MedWorm: Germ Cell Tumors

Population‐based survival for childhood cancer patients diagnosed during 2002–2005 in Shanghai, China

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:57:12 +0100

ConclusionsThe survival rate for children aged 0–14 diagnosed with cancer in Shanghai during 2002–2005 was at the medium level. There was a substantial survival difference from childhood cancers between Shanghai and specific developed countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

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Diagnostic sensitivity of serum and lumbar CSF bHCG in newly diagnosed CNS germinoma

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsLumbar CSF was a more informative screen for bHCG than serum but the majority of patients (60%) had normal bHCG values at diagnosis. Until a more sensitive tumor marker for germinoma is devised, histologic confirmation remains the standard of care. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Mediastinal seminoma: A case report with special emphasis on sall4 as a new immunocytochemical marker

Diagnostic Cytopathology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of mediastinal seminoma diagnosed intraoperatively by cytological examination of cystic fluid containing tumor cells.An anterior mediastinal tumor with cystic component was incidentally found in a 28‐year‐old Japanese male. Cytological examination of the cystic fluid at the time of tumor resection showed single and loose aggregates of large round to polygonal cells with large round nuclei, vesicular chromatin and nucleoli, and mild to moderate amounts of PAS‐positive cytoplasm admixed with mature lymphocytes. A diagnosis of seminoma was made intraoperatively. On subsequent immunostaining, the tumor cells showed nuclear positivity for SALL4, a recently recognized germ cell marker that, in the appropriate setting, can be helpful to distinguish germ cell tumors from oth...

Amyloid Precursor Protein Is a Biomarker for Transformed Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.

The American Journal of Pathology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Venkataramani V, Thiele K, Behnes CL, Wulf GG, Thelen P, Opitz L, Salinas-Riester G, Wirths O, Bayer TA, Schweyer S Abstract Increasing evidence suggests an important function of the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) in malignant disease in human beings, however, the biological basis for this evidence is not well understood at present. To understand the role of APP in transformed pluripotent stem cells, we studied its expression levels in human testicular germ cell tumors using patient tissues, model cell lines, and an established xenograft mouse model. In the present study, we demonstrate the cooperative expression of APP with prominent pluripotency-related genes such as Sox2, NANOG, and Oct-3/4. The closest homologue family member, APLP2, showed no correlation to these ...

A rare case of bilateral massive hemothorax from spontaneous rupture of a primary mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:17:26 +0100

In this report, we describe a case of a primary mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor that presented with bilateral massive hemothorax and hemorrhagic shock. An urgent thoracotomy, which was performed to control bleeding, confirmed bilateral hemothorax secondary to a ruptured mediastinal tumor. Pathologic diagnosis revealed the mediastinal tumor to be mixed choriocarcinoma and immature teratoma, with lung metastatic choriocarcinoma. The patient recovered well from the operation and received salvage chemotherapy. Two years after diagnosis, the patient remains in remission with no evidence of disease. PMID: 22269740 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)

Hematogenous extraneural metastasis of the germinomatous component of a pineal mixed germ cell tumor

Brain Tumor Pathology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:56:01 +0100

Abstract A 23-year-old man presented with a mass in the pineal region and obstructive hydrocephalus. A neuroendoscopic biopsy for the lesion, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting, and focal irradiation were conducted as initial treatment. Histological diagnosis of the biopsy specimen was germinoma. He underwent further irradiation and two tumor resections. Histological diagnosis was mature teratoma without a germinomatous component. After serial treatments, the intracranial lesion was controlled. However, 14 months after presentation, extraneural lesions were confirmed in the posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneal space. The biopsy specimen of the retroperitoneal space lesion was histologically diagnosed as germinoma. Although chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposid...

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A Rare Case of Bilateral Massive Hemothorax From Spontaneous Rupture of a Primary Mediastinal Mixed Germ Cell Tumor [CASE REPORTS]

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Pediatric germ cell tumors

Seminars in Pediatric Surgery — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:36:29 +0100

represent a diverse group of tumors that present from in utero through adolescence at many nongonadal locations, from the neck to the sacrococcygeal region. Surgical resection remains the central element of management, and accurate surgical staging is essential to properly ascertain the correct risk-based treatment. The management for all benign tumors (mature and immature teratomas) and select completely resectable malignant tumors is surgery alone. Modern-day chemotherapy is extremely effective in infants and children with unresectable and metastatic disease and these children have a very high survival rate. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy allows vital organ preservation and there is no role for resection of vital structures at the time of initial presentation. (Source: Seminars in ...

Cervical metastasis of germ cell tumors: Evaluation, management, complications, and outcomes

The Laryngoscope — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Operative management for patients with metastatic GCT to the neck can achieve long‐term durable cervical control with limited complications. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Comparative incidence patterns and trends of gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumors in England, 1979 to 2003

Cancer — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The age‐incidence patterns observed suggested a common initiation of GCTs in embryonic/fetal life with variable rates of tumor progression as a result of subsequent events that may be site specific. The authors concluded that future genetic studies should consider GCTs from all sites to enable a better understanding of their etiology. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

A Novel N822K C-KIT Mutation in CD30-positive Cutaneous Pleomorphic Mastocytosis after Germ Cell Tumor of the Ovary.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Baek JO, Kang HK, Na SY, Lee JR, Roh JY, Lee JH, Kim HJ, Park S PMID: 22233328 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Dermatology)

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A Novel N822K C‐KIT Mutation in CD30‐positive Cutaneous Pleomorphic Mastocytosis after Germ Cell Tumor of the Ovary

British Journal of Dermatology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Dermatology)

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Mutations and Wound Healing Contribute to the Etiology of Desmoid Tumors

Cancer Research — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Desmoid tumors are nonmalignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin that mainly contain fibroblast lineage cells. These tumors often occur in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) coli who have germ line mutations in the APC gene. Given emerging data that has implicated multipotent mesencyhmal stromal cells (MSC) in the origin of mesenchymal tumors, we hypothesized that desmoid tumors may arise in patients with FAP after MSCs acquire somatic mutations during the proliferative phase of wound healing. To test this idea, we examined 16 desmoid tumors from FAP-associated and sporadic cases, finding that all 16 of 16 tumors expressed stem cell markers, whereas matching normal stromal tissues were uniformly negative. Desmoid tumors also contained a subclass of fibrocytes linked to wound...

Chemotherapy-induced infertility in patients with testicular cancer.

Oncology Nursing Forum — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bradford BR Abstract A 29-year-old Caucasian married man, Mr. A, is the father of a 1-year-old daughter and is a successful tax attorney who maintains a healthy lifestyle. While performing a testicular self-examination, Mr. A noticed a small, fixed mass in his left scrotum. After medical workup, biopsy, and consultation, a left orchiectomy and retroperitoneal dissection were recommended. Pathology revealed a nonseminoma germ cell testicular tumor, pT4, N4, M-positive; with tumor invading the scrotum; vascular and lymphatic invasion; and a solitary lung lesion noted on computed tomography scan. No additional metastatic lesions were found on bone scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Biopsy confirmed the metastatic lesion in the lung. Postoperatively, Mr. A was scheduled to re...

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: diagnostic studies and differential diagnosis.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chekol SS, Sun CC Abstract Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is an extremely rare tumor representing 0.3% to 5% of all malignant mesotheliomas. Gross examination of testicular mesotheliomas typically reveals tumor nodules studding the thickened tunica vaginalis and, in some cases, infiltrating the testicular parenchyma, leading to diagnostic challenges. Microscopically, the tumor is characterized by epithelioid cells arising from the tunica vaginalis with papillary, tubulopapillary, or solid architectural patterns. The papillae are usually lined by a single layer of cells with relatively bland cytologic features. An epithelial cell phenotype admixed with a sarcomatoid pattern has also been described in a few cases. Immunohistochemically, the tumor is us...

Commentary on “Partial orchiectomy for presumed malignancy in patients with a solitary testis due to a prior germ cell tumor: A large North American experience.” Lawrentschuk N, Zuniga A, Grabowksi AC, Rendon RA, Jewett MA, Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital and the University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: J Urol 2011;185:508–13

Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Partial orchiectomy is becoming more accepted for indications such as a metachronous germ cell tumor due to reported oncological control, and minimal functional, physical, and psychological morbidity. Most data originate from Europe. Thus, we reviewed our North American experience with such men who underwent partial orchiectomy for a presumed contralateral testicular malignancy. (Source: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations)

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Commentary on “Survival after resection for metastatic testicular nonseminomatous germ cell cancer to the lung or mediastinum.” Kenneth A. Kesler,a Laura E. Kruter,a Susan M. Perkins,b Karen M. Rieger,a Katherine J. Sullivan,a Matthew L. Runyan,a John W. Brown,a Lawrence H. Einhorn,caDepartment of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Division and Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana;bDepartment of Biostatistics, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana;cHematology-Oncology Divisions, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana: Ann Thorac Surg 2011;91:1085–93

Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Since the advent of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) have been considered one of the most curable solid neoplasms and a model for multimodality cancer therapy. We undertook an institutional review of testicular NSGCT patients who underwent operations to remove lung or mediastinal metastases after chemotherapy in the cisplatin era to determine outcomes. (Source: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations)

Application of the wheat-germ cell-free translation system to produce high temperature requirement A3 (HtrA3) proteases.

