Germ Cell Tumor - Childhood: Types of Treatment

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

ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about the different types of treatments doctors use for children with a germ cell tumor. Use the menu to see other pages.

In general, a tumor in a child is uncommon. This means it can be hard for doctors to plan treatments unless they know what has been most effective in other children. That is why more than 60% of children with cancer are treated as part of a clinical trial. A clinical trial is a research study that tests a new approach to treatment. The “standard of care” is the best treatments known based on previous clinical trials. Clinical trials may test such approaches as a new drug, a new combination of standard treatments, or new doses of current therapies. The health and safety of all children participating in clinical trials are closely monitored.

To take advantage of these newer treatments, children with a germ cell tumor should be treated at a specialized cancer center. Doctors at these centers have extensive experience in treating children and have access to the latest research. A doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer is called a pediatric oncologist. If a pediatric cancer center is not nearby, general cancer centers sometimes have pediatric specialists who are able to be part of your child’s care.

How germ cell tumors are treated

In many cases, a team of doctors works with a child and the family to provide care. This is called a multidisciplinary team. Pediatric cancer centers often have extra support services for children and their families, such as child life specialists, dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and counselors. Special activities and programs to help your child and family cope may also be available. Learn more about the clinicians who provide cancer care.

Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of tumor, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Take time to learn about all of your child’s treatment options and be sure to ask questions about things that are unclear. Talk with your child’s doctor about the goal of each treatment and what your child can expect while receiving the treatment. These types of conversations are called “shared decision-making.” Shared decision-making is when you and your child's doctors work together to choose treatments that fit the goals of your child’s care. Shared decision-making is important for germ cell tumors because there are different treatment options. Learn more about making treatment decisions.

The common types of treatments used for a germ cell tumor are described below. Your child's care plan also includes treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care. Learn more about preparing your child for treatment.

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Surgery

Surgery is the removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue, known as a margin, during an operation. The surgery may be performed by a surgical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating tumors using surgery.

The goal of surgery is to remove as many tumor cells as possible. Some people with a germ cell tumor can be treated with surgery alone, such as a testicular germ cell tumor or an ovarian germ cell tumor. For others, additional treatments after surgery may be recommended.

Before surgery, talk with your child’s health care team about the possible side effects of the specific surgery your child will have and what recovery will be like. Learn more about the basics of cancer surgery.

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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy tumor cells, usually by keeping the tumor cells’ from growing, dividing, and making more cells. Chemotherapy is given by a pediatric oncologist or medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating a tumor with medication.

Systemic chemotherapy gets into the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is often given through an intravenous (IV) tube placed into a vein using a needle or in a pill or as a pill or capsule that is swallowed. If your child is given oral medication to take at home, which is medicine taken by mouth, be sure to ask your health care team about how to safely store and handle it.

A chemotherapy regimen, or schedule, usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive 1 drug at a time or a combination of different drugs given at the same time. Most patients with a cancerous germ cell tumor will need chemotherapy.

The drugs that are commonly used for treating germ cell tumors include bleomycin (available as a generic drug), cisplatin (available as a generic drug), etoposide (Etopophos), and ifosfamide (Ifex).

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but they can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away after treatment is finished. Learn more about the basics of chemotherapy.

The medications used to treat germ cell tumors are continually being evaluated. Talking with your child’s doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for your child, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

It is also important to let your doctor know if your child is taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements. Herbs, supplements, and other drugs can interact with medications, causing unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness. Learn more about your child's prescriptions by using searchable drug databases.

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Physical, emotional, social, and financial effects of a tumor

A tumor and its treatment cause physical symptoms and side effects, as well as emotional, social, and financial effects. Managing all of these effects is called palliative and supportive care. It is an important part of your child’s care that is included along with treatments intended to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer.

Palliative and supportive care focuses on improving how your child feels during treatment by managing symptoms and supporting patients and their families with other, non-medical needs. Any person, regardless of age or type and stage of cancer, may receive this type of care. And it often works best when it is started right after a diagnosis. People who receive palliative and supportive care along with treatment for the cancer often have less severe symptoms, better quality of life, and report that they are more satisfied with treatment.

Palliative treatments vary widely and often include medication, nutritional changes, relaxation techniques, emotional and spiritual support, and other therapies. Your child may also receive palliative treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery, to improve symptoms.

Before treatment begins, talk with your child’s doctor about the goals of each treatment in the recommended treatment plan. You should also talk about the possible side effects of the specific treatment plan and palliative and supportive care options. Many patients also benefit from talking with a social worker and participating in support groups. Ask your child's doctor about these resources, too.

Cancer care is often expensive, and navigating health insurance can be difficult. Ask your doctor or another member of your health care team about talking with a financial navigator or counselor who may be able to help with your financial concerns.

During treatment, your child’s health care team may ask you to answer questions about your child’s symptoms and side effects and to describe each problem. Be sure to tell the health care team if your child is experiencing a problem. This helps the health care team treat any symptoms and side effects as quickly as possible. It can also help prevent more serious problems in the future.

Learn more about the importance of tracking side effects in another part of this guide. Learn more about palliative and supportive care in a separate section of this website.

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Remission and chance of recurrence

A remission is when a tumor cannot be detected in the body and there are no symptoms. This may also be called having “no evidence of disease” or NED.

A remission may be temporary or permanent. This uncertainty causes many people to worry that the cancer will come back. While many remissions are permanent, it is important to talk with your child’s doctor about the possibility of the tumor returning. Understanding your child's risk of recurrence and the treatment options may help you feel more prepared if the tumor does return. Learn more about coping with the fear of recurrence.

If the tumor returns after the original treatment, it is called a recurrent tumor. It may come back in the same place, meaning it is a local recurrence, or nearby, which is a regional recurrence. If it comes back in another place, it is called a distant recurrence.

If a recurrence happens, a new cycle of testing will begin to learn as much as possible about it. After this testing is done, your child’s doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. Often, the treatment plan will include the treatments described above, such as chemotherapy, but may be used in a different combination or given at a different pace. A recurrent tumor may be treated with carboplatin (available as a generic drug), ifosfamide (Ifex), and paclitaxel (available as a generic drug). Bone marrow/stem cell transplantation or radiation therapy may also be used. Your child’s doctor may suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat a recurrent germ cell tumor. Whichever treatment plan you choose, palliative and supportive care will be important for relieving symptoms and side effects.

When a tumor recurs, patients and their families sometimes experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. Families are encouraged to talk with their health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help them cope. Learn more about dealing with recurrence.

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If treatment does not work

Although treatment is successful for many children with a germ cell tumor, sometimes it is not. If a child’s tumor cannot be cured or controlled, this is called advanced or terminal. This diagnosis is stressful, and advanced disease may be difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your child’s doctor and health care team to express your family’s feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team has special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families and is there to help.

Hospice care is designed to provide the best possible quality of life for people who are expected to live less than 6 months. Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with the health care team about hospice options, which include hospice care at home, a special hospice center, or other health care locations. Nursing care and special equipment can make staying at home a workable option for many families.

Some children may be happier and more comfortable if they can attend school part-time or keep up other activities and social connections. The child’s health care team can help parents or guardians decide on an appropriate level of activity. Making sure a child is physically comfortable and free from pain is extremely important as part of end-of-life care. Learn more about caring for a terminally ill child and advanced care planning.

The death of a child is an enormous tragedy, and families may need support to help them cope with the loss. Pediatric cancer centers often have professional staff and support groups to help with the process of grieving. Learn more on grieving the loss of a child.

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The next section in this guide is About Clinical Trials. It offers more information about research studies that are focused on finding better ways to care for people with a germ cell tumor. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.