Should we reduce routine surveillance imaging in pediatric germ cell tumors?

Abstract

This paper retrospectively investigated the site and the detection method of relapses in children and adolescents with malignant germ cell tumors enrolled in the TCGM-AIEOP-2004 Study and subsequently developed a relapse, in order to evaluate a possible reduction in radiological exposure during follow-up. Including all malignant cases, serum tumor markers identified a relapse in more than 70% and, according to the selection criteria published by Children Oncology Group in 2018, in more than 90% of cases. These results confirm the importance of serum tumor markers as a relapse detection method, with possible reduction of radiology exams in specific subgroups.

Mediastinal Germ-cell Tumors Relapse in a Male With Klinefelter Syndrome. Is Longer Surveillance Needed?

“… 1 Most patients achieve tumor complete remission by the end of treatment. The first 2 years from diagnosis are the period at higher risk of relapse 4 but late events are described and a 5 years follow-up is recommended in all patients. 5 …”