title: Cisplatin-based chemotherapy in primary central nervous system germ cell tumors.
abstract: We report a retrospective review of our experience with cisplatin-based chemotherapy in eight patients (ages 9-44 years) with histologically confirmed primary central nervous system germ cell tumors. Five patients received chemotherapy as the primary treatment, radiation therapy being administered either at completion of chemotherapy or between chemotherapy courses. Three patients received cisplatin-based chemotherapy for recurrent disease after prior radiation therapy and/or surgery. Four of five patients treated with chemotherapy at diagnosis are in complete remission at 11-14 months from diagnosis. The remaining patient twice achieved complete remission prior to dying of progressive disease 16 months after diagnosis. Two of three patients treated with chemotherapy for recurrent disease are in complete remission at 20 and 26 months; the remaining patient deteriorated after the first cycle of chemotherapy and expired six months thereafter. Overall, of seven patients evaluable for response, five achieved complete remission with chemotherapy alone, and two with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Our results confirm previous reports of high complete remission rates utilizing cisplatin-based chemotherapy in conjunction with radiation therapy. Prospective evaluation of cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Buckner
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Smithson
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Scheithauer
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Groover
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002648:Child; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004407:Dysgerminoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010870:Pineal Gland; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D002945:Cisplatin