Recurrent intracranial germinoma refractory to conventional irradiation: effective chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide--case report.

Recurrent intracranial germinoma with multiple spinal metastases occurred in a 16-year-old male presenting with persistent headache and visual disturbances. Computed tomography revealed enhanced lesions in the pineal region, anterior horn, and infundibulum. Conventional irradiation achieved remission, but local recurrences requiring further irradiation occurred after 23 months. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple spinal metastases 11 months later. Partial removal of the spinal lesions gave a histological diagnosis of typical germinoma. Postoperatively, intracranial recurrences were again detected. Chemotherapy consisting of intravenous cisplatin and etoposide achieved remission and no recurrence has occurred for 12 months.