The chances of a pediatric patient surviving an intracranial germ cell tumor are high, leading researchers from Taiwan to question the effect of long-term survival on neuropsychological function and overall quality of life. A study, including a review of 56 intracranial germ cell tumor patients, was recently published in the journal Neuro-Oncology.
All patients in the study were less than 20 years of age at the time of treatment. Three tumor locations were noted in the study: pineal, basal ganglia and suprasellar. Basal ganglia tumors affected IQ test results with lower scores compared to patients with tumors in the pineal and suprasellar parts of the brain. Researchers also noted the difference between the groups in adaptive skills and quality of life. Whole-ventricular irradiation resulted in the best overall patient outcome.
Conclusion: Location of pediatric germ cell tumors may have an effect on quality of life and neuropsychological function. Larger radiation fields and higher dosage negatively affected neuropsychological functions, which in turn affected the quality of life.
Source: Liang SY, Yang TF, Chen YW, Liang ML, Chen HH, Chang KP, Shan IK, Chen YS, Wong TT. Neuropsychological functions and quality of life in survived patients with intracranial germ cell tumors after treatment. Neuro Oncol. 2013 Oct 6. 10.1093/neuonc/not127.
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