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Review
. 2023 Apr 17:14:1145788.
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145788. eCollection 2023.

Immune-related mechanisms and immunotherapy in extragonadal germ cell tumors

Weigang Xiu  1 , Jiyun Pang  1   2 , Yang Hu  3 , Huashan Shi  4
Affiliations
Review

Immune-related mechanisms and immunotherapy in extragonadal germ cell tumors

Weigang Xiu et al. Front Immunol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are relatively rare tumors, accounting for 1%-5% of all GCTs. In this review, we summarize the current research progress regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EGCTs from an immunology perspective.

Recent findings: The histological origin of EGCTs is related to a gonadal origin, but they are located outside the gonad. They show great variation in morphology and can occur in the cranium, mediastinum, sacrococcygeal bone, and other areas. The pathogenesis of EGCTs is poorly understood, and their differential diagnosis is extensive and challenging. EGCT behavior varies greatly according to patient age, histological subtype, and clinical stage.

Summary: This review provides ideas for the future application of immunology in the fight against such diseases, which is a hot topic currently.

Keywords: diagnosis; extragonadal germ cell tumor; immunohistochemistry; immunotherapy; mechanism.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in theabsence of any commercial or financial relationships that could beconstrued as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The anergy in EGCT infiltrating lymphocyte.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Some intracellular signaling events related to PD-1 and CTLA-4 during T cell activation, and main adverse events related to antiPD-1/antiPD-L1 agents.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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