical team will discuss participation in a relevant trial. Participation is optional but may offer the opportunity to receive new treatments

Further information

More detailed information about germ cell tumours and their treatment is available from Macmillan Cancer Support