Comparison of survival outcomes in patients with intracranial germinomas treated with radiation alone versus reduced-dose radiation and chemotherapy

Concern about long-term sequelae of irradiation has led to the use of adjuvant chemotherapy with lower dose irradiation in the treatment of intracranial germinomas. To assess the feasibility of this approach versus radiation only, the survival of 16 evaluable patients (13 boys, 3 girls) with biopsy-proven intracranial germinomas treated at the Hospital for Sick Children was assessed. Between 1977 and 1988, 8 patients were treated with radiation only: 7 received tumour doses between 4000 and 5100 cGy and spinal prophylaxis; 1 received 3060 cGy to the tumour with no prophylaxis. After a median follow-up of 84 months, 7 are in continuous first CR and 1 is in second CR. Between 1988 and 1996, 8 patients received adjuvant platinum- and etoposide-based chemotherapy for two or three cycles followed by local irradiation to the tumour (2500–3500 cGy). After a median follow-up of 40 months, 6 are in continuous first CR and 1 in second CR; 1 has died of progression. Survival outcomes in the two groups are similar. Prospective trials to assess event-free survivals, neurocognitive and neuroendocrine outcomes are needed before definitive treatment recommendations can be made. Received: 24 July 1998