Klin Onkol 2005; 18(3): 84-88.
Summary: Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are malignancies sensitive to systemic chemotherapy. About 80% patients with metastatic disease are cured. The understanding of GCT’s sensitivity to chemotherapy on molecular level could be of value in the development of new treatment strategies for other metastatic tumors as well. In this work, the authors are focusing on novel knowledge in the field of GCT’s molecular biology. Although the exact mechanism of all processes involved in the tumor transformation are not fully understood, many genes were identified that are involved in this process, e.g. p53, c-KIT, cyclin D2, EGFR, GRB7, VEGF. Despite the existence of highly successful treatment of GCT, there are patients who ultimately succumb to their disease. Identification of exact molecular mechanisms is important in the development of new targeted therapies seeking to increase the patient’s survival.
