Neoadjuvant chemotherapy against newly diagnosed CNS germ-cell tumors: A case report

Abstract

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare brain tumors that typically arise in the pineal or suprasellar regions. A young man (22 years old) was presented with complaint of one year of headache, and recently vomiting, and in exam papilledema, lethargy, somnolence, diabetes insipidus. A Phase II trial with carboplatin based regimen was conducted in this newly diagnosed patient histologically and was confirmed radiologically evaluable CNS germinomas before they received radiotherapy. This patient was presented with a localized hypothalamic germinoma and had a CR after two courses of carboplatin based regimen (the CEB regimen). He received 30 Gy of involved field radiotherapy and now at end of treatment after three months is well being without any sign of relapse. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy carboplatin based regimen was highly active in treating newly diagnosed CNS germinomas. Further chemotherapy studies eventually may permit additional dose reductions and/or elimination of radiotherapy for patients with CNS germinomas.