Treatment of pediatric intracranial germ cell tumors: Tiantan experience

Pediatric intracranial germ cell tumors (GCT) are clinically rare but highly heterogeneous tumors, primarily occurring in children and adolescents. The treatment method depends on the tumor type. Pure germinoma can be cured with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while mature teratomas can be cured with surgical resection. Non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT) require comprehensive treatment. Current domestic and international guidelines or expert consensus recommend initial chemotherapy, followed by surgical resection for those not achieving complete remission. However, clinical practice has found that surgery risks increase after chemotherapy, leading some experts to advocate for direct surgery. Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University proposed a clinical diagnosis and treatment strategy for pediatric intracranial NGGCT (2023 Tiantan version), recommending joint evaluation by neurosurgeons and oncologists for individualized treatment to provide better treatment plans for children.