BioTechniques — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we evaluated the potential of the wheat-germ cell-free translation system for producing human HtrA3. HtrA3 underwent autocleavage when synthesized at 17°C. When the synthesis temperature was lowered to 4°C, full-length HtrA3 was successfully produced and proteolytically active. Catalytic site serine substitution with alanine (S305A) stabilized HtrA3 while abolishing its protease activity. This mutant was readily synthesized and stable at 17°C. When used with glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay, S305A HtrA3 was a valuable bait in searching for endogenous HtrA3 binding proteins. Thus, we demonstrated the unique utility of the wheat-germ cell-free translation system for producing and characterizing human HtrA3. These strategies will be likely applicable to a wide...

Papillary tumor of the pineal region.

Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vandergriff C, Opatowsky M, O'Rourke B, Layton K Abstract Presented is a patient with papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR), an uncommon and recently recognized neoplasm. As its name implies, PTPR does not arise from the pineal gland itself. The cell of origin is thought to be the specialized ependymocytes of the subcommissural organ. Primary tumors of the pineal region include pineal parenchymal neoplasms, germ cell neoplasms, and tumors arising from adjacent structures, including meningiomas, astrocytomas, and ependymomas. Like other masses in this location, PTPR often leads to obstructive hydrocephalus. Due to the relative paucity of reported cases of PTPR, its natural history is unknown. PMID: 22275792 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Baylor University Medical ...

Clinical Impact of Residual Extraretroperitoneal Masses in Patients With Advanced Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Testicular Cancer

Urology — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:43:46 +0100

Conclusion: Our data suggest that teratoma or viable NSGCT is present in approximately one-third of patients undergoing resection of residual ERP disease. The presence of residual ERP teratoma and viable NSGCT predicts for cancer progression independent of RP histology. (Source: Urology)

Clinicopathological features and immunoprofile of 30 cases of Brenner ovarian tumors

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:41:54 +0100

In conclusion, Brenner ovarian tumors are unilateral, small and benign neoplasms in their majority and present specific histopathological and immunopathological characteristics and mixed forms with other epithelial and germ cell neoplasms. This could be explained as a form of metaplasia or a diverse histogenesis from surface epithelium and/or the germ cell ovarian component. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Gynecologic OncologyPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00404-011-2182-5Authors A. Kondi-Pafiti, Pathology Laboratory, Aretaieion University Hospital, Athens Medical School, Athens, GreeceEvi Kairi-Vassilatou, Pathology Laboratory, Aretaieion University Hospital, Athens Medical School, Athens, GreeceCh. Iavazzo, 2nd Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion University Hospit...

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Atypical extragonadal germ cell tumors

Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Extragonadal GCTs in children are uncommon and occasionally present with atypical clinical, radiological and histological features resulting in diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. (Source: Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons)

Shorter Androgen Receptor CAG Repeat Lengths Associated with Cryptorchidism Risk among Hispanic White Boys.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Androgen receptor genotypes encoding moderate functional variation may influence cryptorchidism risk, particularly among boys with bilateral nondescent or congenital hernia, and may explain in part the elevated risk of testicular seminoma experienced by ex-cryptorchid boys. Mechanistic research is warranted to examine both classical and nonclassical mechanisms through which androgens may influence risk of cryptorchidism and related conditions. PMID: 22188741 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism)

A genome-wide RNAi screen in mouse embryonic stem cells identifies Mp1 as a key mediator of differentiation

The Journal of Experimental Medicine — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Despite intense investigation of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate pluripotency, the process of initial fate commitment of embryonic stem (ES) cells is still poorly understood. We used a genome-wide short hairpin RNA screen in mouse ES cells to identify genes that are essential for initiation of differentiation. Knockdown of the scaffolding protein Mek binding protein 1 (Mp1, also known as Lamtor3 or Map2k1ip1) stimulated self-renewal of ES cells, blocked differentiation, and promoted proliferation. Fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) signaling is required for initial fate commitment of ES cells. Knockdown of Mp1 inhibited FGF4-induced differentiation but did not alter FGF4-driven proliferation. This uncoupling of differentiation and proliferation was also observed when oncogenic...

Clinical Image: Mediastinal Teratoma

Journal of Pakistan Medical Students — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article has been peer reviewed. Article Submitted on: 11th July 2011 Article Accepted on: 27th October 2011 Funding Sources: None declared Correspondence to: Sina Khajehjahromi, Medical Student Address: Student Research Committee, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Email: sina.khajehjahromi@gmail.com Download PDF Brief History: A 26-year-old man was referred to the emergency department of our hospital following a car accident. The physical examination was unremarkable except reduced breath sounds over the left hemithorax. Results of blood serum tests were normal. Chest X-ray showed a huge space-occupying mass in almost half of the left hemithorax (Figure 1). The computed tomography (CT) scan showed a heterogeneous mass with focal fine cal...

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support in patients with metastatic non-seminomatous testicular cancer - a report from the Swedish Norwegian Testicular Cancer Group (SWENOTECA).

Acta Oncologica — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The population-based SWENOTECA strategy, selecting patients who do not respond adequately to primary standard-dose chemotherapy for immediate treatment intensification with HDCT, is feasible and might be advantageous. PMID: 22175254 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Oncologica)

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Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Clinical Stage I Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor: A Large Single Institution Experience

The Journal of Urology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection appears to be safe, viable and effective for stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. The lack of retroperitoneal recurrence in pN0–N1 cases supports the oncological efficacy of this approach. Its low morbidity and rapid convalescence compare favorably with those in open series. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Sarcoid-Like Granulomatosis and Testicular Germ Cell Tumor: The 'Great Imitator'

Oncology — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We advise caution in the interpretation of clinical and histological findings in these patients. Sarcoid-like granulomatosis, a condition that can be combined with testicular cancer, should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of metastatic testicular tumors. PMID: 22179558 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Oncology)

Diagnostic Radiation Exposure Risk in a Contemporary Cohort of Male Patients With Germ Cell Tumor

The Journal of Urology — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: At a tertiary care center with experience with managing testicular cancer 78% of patients with more than 5 years of followup exceeded current national and standard safety limits for radiation exposure. Imaging should be done judiciously in this population at high risk for radiation overexposure. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Chemoresponsive Liver Hemangioma in a Patient With a Metastatic Germ Cell Tumor [DIAGNOSIS IN ONCOLOGY]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Risk-Adapted Treatment in Clinical Stage I Testicular Seminoma: The Third Spanish Germ Cell Cancer Group Study [Urologic Oncology]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion With the limitations of the short follow-up duration, we confirm that a risk-adapted approach is effective for stage I seminoma. Adjuvant carboplatin seems adequate treatment for patients with 2 risk criteria, as is active surveillance for those with 0 to one risk factors. More reliable predictive factors are needed to improve the applicability of this model. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

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Absence of BRAF mutation in pediatric and adolescent germ cell tumors indicate biological differences to adult tumors

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe V600E mutation of the BRAF gene has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis of germ cell tumors in adult patients. We analyzed the mutational status of the BRAF and KRAS gene as well as MLH1 and MSH6 expression as surrogate markers for microsatellite instability in 70 pediatric germ cell tumors. Neither BRAF and KRAS mutations nor loss of MLH1 and MSH6 expression were found. Our data provide further evidence for patient age related biological differences in germ cell tumors and demonstrate that prognostic biomarkers cannot necessarily be transferred from one age group to the other. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Testicular cancer: A narrative review of the role of socioeconomic position from risk to survivorship

Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The strongest evidence for SEP impact on testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) was found for the risk of developing cancer as well as survival. The association of SEP with TGCT risk appears to have changed over the last decade. Given the highly curable nature of TGCT, more research is needed to understand how SEP impacts diagnosis and treatment for TGCT and to design interventions to address disparities in TGCT outcomes and SEP. (Source: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations)

Testicular cancer: A narrative review of the role of socioeconomic position from risk to survivorship.

Urologic Oncology — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The strongest evidence for SEP impact on testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) was found for the risk of developing cancer as well as survival. The association of SEP with TGCT risk appears to have changed over the last decade. Given the highly curable nature of TGCT, more research is needed to understand how SEP impacts diagnosis and treatment for TGCT and to design interventions to address disparities in TGCT outcomes and SEP. PMID: 22127018 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Urologic Oncology)

Clinical and sonographic features of uncommon primary ovarian malignancies

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.Germ cell tumors, sex cord‐stromal tumors, sarcomas, and lymphomas tend to appear as unilateral solid tumors. Color Doppler score is not useful for discriminating among uncommon primary ovarian malignancies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011 (Source: Journal of Clinical Ultrasound)

Preclinical and clinical activity of sunitinib in patients with cisplatin-refractory or multiply relapsed germ cell tumors: a Canadian Urologic Oncology Group/German Testicular Cancer Study Group cooperative study

Annals of Oncology — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Sunitinib shows in vitro activity in cisplatin-resistant GCT cell lines. Modest clinical activity in heavily pretreated GCT patients was observed. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

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Primary Yolk Sac Tumor of the Urachus

International Journal of Surgical Pathology — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. An unusual case of a YST in the urachus is presented. This is the first reported adult case based on the authors’ bibliographic search. (Source: International Journal of Surgical Pathology)

High prevalence of low BMD in intracranial germ cell tumor survivors

MedWire News - Bone Health — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:26:27 +0100

A high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia has been found in long-term survivors of intracranial germ cell tumors, according to research published in the journal Osteoporosis International. (Source: MedWire News - Bone Health)

Case report of death from falling: Did heart tumor cause syncope?

