[A case of alpha-fetoprotein producing primary intracranial embryonal carcinoma treated with combination chemotherapy with cis-platinum, vinblastine and bleomycin (author's transl)].

A case of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) producing primary intracranial embryonal carcinoma was reported with special reference to the chemotherapy. The patient was a 14-year-old male who had suffered from vomiting and disturbance of consciousness. CT scan revealed a tumor originating in the anterior part of the third ventricle and expanding into both lateral ventricles. Right frontotemporal craniotomy was performed and the tumor was totally removed under the microscope. The histological diagnosis was embryonal carcinoma. Inspite of the elevated amount of AFP in the serum, we could not verify the yolk sac element in the surgical specimen. Three months later, he became drowsy and another CT scan revealed recurrence of the tumor. Ommaya's reservoir was placed and CSF was drained to control the intracranial hypertension. But the disturbance of consciousness did not improve. We then started a combination chemotherapy with cis-platinum, vinblastine and bleomycin. Cis-platinum was given in a dosage of 20 mg/m2 body surface area as a 15 min. intravenous infusion for 5 consecutive days every 3 weeks for three courses. Vinblastine was given in a dosage of 0.4 mg/kg body weight intravenously for 2 consecutive days every 3 weeks for three courses. Bleomycin was given in a dosage of 30 mg intravenously 6 hours after vinblastine weekly for a total of 12 weeks. The AFP level of the serum and CSF was monitored every several days. After the chemotherapy, the AFP level of the serum and CSF decreased. Repeated CT scan revealed no evidence of tumor. His clinical condition improved remarkably. Toxicity was vomiting, proteinuria and leukopenia, but not so severe. Proteinuria continued after the chemotherapy, but BUN and creatinine did not elevate. It was emphasized that the combination chemotherapy with cis-platinum, vinblastine and bleomycin is effective remission-induction treatment for AFP producing primary intracranial embryonal carcinoma.