Germ Cell Tumors Health Article

Clinical trials

Nearly a hundred clinical trials testing new treatments for germ cell tumors are ongoing. New approaches being evaluated emphasize new combinations of existing chemotherapy drugs, peripheral stem cell therapies to supplement chemotherapy, alternative therapies like anti-neoplastons, and new drug delivery approaches such as immunotoxins.

Therapies being evaluated in clinical trials are usually considered experimental and some, like peripheral stem cell rescue, can be very expensive. Most insurance companies do not cover the costs of experimental therapies.

To find an ongoing clinical trial for a specific kind of germ cell tumor, call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.

Prevention

Since the causes of germ cell tumors are not well understood, few identified risk factors exist, thus providing little information on the possibility of preventing these kinds of cancers. However, there are ways of improving prognosis with regards to germ cell tumors. Ovarian cancers are difficult to catch in early stages; women who get regular gynecological check-ups are more likely to have ovarian cancer diagnosed in more treatable stages. Males who have had testicular cancer can improve their chances of catching recurrences in early stages by doing regular self-exams.

Special concerns

A special concern in germ cell tumor patients, especially since most patients are children or young adults, is maintaining these patients' ability to bear children. Unfortunately, all of the common treatments can have a negative effect on future fertility. Radiation, especially, destroys fertility and is avoided in children except for germinomas of the brain. Patients whose reproductive organs must be removed suffer major psychological consequences of the loss of childbearing potential and often, as well, suffer from altered feelings of sexuality. The treatment team will attempt to choose treatment options that will preserve the patient's childbearing ability to the best of medical capabilities.

See Also Ovarian cancer; Testicular cancer; Extragondal germ cell tumors; Gynecological cancers; Childhood cancers

Resources

BOOKS

Cook, Allan R., ed. The New Cancer Sourcebook. New York:Omnigraphics, Inc., 1996.

Pizzo and Poplack, ed. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Oncology. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, 1997.

Buckman, R. What You Really Need to Know About Cancer. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999

Pinkerton, C.R., and P.N. Plowman. ed. Pediatric Oncology. Chapman and Hall Medical, 1998.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Cancer Society, 1599 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA30329-4251. (800)586-4872 <http://www.cancer.org> 29 June 2001.

National Cancer Institute, 9000 rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892. (800)422-6237. <http://www.nci.nih.gov.> 29 June 2001.

The Wellness Community, 10921 Reed Harman Highway, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242 (888)793-9355. "A free program of emotional support, education and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones." <http://www.wellnesscommunity.org> 29 June 2001.

OTHER

QUACKWATCH "Your Guide to Health Fraud, Quackery and Intelligent Decisions." <http://www.quackwatch.com>

Wendy Wippel, M.S.

Choriocarcinoma

—A highly aggressive malignant germ cell tumor made up of tissue derived from the outer membrane which covers the fetus.

Embryonic carcinoma

—A highly malignant germ cell tumor made up of tissues derived from the embryo.

Endodermal sinus tumor

—A more aggressive germ cell tumor made up of tissue originating in the nutrient sac of the embryo.

Germinoma

—A tumor that develops purely from primitive germ cells.

Gonadoblastoma

—A rare and almost always benign form of cancer highly associated with abnormal development of reproductive organs.

Polyembryoma

—A very rare, aggressive form of germ cell tumor usually found in the ovaries.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• Can you explain what kind of cancer I have?
• Is it a benign or aggressive form of germ cell tumor? Can you explain the grade and stage of my cancer? What are the chances that it will come back?
• How was this cancer diagnosed?
• What is my prognosis?
• What treatments are we going to pursue? What happens if these don't work?
• Do you have experience in treating this type of cancer?
• Is there anything I can do to optimize treatment? Are there any particular side effects I should expect?
• Are there complementary therapies that you would recommend? Any other things that would help me cope with the diagnosis or treatment?