International Journal of Legal Medicine — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:54:13 +0100

Abstract A healthy man in his 30s was working on the balustrade of stairs on the second floor. He suddenly fell downstairs without saying anything. On emergency hospitalization, chest echogram showed left hemothorax. Cardiac echogram showed a floating mass from the mitral valve in the left ventricle and severe mitral regurgitation. Surgery for hemothorax and pulmonary contusion was immediately undertaken. However, bleeding from pulmonary contusion could not be controlled and he underwent cardiopulmonary arrest. Autopsy showed a white, elastic, pendulous mass in the left atrium and a white mass in the lower lobe of the left lung. Tumor histology showed a reticular pattern, Schiller–Duval bodies, eosinophilic hyaline globules, and positive staining for α-fetoprotein. We d...

Pubertal androgenization and gonadal histology in two 46,xy adolescents with sf-1 mutations and predominantly female phenotype at birth.

European Journal of Endocrinology — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In SF-1 mutations, the neonatal phenotype poorly predicts virilization at puberty. Even in poorly virilized cases at birth, male gender assignment may allow spontaneous puberty without signs of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and possibly fertility. Patients with SF-1 mutations are at increased risk for malignant germ cell tumors. In case of preserved gonads, early orchidopexy and germ cell tumor screening is warranted. The finding of premalignant and/or malignant changes should prompt gonadectomy -or possibly irradiation. PMID: 22080441 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Endocrinology)

OCT4 immunohistochemistry may be necessary to identify the real risk of gonadal tumors in patients with Turner syndrome and Y chromosome sequences

Human Reproduction — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of the real risk of development of gonadal tumors in TS patients with Y-derivative sequences in their chromosomal constitution may require a specific histopathological study, such as immunohistochemistry with OCT4. (Source: Human Reproduction)

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Associations between variants in KITLG, SPRY4, BAK1, and DMRT1 and pediatric germ cell tumors

Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractRecent genome wide association studies have identified susceptibility loci for adult testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) near KITLG, SPRY4, BAK1, and DMRT1. We evaluated variants in these four genes to determine whether these are also susceptibility loci for pediatric GCTs. DNA was isolated from 52 pediatric GCTs (ages 0–21 years) obtained from the Cooperative Human Tissue Network. Control DNA was isolated from de‐identified dried blood spots from 141 white newborns. Genotyping was conducted using TaqMan assays (rs4474514) or by PCR and sequencing (rs4324715, rs210138, and rs755383). Associations between variants and GCT were evaluated using logistic regression with adjustment for sex. We also evaluated whether the associations differed by age at GCT diagnosis (0–9 years, 10–...

Risk factors for osteoporosis in long-term survivors of intracranial germ cell tumors

Osteoporosis International — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:51:01 +0100

Conclusions The iGCTLS had a high prevalence of low BMD. We found that male sex, low LM, and delayed start of adult GH replacement were risk factors for osteoporosis. Therefore, the BMD of all iGCTLS should be evaluated, and if it is low, proper management should be started early. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00198-011-1821-9Authors M. J. Kang, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 110-744 South KoreaS. M. Kim, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 110-744 South KoreaY. A. Lee, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 110-744 South KoreaC. H. Shin, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University ...

Nuclear protein in testis midline carcinomas: a lethal and underrecognized entity.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Davis BN, Karabakhtsian RG, Pettigrew AL, Arnold SM, French CA, Musgrave Brill Y Abstract A 54-year-old woman presented with a nasal mass. Biopsy demonstrated undifferentiated tumor cells with extensive apoptosis and necrosis. Chromosome analysis identified a 46,XX,t(15;19)(q13;p13.1) pattern. Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed NUT rearrangement. A Ewing sarcoma-based chemotherapy regimen and concurrent irradiation obtained a dramatic response; however, the patient died of her disease less than 7 months after initial diagnosis. NUT midline carcinomas are rare, aggressive tumors defined by rearrangement of the NUT gene on 15q14. A solitary translocation involving 15q14 is usually the sole chromosomal abnorm...

Peripheral compressing artifacts in brain tissue from stereotactic biopsy with sidecutting biopsy needle: a pitfall for adequate glioma grading.

Clinical Neuropathology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Awareness of this artifact would help making the appropriate pathological diagnosis for glioma. PMID: 22011740 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Neuropathology)

Vaginal tumors in childhood: the experience of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Journal of Pediatric Surgery — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Vaginal tumors are extremely rare in the pediatric population. Early recognition of symptoms like bleeding and a protruding vaginal mass may prevent morbidity and mortality. Our findings confirm the good prognosis of vaginal RMS. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Surgery)

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The management of subcentimeter residual mass in NSGCT: pcRPLND vs. observation

Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Patients with advanced non-seminomatous germ cell tumors may achieve a serologic and radiographic complete response (CR) to first-line chemotherapy (defined as a residual mass < 1 cm in size). Recent reports suggest that these patients may be observed with a low rate of relapse but there remain compelling arguments for surgical excision. The arguments for and against post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND) are presented. There is clear consensus that patient's with residual masses > 1 cm should undergo post-chemotherapy surgery. (Source: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations)

The management of subcentimeter residual mass in NSGCT: pcRPLND vs. observation.

Urologic Oncology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Daneshmand S, Stephenson AJ, Sheinfeld J, Jewett MA Abstract Patients with advanced non-seminomatous germ cell tumors may achieve a serologic and radiographic complete response (CR) to first-line chemotherapy (defined as a residual mass < 1 cm in size). Recent reports suggest that these patients may be observed with a low rate of relapse but there remain compelling arguments for surgical excision. The arguments for and against post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND) are presented. There is clear consensus that patient's with residual masses > 1 cm should undergo post-chemotherapy surgery. PMID: 22078409 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Urologic Oncology)

New Prognostic Markers and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Human Testicular Germ Cell Tumors.

Current Medicinal Chemistry — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chieffi P Abstract Although testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are relatively uncommon, they are particularly important as they tend to affect children and young men, representing the most common tumor in male aged from 20 to 40 years, and the incidence has been increasing over the last decades. TGCTs are a heterogeneous group of tumors, with specific peculiarities reflecting on epidemiologic distribution and clinic-pathological features. Seminomas are highly sensitive to both radiation and chemotherapy, with a good prognosis, nonseminomas are sensitive to platinum-based combination chemotherapy and are less susceptible to radiation, with the exception of teratomas. However, up to 30% of patients diagnosed with metastatic nonseminomas do not achieve a durable remission, a...

Minichromosome maintenance helicase paralog MCM9 is dispensible for DNA replication but functions in germ-line stem cells and tumor suppression [Developmental Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Effective DNA replication is critical to the health and reproductive success of organisms. The six MCM2–7 proteins, which form the replicative helicase, are essential for high-fidelity replication of the genome. Many eukaryotes have a divergent paralog, MCM9, that was reported to be essential for loading MCM2–7 onto replication origins in the Xenopus oocyte extract system. To address the in vivo role of mammalian MCM9, we created and analyzed the phenotypes of mice with various mutations in Mcm9 and an intronic DNA replication-related gene Asf1a. Ablation of Mcm9 was compatible with cell proliferation and mouse viability, showing that it is nonessential for MCM2–7 loading or DNA replication. Mcm9 mutants underwent p53-independent embryonic germ-cell depletion in both sexes, with male...

Epidemiology of Brain Metastases

Current Oncology Reports — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:53:02 +0100

Abstract Brain metastases are one of the most common neurologic complications of cancer. The incidence is 9%–17% based on various studies, although the exact incidence is thought to be higher. The incidence is increasing with the availability of improved imaging techniques which aid early diagnosis, and effective systemic treatment regimens which prolong life, thus allowing cancer to disseminate to the brain. Lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma are the most frequent to develop brain metastases, and account for 67%–80% of all cancers. Most patients with brain metastases have synchronous extracerebral metastases. Some patients present with no known primary cancer diagnosis. In children, brain metastases are rare; germ cell tumors, sarcomas, and neuroblastoma are the...

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Predictors of Positive Retroperitoneal Lymph Nodes in Patients With High Risk Testicular Cancer

The Journal of Urology — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Embryonal carcinoma and lymphovascular invasion were significantly and independently associated with the risk of occult retroperitoneal metastatic disease. These results should be considered when counseling patients about appropriate treatment options. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

50 Years Ago in The Journal of Pediatrics: Precocious Puberty Due to Secreting Chorionepithelioma (Teratoma) of the Brain

The Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:14:09 +0100

Bruton OC, Martz DC, Gerard ES. J Pediatr 1961;59:719-25 Fifty years ago in The Journal, Bruton et al wrote, “It is evident that an early diagnosis could not be established in this case,” about a 7-year-old child with precocious puberty from a mixed germ cell brain tumor, diagnosed ultimately at death. In the course of 6 months from presentation, the boy underwent testicular biopsy, multiple blood tests, two electroencephalograms, pneumoencephalography, non-diagnostic posterior fossa craniotomy, and finally, repeat craniotomy with an aborted attempt to explore the third ventricle. The surgeon visualized but could not resect the tumor, so the patient was treated with 4000 cGy of irradiation before dying 12 months after the diagnosis. At autopsy, the boy was found to have a 6- by 5- by...

Residual tumor after the salvage surgery is the major risk factors for primary treatment failure in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors: A retrospective study of single institution.

