Primary CNS germ cell tumors in Japan and the United States: an analysis of 4 tumor registries

TLDR

Intracranial germ cell tumors are rare and are thought to be more common in East Asia than in the United States. The study estimates CNS GCT incidence in Japan and the U.S., examines gender differences, and reports treatment outcomes. The authors used four databases—Japan Cancer Surveillance Research Group, SEER, the Brain Tumor Registry of Japan, and the US National Cancer Data Base—to compile incidence and survival data for primary CNS GCTs. Incidence rates of malignant CNS GCTs were similar between Japan and the U.S., with higher pineal‑to‑nonpineal ratios, and 5‑year survival exceeded 75 % overall and 81 % for germinomas, indicating comparable incidence, gender patterns, and high survival in both countries.

Abstract

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) are relatively rare. Their incidence has been considered to be higher in East Asia than in the United States. This study estimates the incidence of CNS GCTs in Japan and the United States, investigates gender discrepancies in each country, and describes treatment outcomes. Data on primary CNS GCTs from 4 databases were utilized: population-based malignant incidence data from (1) the Japan Cancer Surveillance Research Group (2004–2006; 14 registries), malignant and nonmalignant incidence data from (2) the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (2004–2008; 17 registries), and hospital-based observed survival data from (3) the Brain Tumor Registry of Japan (1984–2000) and (4) the US National Cancer Data Base (1990–2003). Incidence rates per 100 000 for malignant GCTs were not statistically significantly different between Japan (males = 0.143, females = 0.046) and the United States (males = 0.118, females = 0.030). The malignant incidence-rate ratio was higher for pineal GCTs versus nonpineal (ie, the rest of the brain) GCTs in Japan (11.5:1 vs 1.9:1, respectively) and the United States (16.0:1 vs 1.7:1, respectively). In general, 5-year survival estimates were high: over 75% for all GCTs, and over 81% for germinomas, regardless of the type of treatment in either Japan or the United States. The incidence of primary GCTs is similar between Japan and the United States and has the same gender-based patterns by location. High rates of survival were observed in both countries.