Bridges Benjamin, Hussain Arif
Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
Curr Opin Oncol. 2006 May;18(3):271-6. doi: 10.1097/01.cco.0000219257.37843.ca.
An overview of many of the preclinical and clinical developments in germ cell tumors over the past year is presented.
Recent epidemiologic studies show changes in the ethnic incidence of germ cell tumors; in particular, African-Americans have seen an increase. Additionally, risk factors for the development of germ cell tumors continue to be identified. Work on the molecular pathways involved in the progression to malignancy continues to expand. First line treatment for the disease is highly effective. In an effort to limit unnecessary treatments and treatment-related toxicities, risk-adapted adjuvant therapies are being explored in early stage germ cell tumors. Identification of more effective second-line treatments for advanced relapsing and refractory disease remains a priority.
Germ cell tumors are highly treatable, but significant challenges remain for recurrent and refractory disease. Recent studies on the molecular pathogenesis of germ cell tumors further highlight the complexity of the disease. As these processes are better understood, the therapeutic options will continue to evolve.
本文概述了过去一年里生殖细胞肿瘤在临床前和临床方面的诸多进展。
近期的流行病学研究显示生殖细胞肿瘤的种族发病率有所变化；尤其是非裔美国人的发病率有所上升。此外，生殖细胞肿瘤发生的风险因素仍在不断被发现。关于肿瘤进展至恶性阶段所涉及分子途径的研究仍在持续拓展。该疾病的一线治疗效果显著。为了限制不必要的治疗以及与治疗相关的毒性反应，目前正在探索针对早期生殖细胞肿瘤的风险适应性辅助治疗。确定针对晚期复发和难治性疾病更有效的二线治疗方法仍是当务之急。
生殖细胞肿瘤具有很高的可治愈性，但对于复发性和难治性疾病而言，仍存在重大挑战。近期关于生殖细胞肿瘤分子发病机制的研究进一步凸显了该疾病的复杂性。随着对这些过程的深入理解，治疗选择将不断发展。