World Journal of Surgical Oncology — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Most malignant ovarian germ cell tumors have excellent prognoses with primary treatment, and good reproductive outcomes can be expected. Because primary treatment failure is associated with the residual disease after the salvage surgery, knowledge of the presence or absence of this risk factor may be helpful in risk stratification and individualization of adjuvant therapy in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. Further large-scale prospective studies to confirm these results should be performed. (Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology)

Tumors of the posterior third ventricular region in pediatric patients: The Indian perspective and a review of literature

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Histopathologic characterization of TPTVR is essential prior to their further management. Benign lesions often have a good prognosis following gross total surgical resection. Pure germinomas are highly susceptible to radiotherapy. NGGCTs often have malignant components that require adjuvant therapy following surgery. The advancements in microsurgical techniques have led to gratifying perioperative results in these deep-seated lesions. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences)

Trends in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Among U.S. Military Servicemen, 1990-2003

Military Medicine — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:10:00 +0100

(Source: Military Medicine)

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Identification of the estrogen receptor GPER in neoplastic and non-neoplastic human testes

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These findings suggest that GPER could mediate estrogen signaling in both normal and transformed somatic cells of human testis, but they reveal a differential expression of the novel estrogen receptor in non neoplastic and neoplastic germ cells. (Source: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology)

Maternal Pregnancy Levels of Trans-Nonachlor and Oxychlordane and Prevalence of Cryptorchidism and Hypospadias in Male Offspring

EHP-in-Press — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The results do not support an association between chlordane levels and cryptorchidism or hypospadias. It is unlikely that current chlordane exposure is related to the development of either anomaly, given that serum chlordane levels at the time of sample collection, the early 1960’s, were considerably higher than levels at present. (Source: EHP-in-Press)

[Leptomeningeal spread of an intramedullary cervical pilocytic astrocytoma: case report and literature review.]

Neurocirugia — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Leptomeningeal spread is a rare phenomenon and when it happens usually doesn't change the primary tumor's behavior. In our case the aggressivenes could be explained by a potential malignization of the primary tumor that it wasn't documented because of the partial resectionss from the lasts surgeries or instead the tumor was actually a monomorphous pilomyxoid tumor. PMID: 22031164 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neurocirugia)

Immature teratoma of the ovary: A clinicopathological study of 28 cases.

Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Morphological spectrum of IT of ovary is varied. Immature mesenchyme was seen in all the cases of IT of ovary and its presence should prompt a careful search for immature neuroepithelium. Stage I IT of ovary has better prognosis. Combination of surgery and chemotherapy can give longer survival even in recurrent disease. PMID: 22234099 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology)

Epithelial Ovarian Tumors in Adolescents: A Retrospective Pathologic Study and a Critical Review of the Literature

Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A relatively high frequency of epithelial ovarian neoplasms among all ovarian tumors in a purely adolescent population was found in our study. Age-related selection bias may account at least in part for the discrepancy between our data and most previous reports. The most common subtype of epithelial ovarian tumor in our series was the benign serous cystadenoma. (Source: Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology)

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Giant Intrapulmonary Teratoma: A Rare Case

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:34:37 +0100

We report a case of a giant pulmonary teratoma in a 2-year-old male child and review the relevant literature. (Source: Advances in Pharmacological Sciences)

Morbidity of stereotactic biopsy for intracranial lesions.

Kobe J Med Sci — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 03:28:03 +0100

Authors: Nishihara M, Sasayama T, Kudo H, Kohmura E Abstract The safety of stereotactic biopsy (STB) was studied in this article. CT-guided STB (Brown-Roberts-Wells; BRW) was performed 58 times for 56 patients (male: 29, female: 27) at Hyogo Cancer Center between 1988 and 2007. The age distribution ranged from 15 to 83 (mean: 55) years old. Histological diagnoses were established for 58 samples, with 35 cases of glioma, eight of metastatic brain tumor, nine of malignant lymphoma and leukemia, two of germ cell tumor, two of abscess, one necrosis, and one case with normal tissue. There were 3 cases (5.2%) in which an intratumoral hemorrhage with neurological deficits was occurred. They were needed surgically removal and those histological pathology revealed glioma. Concerning locatio...

Salvage Chemotherapy with Paclitaxel, Ifosfamide, and Cisplatin (TIP) in Relapsed or Cisplatin-Refractory Germ Cell Tumors.

Onkologie — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:36:06 +0100

Conclusions: Even in the presence of poor prognostic features, salvage TIP chemotherapy can be an active regimen in patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors. PMID: 21934340 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Onkologie)

Paclitaxel, Ifosfamide and Cisplatin (TIP) Beyond Its Original Indication for Salvage Treatment of Germ Cell Tumors.

Onkologie — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:36:06 +0100

Authors: Voss MH, Feldman DR PMID: 21934338 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Onkologie)

Laparoscopic resection of a residual retroperitoneal tumor mass of nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors

Surgical Endoscopy — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:47:51 +0100

Conclusion For properly selected patients, laparoscopic resection of RRTM is an improvement in the combined treatment of disseminated NSTGCT and associated with a short hospital stay, minimal morbidity, rapid recovery, and a neat cosmetic result. Long-term data to prove oncologic efficacy are awaited. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00464-011-1901-0Authors Çiğdem Öztürk, Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The NetherlandsRobert J. van Ginkel, Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The NetherlandsRuby M. Krol, Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical...

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Toxicity effect of cisplatin-treatment on rat testis tissue

Journal of Men's Health — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:18:50 +0100

Background: Cisplatin is widely used as an antitumor drug. It is used as a chemotherapy agent to treat various types of cancers, including sarcomas, some carcinomas, lymphomas, and germ cell tumors. It was the first member of a class of platinum-containing anti-cancer drugs, which now also includes carboplatin and oxaliplatin. These platinum complexes react in vivo, binding to and causing crosslinking of DNA, which ultimately triggers apoptosis. Cisplatin provokes fertility and induces germ cell apoptosis and necrosis. Therefore, we have been tried, in this study, to evaluate the toxic effects of this drug on rat testis tissue, with the aim of reducing its toxic side effects in patients. (Source: Journal of Men's Health)

Retroperitoneal and metachronous testicular germ cell tumors with different histology and teratoma growing syndrome--a case report.

Collegium Antropologicum — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rakusić Z, Krpan AM, Mareković Z, Juretić A, Gasparov S Abstract It is presented a case of a 32-year-old male with the three primary tumors diagnosed within a time period of 3 years; retroperitoneal nonseminoma in 2002, retroperitoneal mature teratoma in 2004, and metachronous testicular seminoma in 2005. We discuss the unusual presentation of these three rare events occurring in the same patient without known risk factors. PMID: 22053583 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Collegium Antropologicum)

Birth Anomalies and Obstetric History as Risks for Childhood Tumors of the Central Nervous System

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:Multiple pregnancy losses after 20 weeks' gestation and birth defects increase the risk of a childhood CNS tumor. Previous pregnancy losses and birth defects may be surrogate markers for gene defects in developmental pathways that lead to CNS tumorigenesis. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Paraganglia Mimicking Metastatic Seminomatous Tumor

International Journal of Surgical Pathology — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Two cases are presented in which microscopic groups of retroperitoneal paraganglionic cells simulated metastatic seminomatous tumor. Both patients had histories of mixed testicular germ cell tumor with abdominal metastases and had been treated with chemotherapy. Persistent retroperitoneal disease was favored on follow-up imaging studies. Subsequent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection disclosed multifocal epithelioid cell groups with clear/vacuolated cytoplasm in the fibroconnective and adipose tissue, ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 mm in size. These cell groups were initially interpreted as recurrent metastatic seminoma, but were later reinterpreted as paraganglionic cells, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. The pathologic features for distinguishing paraganglionic cells from...

Ovarian cancer during pregnancy

International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for patients with ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy. Tumor staging is possible during pregnancy, but the appropriateness of surgery needs to be considered carefully. Ideally, the treatment strategy should be discussed and structured on an individual basis. (Source: International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics)

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Management of ovarian carcinoid syndrome

International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Ovarian cancer accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers in women, and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the USA . According to WHO histologic classification , ovarian tumors belong to 3 main categories: epithelial tumors (75% of all ovarian tumors); sex cord–stromal tumors (5%–10%); and germ cell tumors (15%–20%). (Source: International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics)

The seminoma cell line TCam‐2 is sensitive to HDAC inhibitor depsipeptide but tolerates various other chemotherapeutic drugs and loss of NANOG expression

Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractSeminomas and embryonal carcinomas (EC) are both type II germ cell tumor (GCT) entities and develop from the same precursor lesion (carcinoma‐in situ, CIS). However, they show significant differences in growth behavior, differentiation potential, and gene expression. Although ECs are prone to differentiate into all three germ layers and give rise to the non‐seminomatous GCT entities teratoma, choriocarcinoma, and yolk‐sac tumor, differentiation of seminomas to these entities is only rarely observed. This might reflect the ability of seminomas to actively inhibit differentiation processes evoked by environmental cues. Also, it is not known why CIS gives rise to seminoma in some patients and to non‐seminoma in the others. Here, we treated the seminoma‐like cell line TCam‐...

HESRG: a novel biomarker for intracranial germinoma and embryonal carcinoma

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:54:48 +0100

In this study, we used RT-PCR to systematically investigate the expression of HESRG in various types of intracranial tumors and found that HESRG was expressed only in germinoma and embryonal carcinoma, but hardly at all in other types of brain tumors. Real-time PCR results further confirmed this expression pattern. Subsequently, we tested 134 intracranial non-germ cell tumors and 64 intracranial germ cell tumors by immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that HESRG was expressed strongly and diffusively in the nuclei of tumor cells in intracranial germinoma and embryonal carcinoma as well as in human embryonic stem cells. No positive staining signal was observed in any other type of intracranial tumors. In germinomas, 25 of 31 showed intensive (3+) expression, four cases showed mode...

