Multi-institutional analysis of central nervous system germ cell tumors
in patients with Down syndrome
Abstract
Purpose: Primary germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common central
nervous system (CNS) neoplasm in patients with Down syndrome (DS).
However, a standard-of-care has not been established due to a paucity of
data. Methods: A retrospective multi-institutional analysis was
conducted, in addition to a comprehensive review of the literature.
Results: Ten patients from six institutions (five USA, one Brazil) were
identified, in addition to 31 patients in the literature from 1975 to
2021. Of the 41 total patients (mean age 9.9 years; 61% male), 16
(39%) had non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs), 16 (39%) had
pure germinomas and eight (19.5%) had teratomas. Basal ganglia was the
most common tumor location (n=13; 31.7%), followed by posterior fossa
(n=7; 17%). Nine patients (22%) experienced disease relapse or
progression, of which four died from tumor progression (one germinoma,
three teratomas). Sixteen patients (39%) experienced treatment-related
complications, of which eight (50%) died (five germinomas, three
NGGCTs). Of the germinoma patients, two died from chemotherapy-related
sepsis, one from post-surgery cardiopulmonary failure, one from
pneumonia and one from Moyamoya following radiation-therapy (RT). Of the
NGGCT patients, one died from chemotherapy-related sepsis, one from
post-surgical infection and one from pneumonia following
surgery/chemotherapy/RT. Three-year overall survival was 66% for all
histological types – 62% germinomas, 79% for NGGCTs, and 53% for
teratomas. Conclusion: Patients with DS treated for CNS GCTs are at an
increased risk of treatment-related adverse events. A different
therapeutic approach may need to be considered to mitigate
treatment-related complications and long-term neurocognitive sequelae.