Immune-related mechanisms and immunotherapy in extragonadal germ cell tumors

Abstract

Purpose of reviewExtragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are relatively rare tumors, accounting for 1%–5% of all GCTs. In this review, we summarize the current research progress regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EGCTs from an immunology perspective.Recent findingsThe histological origin of EGCTs is related to a gonadal origin, but they are located outside the gonad. They show great variation in morphology and can occur in the cranium, mediastinum, sacrococcygeal bone, and other areas. The pathogenesis of EGCTs is poorly understood, and their differential diagnosis is extensive and challenging. EGCT behavior varies greatly according to patient age, histological subtype, and clinical stage.SummaryThis review provides ideas for the future application of immunology in the fight against such diseases, which is a hot topic currently.

Primary mediastinal seminoma with azoospermia: case report and review of the literature

“…The incidence is low, the disease is relatively rare, and primary mediastinal seminoma accounts for approximately 1% ~4% of mediastinal tumors (1)(2)(3). The pathogenesis of primary mediastinal seminoma is not fully understood, but it may be related to ectopic gonadal tissue during embryonic development, retention and displacement of some germ cells or pluripotent stem cells to the mediastinum, and induction by carcinogenic factors (4)(5)(6)(7)(8). At present, there are many reports of a single tumor, but reports of other diseases are still rare.…”