Yolk Sac Tumor of the Testis

The Journal of Urology — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Primary testicular yolk sac tumor is uncommon, and can present either as a pure tumor or a component in mixed germ cell tumors. Pure yolk sac tumor is almost always seen in infants and young children, representing 70% of pediatric testicular germ cell tumors. Pediatric patients usually present with a rapid painless enlargement of the testis and the disease is stage I in 80% at presentation. Increased serum α-fetoprotein is seen in more than 90% of patients. In adults pure yolk sac tumor is rare and can be found as a component in 40% of mixed germ cell tumors. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Treatment strategies and prognostic factors of patients with primary germ cell tumors in the mediastinum

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:59:41 +0100

Conclusions Primary mediastinal germ cell tumor is rare with a dominant frequency in young male patients. Chemotherapy combined with local therapy like surgery or radiotherapy is a reasonable treatment strategy recommended. Extension and initial remission rate are independent prognostic factors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00432-011-1028-7Authors Ting Zhi Liu, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.651, Dongfeng Rd., Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong Province, ChinaDong Sheng Zhang, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.651, Dongfeng Rd., Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong Province, ChinaYing Liang, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.651, Dongfeng Rd., Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong Province, ChinaNing Ning Zhou, Cancer Cen...

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Germ Cell Tumor With Somatic-Type Malignancy Presenting As Right Facial Swelling in a Young Woman [DIAGNOSIS IN ONCOLOGY]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Transcripts that associate with the RNA binding protein, DEAD-END (DND1), in embryonic stem (ES) cells.

BMC Molecular Biology - Latest articles — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results indicate that the inducible ES cell line system serves as a suitable in vitro system to identify the mRNA targets of DND1. The RIP-RT results hint at the broad spectrum of mRNA targets that interact with DND1 in ES cells. Based on what is known about DND1 function, our results suggest that DND1 may impose another level of translational regulation to modulate expression of critical factors in ES cells. (Source: BMC Molecular Biology - Latest articles)

Concordance and Prediction Ability of Original and Reviewed Vascular Invasion and Other Prognostic Parameters of Clinical Stage I Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Testicular Tumors After Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

The Journal of Urology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In half of the patients no information was available on vascular invasion in the original reports. Concordance between original and reviewed reports was generally poor. Reviewed parameters better predicted nodal status at retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. These findings may have important implications in clinical practice. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

[High-dose chemotherapy and residual tumor resection in male germ cell tumors.]

Der Urologe. Ausg. A — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lorch A, Albers P, Winter C, Beyer J Abstract As a consequence of the unsatisfactory results of conventional dose salvage regimens, in particular for patients with poor prognostic features at the time of relapse or in patients with refractory disease, high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) was introduced into clinical practice in the late 1980s. The combination of carboplatin and etoposide (CE) still remains the backbone of most high-dose regimens. Multiple modifications with more dose escalations or addition of further drugs have been explored, most often with increased toxicity. With improved expertise in supportive care and the use of peripheral blood stem cells, hematopoetic recovery has been significantly shortened and the initial high treatment-related mortality reduced from ...

Gestational age at birth and risk of testicular cancer

International Journal of Cancer — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:59:02 +0100

AbstractMost testicular germ cell tumors originate from carcinoma in situ cells in fetal life, possibly related to sex hormone imbalances in early pregnancy. Previous studies of association between gestational age at birth and testicular cancer have yielded discrepant results and have not examined extreme preterm birth. Our objective was to determine whether low gestational age at birth is independently associated with testicular cancer in later life. We conducted a national cohort study of 354,860 men born in Sweden in 1973‐1979, including 19,214 born preterm (gestational age <37 weeks) of whom 1,279 were born extremely preterm (22‐29 weeks), followed for testicular cancer incidence through 2008. A total of 767 testicular cancers (296 seminomas and 471 nonseminomatous germ cell tum...

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Nationwide investigation of the current status of therapeutic neuroendoscopy for ventricular and paraventricular tumors in Japan.

Journal of Neurosurgery — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The authors concluded that neuroendoscopic diagnosis using biopsy for ventricular and paraventricular tumors is adequately accurate and safe. It was demonstrated that endoscopic procedures play important roles not only in the treatment of hydrocephalus associated with intra- and paraventricular tumors but also in significantly improving ADL. Furthermore, the long-term outcome of endoscopic third ventriculostomy was clearly favorable. PMID: 21838511 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Neurosurgery)

Insulin-like growth factor-I and C-reactive protein during pregnancy and maternal risk of non-epithelial ovarian cancer: a nested case–control study

Cancer Causes and Control — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:58:14 +0100

Conclusions Pre-diagnostic IGF-I and CRP concentrations during the first trimester of pregnancy were not associated with increased risk of NEOC in the mother. Risk factors for NEOC may differ from those of EOC. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s10552-011-9828-2Authors Adetunji T. Toriola, Division of Preventive Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, GermanyHelja-Marja Surcel, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu, FinlandEva Lundin, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of Umeå, Umeå, SwedenHelena Schock, Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, GermanyKjell Grankvist, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of Umeå, Umeå, ...

Molecular confirmation of HRAS p.G12S in siblings with Costello syndrome

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractCostello syndrome was first reported based on its characteristic phenotype. Its presentation affects multiple organ systems, including severe failure‐to‐thrive with macrocephaly, characteristic facial features, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, papillomata, malignant tumors, and cognitive impairment. Heterozygous germline mutations in the proto‐oncogene HRAS have been recognized to cause Costello syndrome, and its inheritance pattern would thus be autosomal dominant. Here, we report on the identification of an HRAS mutation c.34G>A, predicting a p.G12S amino acid substitution, in the surviving brother of a previously reported sibling pair, and documentation of the same change in autopsy material from his deceased sister. This represents, to our knowledge, the first molecularly ...

Mutation in the type IB bone morphogenetic protein receptor alk6b impairs germ-cell differentiation and causes germ-cell tumors in zebrafish [Developmental Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Germ-cell tumors (GCTs), which arise from pluripotent embryonic germ cells, exhibit a wide range of histologic differentiation states with varying clinical behaviors. Although testicular GCT is the most common cancer of young men, the genes controlling the development and differentiation of GCTs remain largely unknown. Through a forward genetic screen, we previously identified a zebrafish mutant line, tgct, which develops spontaneous GCTs consisting of undifferentiated germ cells [Neumann JC, et al. (2009) Zebrafish 6:319–327]. Using positional cloning we have identified an inactivating mutation in alk6b, a type IB bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor, as the cause of the zebrafish GCT phenotype. Alk6b is expressed in spermatogonia and early oocytes, and alk6b mutant gonads display ...

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High dose chemotherapy and germ cell tumor.

Bulletin du Cancer — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Massard C, Fléchon A, Fizazi K, Droz JP Abstract Germ cell tumors are cured by cisplatin-based chemotherapy and secondary surgery. Patients with initial poor response to chemotherapy and relapsed disease patients have poor prognosis. Among different therapeutic approaches high dose chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell support has been studied. Despite the existence of a number of phase II trials and several well-conducted phase III trials, this approach is neither a standard nor an option in the setting of first line and first salvage treatment. A randomized phase III trial has recently been initiated and patients with relapsed disease should be offered to participate in the trial. Several selected indications could be discussed in further lines of treatment. PMI...

Uncommon vascular tumor of the ovary. Primary ovarian epithelioid hemangioendothelioma or vascular sarcomatous transformation in ovarian germ cell tumor?

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 05:52:01 +0100

Abstract Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an unusual vascular tumor, which usually occurs in the soft tissue, liver, breast, lung and bone. We submit a case of EHE, a tumor never before reported in the ovary. A 20-year-old woman was admitted with a medical history of unilateral ovarian tumor. The right ovary was totally removed and histologically, the tumor was composed of epithelioid cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and prominent intracytoplasmic vacuoles associated with myxohyaline matrix. No morphologic evidence of germ cell tumor was observed. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD31 and CD34. However, all germ cell tumor markers were negative. The final diagnosis was EHE of the ovarian gland and sarcomatous transformation in ovarian germ...

A clinicopathological study of diagnostically challenging meningioma mimics

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 05:44:43 +0100

This study included total of 20 cases of meningioma mimics. The clinical, radiological and histopathological findings were evaluated. Tissue fixed in 10% formalin was routinely processed and 5 μ thick sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin & eosin. Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry using avidin–biotin complex immunoperoxidase method was done wherever indicated. In the present study group, 15 were male and 5 female with a male: female ratio of 3:1. The age ranged from 14 to 78 years. Radiologically all these lesions were extra-axial in location, predominantly hypointense on T2W, isointense on T1W images and showed intense homogenous enhancement on contrast administration. Four cases were in pediatric age group with histopathological diagnosis of Rosai Dorfm...

Heterogenous effect of androgen receptor CAG tract length on testicular germ cell tumor risk: shorter repeats associated with seminoma but not other histologic types

Carcinogenesis — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Increasing rates of testicular germ cells tumors (TGCTs) overtime suggest that environmental factors are involved in disease etiology, but familial risk and genome-wide association studies implicate genetic factors as well. We investigated whether variation in the functional CAGn polymorphism in the androgen receptor (AR) gene is associated with TGCT risk, using data from a population-based family study. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of CAG repeat length and TGCT risk using matched pairs logistic regression. Analyses of 273 TGCT case–mother pairs revealed no association between AR CAG repeat length and overall TGCT risk. However, risk of seminoma was significantly associated with shorter CAG repeat length [CAG 20–21 versus C...

Gonadal development and tumor formation at the crossroads of male and female sex determination.

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:03 +0100

Authors: Cools M, Wolffenbuttel KP, Drop SL, Oosterhuis JW, Looijenga LH Malignant germ cell tumor (GCT) formation is a well-known complication in the management of patients with a disorder of sex development (DSD). DSDs are defined as congenital conditions in which development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical. DSD patients in whom the karyotype - at least at the gonadal level - contains (a part of) the Y chromosome are at increased risk for neoplastic transformation of germ cells, leading to the development of the so-called 'type II germ cell tumors'. However, tumor risk in the various forms of DSD varies considerably between the different diagnostic groups. This contribution integrates our actual knowledge on the pathophysiology of tumor development in DSDs, rec...

