Pathogenesis of central nervous system germ cell tumors

Intracranial germ cell tumors (IGCTs) are clinically rare. They are more common in children and adolescents and the incidence in Asia is higher than in Western countries. Histologically, IGCTs are divided into germinoma and non-germinomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT). Germinoma is sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and therefore, patients with germinoma have a good prognosis. However, NGGCTs, especially those with malignant components, are not sensitive to radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, leading to a poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of IGCTs is not fully understood. By summarizing previous literature, we found that the occurrence of IGCTs may be related to the following factors: chromosomal instability, MAPK and/or PI3K pathway changes, and DNA hypomethylation in pure germ cell tumors.

Automated summary

Intracranial germ cell tumors (IGCTs) are clinically rare, more common in children and adolescents, and with a higher incidence in Asia than in Western countries. The occurrence of IGCTs may be related to factors such as chromosomal instability, changes in the MAPK and/or PI3K pathways, and DNA hypomethylation in pure germ cell tumors.