Primary malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors: A single institutional experience

BACKGROUND: Primary mediastinal malignant germ cell tumour (PMMGCT) is rare with unsatisfactory prognosis and pose difficulty in management due to lack of guidelines. METHODS: All cases of PMMGCT diagnosed and treated between years 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated for clinico-pathological features, multimodality treatment and follow up. RESULTS: Among a total of five PMMGCT cases, three were seminomatous and two were non seminomatous tumour [Yolk- sac tumour (n-1) and Mixed tumour (n-1)]. Four of these cases were non - metastatic with locally advancement and another one presented with metastasis to supraclavicular lymph node. All patients received platinum based induction chemotherapy. Post-induction chemotherapy, two cases of non seminomatous tumours underwent surgery. Among the three seminoma cases, one patient showed complete metabolic response; one with metastasis succumbed to the disease and the in-operable case of seminoma received local radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: PMMGCT needs a multi-disciplinary approach for appropriate diagnosis and management. Clinicopathological features like tumour site, extension, histopathological type, tumour stage and serum tumour marker are necessary for prognostication and decision making of further treatment plan.