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Methylation profile of DNA repetitive elements in human testicular germ cell tumor

Molecular Carcinogenesis — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractTesticular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) have a unique epigenetic profile distinct from that of other types of cancer. To further evaluate epigenetics of TGCTs, this study examines DNA methylation patterns of DNA repetitive elements in TGCTs. Bisulfite genomic sequencing and combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) were used to analyze the methylation patterns of DNA repetitive elements (LINE1 and Alu repeats) in embryonal carcinoma (EC) derived cell lines, primary TGCT tissues, noncancerous testicular tissues adjacent to TGCTs and cancer cells derived from somatic tissues (testicular malignant lymphoma tissues and renal cell carcinoma cell lines). Through both bisulfite genomic sequencing and COBRA, LINE1 was extensively hypomethylated in both seminomatous and nonseminomatous TG...

Development of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia with isochromosome (12p) after a primary mediastinal germ cell tumor in Korea.

J Korean Med Sci — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report one case of a young adult male with primary mediastinal GCT who subsequently developed acute megakaryoblastic leukemia involving isochromosome (12p). A 25-yr-old man had been diagnosed with a mediastinal GCT and underwent surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. At 1 week after the last cycle of chemotherapy, his peripheral blood showed leukocytosis with blasts. A bone marrow study confirmed the acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. A cytogenetic study revealed a complex karyotype with i(12p). Although additional chemotherapy was administered, the patient could not attain remission and died of septic shock. This case was definitely distinct from therapy-related secondary leukemia in terms of clinical, morphologic, and cytogenetic features. To our knowledge, this is the first case...

Genetic contributions to the association between adult height and testicular germ cell tumors

International Journal of Epidemiology — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This novel analysis provides tentative evidence that SNPs which are associated with adult height may also share an association with risk of TGCT. (Source: International Journal of Epidemiology)

Pituitary blastoma: a unique embryonal tumor

Pituitary — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:04:50 +0100

Abstract Pituitary blastoma, a recently described tumor of the neonatal pituitary, exhibits differentiation to Rathke epithelium and adenohypophysial cells of folliculostellate and secretory type, a reflection of arrested pituitary development and unchecked proliferation (Scheithauer et al. in Acta Neuropathol 116(6):657–666, 2008). Herein, we report the pathologic features of three additional cases, all ACTH-producing. One involved a 9-month-old male presenting with progressive right ophthalmoplegia, MRI findings of a large suprasellar mass with cavernous sinus invasion, and elevated plasma ACTH levels. The second was nonfunctioning and occurred in a 13-month-old female with right third nerve palsy. The third had been previously published as a “pituitary adenoma” in ...

The First Case of Primary Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Containing Nephroblastoma as the Only One Non-germ Cell Component

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report the second case of an adult nephroblastoma that arose within the primary testicular teratoma in a non-atrophic testis. Teratoma and nephroblastoma within the same testis may have an important point to clarify the developmental mechanism in nephroblastomatous differentiation of germ cell tumors. (Source: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology)

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Late relapses (>2 years) in patients with stage I testicular germ cell tumors: Predictive factors and survival.

Urologic Oncology — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Late relapses following stage I germ cell tumors were associated with seminoma, older age, and worse outcome after induction chemotherapy. PMID: 21803619 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Urologic Oncology)

Teratoma with Naturally Occurring Malignant Transformation in a Child.

Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We present a 12-year-old girl with a teratoma with malignant transformation (TMT) of the mediastinum. Computed tomography showed a cystic mass (5.0 cm × 4.0 cm) with a thick solid portion, in the anterior mediastinum. Six months later, the solid portion of the mass had enlarged, and surgical resection was performed. The resected tumor was 7.0 × 5.0 × 4.0 cm in size. The cystic portion was a mature teratoma, and the solid portion predominantly comprised a viable embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. There were no immature teratomatous elements or other germ-cell components. The histopathologic diagnosis was a mature teratoma with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a so-called TMT. The tumor recurred, despite adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient died of progressive disease 16 months postoperatively. To the ...

Progression‐free and overall survival in patients with relapsed/refractory germ cell tumors treated with single‐agent chemotherapy: Endpoints for clinical trial design

Cancer — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:Patients with refractory GCT progressed rapidly to these single agents. PFS and OS may be useful endpoints for designing phase 2 trials testing novel agents in this population. Twelve‐week PFS (with comparison to the 9% benchmark rate reported herein) is the recommended endpoint for phase 2 trial design and median OS (using 4.7 months as the predicted median for the control arm) is suggested for phase 3 trials. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Insights on neoplastic stem cells from gel‐based proteomics of childhood germ cell tumors

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Differential regulation of FKBP4 and NF45, combined with previous research on immunosuppressant binding, suggests that glucocorticoid receptor signaling merits further investigation in cGCTs and NSCs. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Novel retrotransposed imprinted locus identified at human 6p25

Nucleic Acids Research — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) are stable epigenetic features within or in proximity to imprinted genes. We used this feature to identify candidate human imprinted loci by quantitative DNA methylation analysis. We discovered a unique DMR at the 5'-end of FAM50B at 6p25.2. We determined that sense transcripts originating from the FAM50B locus are expressed from the paternal allele in all human tissues investigated except for ovary, in which expression is biallelic. Furthermore, an antisense transcript, FAM50B-AS, was identified to be monoallelically expressed from the paternal allele in a variety of tissues. Comparative phylogenetic analysis showed that FAM50B orthologs are absent in chicken and platypus, but are present and biallelically expressed in opossum and mouse. These find...

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Retroperitoneal Histologic Findings of Patients With Elevated Serum Alpha-fetoprotein and Pure Seminoma at Orchiectomy

Urology — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Pure seminoma at orchiectomy with an elevated serum AFP level portends a high likelihood of NSGCT elements in the retroperitoneum. (Source: Urology)

Androgen-Producing Testicular Germ Cell Tumors [DIAGNOSIS IN ONCOLOGY]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Phase I Study of Temsirolimus in Pediatric Patients With Recurrent/Refractory Solid Tumors [Pediatric Oncology]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Weekly intravenous temsirolimus is well tolerated in children with recurrent solid tumors, demonstrates antitumor activity, has pharmacokinetics similar to those in adults, and inhibits the mTOR signaling pathway in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells. Further studies are needed to define the optimal dose for use in combination with other antineoplastic agents in pediatric patients. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Paclitaxel + BEP (T-BEP) Regimen as Induction Chemotherapy in Poor Prognosis Patients With Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: A Phase II Study

Urology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: T-BEP did not improve PFS in patients with poor-prognosis NSGCT. The administration of T-BEP from cycle 1 resulted in excessive toxicity but was administered safely from cycle 2. (Source: Urology)

Sorafenib-induced eruption resembling pityriasis rubra pilaris

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:19:59 +0100

We report a pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)–like eruption in a patient treated with sorafenib as part of a phase I trial for metastatic germ cell cancer. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

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Mixed germ cell testicular tumor presenting as metastatic cutaneous choriocarcinoma

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:19:59 +0100

To the Editor: A 38-year-old man, with polysubstance abuse and hepatitis C infection, was admitted to the hospital with nausea and coffee-ground emesis. He reported a 2-week history of two anterior chest nodules. Cutaneous examination revealed a 2.1- × 1.7-cm firm, pink nodule with punctate hemorrhagic crust and overlying pseudovesiculation on his right upper lateral chest wall. Adjacent to this nodule was a 0.5- × 0.5-cm papule with similar features (). Additionally, he was found to have a unilateral enlarged, firm testicular mass with greatest dimension of 4.2 cm. The remainder of his physical examination was unremarkable. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Embryonic Stem Cells Used In New Model For Studying Germ Cell Tumors In Testes

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:00:00 +0100

A team of researchers from Spain and Switzerland have developed a new model for studying the development of testicular germ cell tumors by transplanting embryonic stem cells into the seminiferous tubules in mouse models, resulting in the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) that mimic the early stages of TGCT development. The study, published in Cell Transplantation (20:5), is now freely available on-line here... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New model for studying germ cell tumors in testes enlists embryonic stem cells

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair) Researchers offer a new model for studying the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) based on transplanting embryonic stem cells into mouse seminiferous tubules, resulting in tumors with gene expressions and differentiation patterns similar to those found in TGCTs. The model has "valuable application potential" as it mimics the pre-invasive state of the tumors and can be used to screen novel drugs, including inhibitors of angiogenesis and metastasis, to potentially treat TGCTs. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Tuberculosis in postchemotherapy residual masses in germ cell tumor of the testis

Indian Journal of Urology — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report two patients; one with late relapse and other with postchemotherapy residual mass, who had tuberculosis. Tumor markers were normal, and PET scan showed increased uptake in residual mass. There are no previous reports of tuberculosis in postchemotherapy residual masses. (Source: Indian Journal of Urology)

Testicular germ cell tumor fungating through anterior abdominal wall

Indian Journal of Urology — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report such a case which had a favorable response to chemotherapy. (Source: Indian Journal of Urology)

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Somatic gonadal cells: The supporting cast for the germline

genesis — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractCell‐cell signaling and adhesion are critical for establishing tissue architecture during development and for maintaining tissue architecture and function in the adult. Defects in adhesion and signaling can result in mislocalization of cells, uncontrolled proliferation and improper differentiation, leading to tissue overgrowth, tumor formation and cancer metastasis. An important example is found in the germline. Germ cells that are not incorporated into the gonad exhibit a greater propensity for forming germ cell tumors, and defects in germline development can reduce fertility. While much attention is given to germ cells, their development into functional gametes depends upon somatic gonadal cells. The study of model organisms has provided great insights into how somatic gonadal ...

