Germ Cell Tumor - Childhood: Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 04/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about germ cell tumors and how to treat them. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about germ cell tumors, ways to prevent them, how to best treat them, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your child’s doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for your child.

  • Combination chemotherapy. Clinical trials are investigating new combinations of chemotherapy to treat extracranial, extragonadal germ cell tumors.

  • High-dose therapy. A clinical trial called the TIGER trial is researching using high-dose chemotherapy instead of the standard dose that is offered for germ cell tumors, especially for testicular tumors that have come back.

  • New method for classifying germ cell tumors. Researchers are looking for new ways to classify tumors so that doctors can better identify those patients who have a high risk of the tumor returning after treatment. This evidence points to a new form of classification for high-risk tumors, which is similar to the way that adult germ cell tumors are identified.

  • Palliative and supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current germ cell tumor treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like more information about the latest areas of research in germ cell tumors, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers some guidance on how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that a tumor and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.