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 book 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. TOC:Introduction.- WHO classification of the Central Nervous System (CNS) Germ Cell Tumors (GCTs).- Epidemiology of CNS GCTs.- Pathology.- Immunobiology of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in germinomas.- Genesis and genetics.- Clincal findings and diagnosis.- Prognosis of CNS GCTs.- Overview of management.- Surgical management.- Chemotherapy for CNS GCTs.- Radiotherapy for CNS GCTs.- Adverse effect of therapy and late sequelae in survivors.