Brief Report: Phase II Multicenter Study of Temozolomide in Patients with Cisplatin-Resistant Germ Cell Tumors

Karger Publishers — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:02:28 +0100

Oncology 2011;80:219–222 (DOI:10.1159/000329041) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Microdissection of Gonadal Tissues for Gene Expression Analyses

Springer protocols feed by Biotechnology — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Laser microdissection permits isolation of specific cell types from tissue sections or cell cultures. This may be beneficial when investigating the role of specific cells in a complex tissue or organ. In tissues with easily distinguishable morphology, a simple hematoxylin staining is sufficient, but in most cases a more specific staining is required to identify which cells to microdissect. We have established two staining protocols for frozen sections (1) Oil red O, which stains lipid droplet in fat cells and steroid-producing cells and (2) NBT BCIP, which stains cells expressing an alkaline phosphatase enzyme, such as fetal germ cells, testicular carcinoma in situ cells, and putatively also other early stem cell populations. We have applied these protocols for microdissection of rat Leydi...

Spermatocytic seminoma at the National Institute of Oncology in Morocco

BMC Research Notes — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The diagnosis of spermatocytic seminoma must be considered in all patients aged of more than 50 with testicular tumor. With only three cases of metastatic disease confirmed in the literature, this is a subgroup of patients in whom radiotherapy can safely be omitted. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Fertility sparing surgery for ovarian tumors in children and young adults

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:28:01 +0100

Conclusion Fertility sparing surgery for malignant ovarian tumors in children and young adults has excellent prognosis and should be attempted whenever possible. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00404-011-1946-2Authors El-Said Abdel-Hady, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptReda Abdel-Hady Hemida, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptAnas Gamal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptMaged El-Shamey, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt Journal Archives of Gynecology and ObstetricsOnline ISSN 1432-0711Print ISSN 0932-0067 (Source: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics)

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Primary yolk sac tumor of the endometrium

International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are a type of germ cell neoplasm that usually occurs in the ovaries or testes. Endometrial YSTs are extremely rare and there is no guideline for treatment. The present case was the first instance of an endometrial YST at Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China, in the hospital's 54-year history. (Source: International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics)

Molecular pathogenesis and extraovarian origin of epithelial ovarian cancer—Shifting the paradigm

Human Pathology — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:17:13 +0100

Summary: Recent morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic studies have led to the development of a new paradigm for the pathogenesis and origin of epithelial ovarian cancer based on a dualistic model of carcinogenesis that divides epithelial ovarian cancer into 2 broad categories designated types I and II. Type I tumors comprise low-grade serous, low-grade endometrioid, clear cell and mucinous carcinomas, and Brenner tumors. They are generally indolent, present in stage I (tumor confined to the ovary), and are characterized by specific mutations, including KRAS, BRAF, ERBB2, CTNNB1, PTEN, PIK3CA, ARID1A, and PPP2R1A, which target specific cell signaling pathways. Type I tumors rarely harbor TP53 mutations and are relatively stable genetically. Type II tumors comprise high-gra...

Undifferentiated Sarcoma of the Sellar Region

Endocrine Pathology — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:02:21 +0100

Abstract Malignancies lacking specific features of cellular maturation are termed “undifferentiated” and represent 5–10% of all human tumors. They are encountered at a variety of sites but do not, as a rule, arise in the sellar region. A 39-year-old male with a history of testicular seminoma and an unsuccessful biopsy of a third ventricular neoplasm, presented with visual disturbances and memory loss. Light microscopically, the tumor consisted entirely of undifferentiated spindle cells. No germ cell component was noted. An exhaustive immunohistochemical study found immunoreactivity for vimentin and desmin, but for no other myoid markers. Polymerase chain reaction showed no X;18 translocation. Based upon these studies, a diagnosis of “undifferentiated sarcoma” was...

Is positron emission tomography reliable to predict post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node involvement in advanced germ cell tumors of the testis?

Urology Journal — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:00:03 +0100

Conclusion: 18FDG-PET imaging does not seem to be a reliable method in detecting RPLN involvement in advanced germ cell tumors of the testis following chemotherapy. Therefore, we neither recommend routine use of 18FDG-PET scanning nor decide the treatment work-up by solely relying on the 18FDG-PET findings in this patient group. PMID: 21656470 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Urology Journal)

Pathology of Pineal Parenchymal Tumors

Neurosurgery Clinics of North America — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Tumors of the pineal region can arise from multiple cellular origins and thus represent a very heterogeneous group of pathologies. Such tumors include pineal parenchymal tumors, germ cell tumors, astrocytomas, ependymomas, and papillary pineal tumors. Within the subgroup of pineal parenchymal tumors, there is a histopathologic spectrum ranging from pineocytoma to pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation to pineoblastoma. The current World Health Organization classification and the pathologic features of each of the pineal parenchymal tumor subtypes are reviewed in this article. (Source: Neurosurgery Clinics of North America)

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CD147 is required for matrix metalloproteinases-2 production and germ cell migration during spermatogenesis

Molecular Human Reproduction — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Spermatogenesis is a highly programmed process that requires the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the remodeling of tight junctions (TJ) to facilitate differentiating germ cell migration. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential in regulating Sertoli cell TJ in the testis. CD147 is known to stimulate the production of MMPs in tumor metastasis and its knockout mice are infertile. However, the functional relationship between CD147 and MMPs in spermatogenesis has not been investigated. In the present study, we examined the expression profile of CD147 and MMPs during mouse testicular development by RT–PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. We also examined CD147 involvement in the production of MMP-2 and the migration of germ cells (GC-1 and GC-2 cells) using...

Cisplatin and irinotecan combination chemotherapy for advanced thymic carcinoma: Evaluation of efficacy and toxicity

Lung Cancer — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Cisplatin and irinotecan combination chemotherapy appears to be acceptable for advanced thymic carcinoma as first-line chemotherapy with respect to efficacy, toxicity, and usage in the clinical setting. (Source: Lung Cancer)

Teratoma with Malignant Transformation: A Case Report with Pathological, Cytogenetic, and Immunohistochemistry Analysis

Anesthesiology Research and Practice — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:07:18 +0100

Conclusion. The activity of topoisomerase inhibitors and the potential usefulness of topoisomerase expression as biomarkers should be further tested in aprospective study. (Source: Anesthesiology Research and Practice)

Teratoma With Somatic-Type Malignant Components in Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis: A Clinicopathologic Analysis of 40 Cases With Outcome Correlation

International Journal of Surgical Pathology — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Teratoma with a malignant somatic component (MSC) is a rare phenomenon recognized when a somatic type malignancy occurs in the context of a germ cell tumor (GCT). The authors present their 29-year experience with 40 patients treated from 1981 to 2009 in their institution. The average age was 31 years. All patients underwent radical orchiectomy, which demonstrated a GCT in 19 with an MSC. The MSC was observed in the other 21 cases in metastatic sites, including lung (13), liver (3), pleura (1), mediastinum (7), supraclavicular lymph nodes (1), and retroperitoneal lymph nodes (9). The most common histologic types were rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 11) and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (n = 10), followed by adenocarcinoma (n = 9), sarcoma, not otherwise specified (n = 5), well-differentiated lipos...

A risk-adapted strategy of radiotherapy or cisplatin-based chemotherapy in stage II seminoma.

Urologic Oncology — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: With an overall survival rate of 97%, the overall outcome of patients with stage II seminoma managed according to this risk-adapted strategy is good. The possibility of extending the indications for chemotherapy to selected stage IIB seminoma patients needs to be further evaluated as potentially beneficial in terms of relapse risk. PMID: 21665493 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Urologic Oncology)

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The testicular germ cell tumour transcriptome

International Journal of Andrology — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

SummaryTesticular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are characterized by young age of onset and a complex pattern of histological subtypes. Transcriptomic studies have tried to uncover the gene expression patterns underlying this. Here, we present a systematic review of transcriptome studies of TGCTs of adolescents and young adults and identify genes common across the various studies, both for TGCTs in general as well as the histological subtypes, hence elucidating both transcriptional changes associated with malignant transformation and differentiation patterns. A meta‐analysis of this type adds power and significance to the genes thus found, where most studies have included only a limited number of samples. Both known (KRAS, MYCN and TPD52) and novel (CCT6A, IGFBP3 and SALL2) cancer genes are ...

The testicular germ cell tumour transcriptome.

International Journal of Andrology — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alagaratnam S, Lind GE, Kraggerud SM, Lothe RA, Skotheim RI Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are characterized by young age of onset and a complex pattern of histological subtypes. Transcriptomic studies have tried to uncover the gene expression patterns underlying this. Here, we present a systematic review of transcriptome studies of TGCTs of adolescents and young adults and identify genes common across the various studies, both for TGCTs in general as well as the histological subtypes, hence elucidating both transcriptional changes associated with malignant transformation and differentiation patterns. A meta-analysis of this type adds power and significance to the genes thus found, where most studies have included only a limited number of samples. Both known (KRAS, MYCN ...

