Childhood Cancer: Germ Cell Tumors

Question 1

True or false: Germ cell tumors are common.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

True or false: Germ cell tumors have a low cure rate.

Answer 2

False; they are more sensitive than other cells to chemotherapy; because they have increased protections from passing on mutations in the germline, they apoptose easily.

Question 3

What is the most effective treatment for germ cell cancers?

Answer 3

Radiation (causes DNA damage and apoptosis)

Question 4

What type of cancer affects the lining of the passageways in the brain and is most common in children under 5 y/o?

Answer 4

Ependymoma

Question 5

What are the symptoms of ependymoma?

Answer 5

1) Recurring “brain-freeze”
2) Vision changes
3) Weakness in limbs
4) Seizures

Question 6

What is the treatment for Ependymoma?

Answer 6

1) Surgery (easy to remove surgically)

2) Radiation

Question 7

Why is chemo not a good treatment option for ependymoma?

Answer 7

It is a very chemo-resistant cancer.

Question 8

What is the cure rate for germ cell cancer?

Answer 8

about 85%

Question 9

In which age group is germ cell cancer most common?

Answer 9

Adolescents