Clinical Outcomes after Treatment of Germ Cell Tumors

Neurosurgery Clinics of North America — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Intracranial GCTs are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms most commonly diagnosed in the pediatric population. Germinomas are exquisitely radiosensitive with long-term survival rates in excess of 90% with radiotherapy alone. NGGCTs are associated with a poorer prognosis and are typically treated with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. Given the young age of these patients, achieving optimal outcomes will ultimately require a careful balance of maximizing disease control while minimizing adverse treatment effects. Here we review the management of intracranial GCTs and discuss the clinical outcomes of patients who undergo treatment for these rare and fascinating tumors. (Source: Neurosurgery Clinics of North America)

Proton MR spectroscopy and diffusion-weighted imaging of intracranial germ cell tumors: Implications for differentiation from other lesions

European Journal of Radiology Extra — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: DWI and MRS imaging findings provide additional information that can facilitate evaluation of intracranial germ cell tumors. (Source: European Journal of Radiology Extra)

Early Clinical Development of ARQ 197, a Selective, Non-ATP-Competitive Inhibitor Targeting MET Tyrosine Kinase for the Treatment of Advanced Cancers.

The Oncologist — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Adjei AA, Schwartz B, Garmey E Abstract Expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-MET (MET, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor) in many cancers, and its participation in multiple signal transduction pathways involved in malignant tumor growth, suggest a wide therapeutic potential for MET inhibition in human cancer. Here we describe the discovery and early clinical development of ARQ 197, a novel, selective, non-ATP-competitive inhibitor of MET. Phase I studies demonstrate that ARQ 197 has a predictable pharmacokinetics and favorable safety profile, making it a potentially ideal partner for combination with cytotoxic chemotherapies and targeted anticancer agents. Results from phase I and phase II trials demonstrate preliminary evidence of anticancer activity. New data ...

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Abdominal ultrasonography versus abdominal CT in the follow-up of testicular germ cell tumors.

Radiologia — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: US is very sensitive and can be used in protocols for the follow-up of primary testicular tumors to rule out disease. PMID: 21641626 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiologia)

Intermediate‐term oncological efficacy of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for non‐seminomatous germ cell testicular cancer

BJU International — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS• Laparoscopic RPLND appears to be safe while providing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.• Although the therapeutic benefit of L‐RPLND needs to be confirmed in additional patients and with longer follow‐up, our results suggest that L‐RPLND provides both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. (Source: BJU International)

Pituitary choriocarcinoma in an adolescent male: Tumor-derived CG and GH delay diagnosis.

Growth Hormone and IGF Research — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We present an additional case of a suprasellar choriocarcinoma producing GH, and review the literature. PMID: 21658594 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Growth Hormone and IGF Research)

Primary yolk sac tumor of the common bile duct

Journal of Pediatric Surgery — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We describe an 11-month-old girl with a YST arising from the CBD who presented with obstructive jaundice. Imaging studies revealed an intraluminal CBD mass with intrahepatic biliary dilatation and extraluminal infiltration of the head of the pancreas. A complete resection was carried out, and postoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin was administered. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Surgery)

Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors: Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemo-radiotherapy without Surgical Biopsy.

The Keio Journal of Medicine — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this report, we review 41 patients with intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, in the 25-year period between January 1982 and July 2006. The main aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of our current intracranial GCT management protocol, comprising neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy without surgical biopsy of tumors as far as possible, to that of historical controls. In all patients, charts were reviewed and tumor and patient characteristics, including age, sex, type of tumor marker secreted, treatment protocol, and clinical outcomes, were compared. The relationship between these variables was analyzed by means of the Cox proportional hazards model. Thus far, four patients treated by approaches o...

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False-Positive Hypermetabolic Lesions on Post-Treatment PET-CT after Influenza Vaccination.

The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report a case of a 59-year-old man with testicular germ cell tumor who showed new hypermetabolic lesions at the left axillary lymph nodes on a post-treatment positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan. The hypermetabolic lesions were found to be caused by an influenza vaccination 10 days prior to the PET-CT scan and disappeared without additional treatment. To date, he is alive with complete remission. PMID: 21716913 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine)

Conventional-Dose Versus High-Dose Chemotherapy As First Salvage Treatment in Male Patients With Metastatic Germ Cell Tumors: Evidence From a Large International Database [Urologic Oncology]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 26 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This retrospective analysis suggests a benefit from HDCT given as intensification of first salvage treatment in male patients with GCTs and emphasizes the need for another prospective randomized trial comparing CDCT to HDCT in this patient population. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Hepatoblastoma and prune belly syndrome: a potential association

Pediatric Nephrology — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:30:45 +0100

We describe a set of 4 pediatric patients with PBS and HBL. All individuals were born after 2002. These subjects lacked genetic, natal, or environmental factors known to confer risk of HBL. The occurrence of PBS and HBL in these patients constitutes a novel potential association. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00467-011-1874-1Authors Brian Becknell, Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USAPriya Pais, Division of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USAGrace Onimoe, Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USAHemalatha Rangarajan, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, M...

Spermatocytic seminoma: toward further understanding of pathogenesis

The Journal of Pathology — Thu, 19 May 2011 14:49:19 +0100

AbstractHuman germ cell tumors comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, which based on pathobiological, genetic and clinical characteristics can be subdivided into different entities. One of these subgroups relates to the so‐called spermatocytic seminomas, a benign tumor only found in the testis, preferentially of elderly men. Various developmental models for this type of germ cell tumor have been proposed and it is clear that spermatocytic seminoma has an independent pathogenesis from seminoma. A recent study examining expression of spermatogonial markers, shows that spermatocytic seminomas is a heterogeneous groups of tumors, with a supposed difference in origin, i.e., the majority from Apale or B spermatogonia, and a minority from Adark spermatogonia. However, this does not exclud...

Population-Based Study of Treatment Guided by Tumor Marker Decline in Patients With Metastatic Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor: A Report From the Swedish-Norwegian Testicular Cancer Group [Urologic Oncology]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion With detailed treatment protocols and a dedicated collaborative group of specialists, treatment results comparable to those reported from large single institutions can be achieved at national level. With the treatment principles used in Swedish-Norwegian Testicular Cancer Group study SWENOTECA IV, the survival of intermediate-prognosis patients is remarkable and close to that of good-prognosis patients. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

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Karyotype result prior to surgery in patients with suspected ovarian germ cell tumors

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Karyotype result prior to surgery in patients with suspected ovarian germ cell tumors—response

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Micro-RNA expression in cisplatin resistant germ cell tumor cell lines

Molecular Cancer — Sat, 14 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Examining almost all known human micro-RNA species confirmed the miR-371-373 cluster as a promising target for explaining cisplatin resistance, potentially by counteracting wild-type P53 induced senescence or linking it with the potency to differentiate. Moreover, we describe for the first time an association of the up-regulation of micro-RNA species such as hsa-miR-512-3p/-515/-517/-518/-525 and down-regulation of hsa-miR-99a/-100/-145 with a cisplatin resistant phenotype in human germ cell tumors. Further functional analyses are warranted to gain insight into their role in drug resistance. (Source: Molecular Cancer)

Stage I Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor of the Testis: More Questions than Answers?

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:57:10 +0100

This article addresses the risks and benefits of each approach. (Source: Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America)

Stage II Seminomas and Nonseminomas

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:57:10 +0100

Although a rare presentation for testicular germ cell tumors, the optimal management for stage II disease generates considerable debate, which is, in large part, because of the potential curative role of single-modality treatment in many patients and overall excellent survival in those who require salvage treatment. Individualizing the treatment of each patient to ensure cure with minimal toxicity is challenging, given the rudimentary tools available for predicting disease relapse after initial therapy. Long-term toxicity and patient choice should be taken into account when selecting the management options. (Source: Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America)

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First-Line Chemotherapy of Disseminated Germ Cell Tumors

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:57:10 +0100

This article reviews the discovery, development, and delivery of cisplatin-based chemotherapy; expected outcomes of chemotherapy treatment; remaining controversies in primary chemotherapy treatment of disseminated disease; and practical management tips for delivery of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin and after chemotherapy treatment. (Source: Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America)

Treatment of Brain Metastases from Germ Cell Tumors

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:57:10 +0100

Brain metastases occur in approximately 10% of patients with advanced metastatic germ cell tumors. Patients with nonseminomatous histology, lung metastases, and high β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels are at higher risk for synchronous brain metastases at first diagnosis and for relapsing with brain metastases after successful cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients with brain metastases should undergo multimodal treatment strategies, including cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy plus radiotherapy or surgery. However, the optimal combination and sequence of these strategies remain unclear and may differ between subgroups. But in all cases, chemotherapy must be part of treatment, even in patients with isolated cerebral relapse without systemic disease. (Source: Hematology/Oncology C...

Late Relapse of Germ Cell Tumors

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:57:10 +0100

This article highlights relevant aspects of the rare late relapses of malignant germ cell tumors (MGCTs), which by definition occur at least 2 years after successful treatment. In most reports, 1% to 6% of patients with MGCT experience a late relapse. Surgery is the most important part in the treatment of late relapses. Viable MGCT or teratoma with malignant transformation may require multimodal treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or surgery. Salvage chemotherapy should be based on a representative biopsy. Referring patients with late relapse to high-volume institutions ensures the best chances of cure and enables multimodal treatment. (Source: Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America)

Preface

Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:57:09 +0100

The development of effective treatment for testicular germ cell tumors represents one of the great success stories of modern medicine. A cancer that was once almost universally and rapidly fatal unless caught at an early stage is now curable even for most patients with distant metastatic disease. Most patients with testicular cancer are in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, and therefore, the development of successful therapies has resulted in decades of extra life for these men. However, this means that any complications or side effects from treatment may affect their health and quality of life for many years. The stakes are thus very high with regard to getting the treatment right. Mistakes in management that result in failure to cure can result in the loss of many years of life, while unnecessaril...