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Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry 2015; 05(04): 157-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1572422
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Role of Alfa Fetoprotein in the Risk Management of Pediatric Germ Cell Tumors

Carla Moscheo
1   Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
,
Andrea Di Cataldo
2   Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Policlinico “G. Rodolico” Hospital, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Filippo Spreafico
1   Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
,
Stefano Chiaravalli
1   Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
,
Serena Catania
1   Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
,
Monica Terenziani
1   Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

14 December 2015

23 December 2015

Publication Date:
09 February 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a rare group of neoplasms that arise from pluripotent stem cells. They display variable behavior depending on age, histology, primary tumor site, and stage of disease. In pediatric GCTs serum alfa fetoprotein (AFP) is the most frequently used marker for diagnosis and monitoring, although it is not specific only for these diseases. In this review, we discuss extracranial GCTs and the usefulness of AFP in their management.

Keywords

germ cell tumors - alfa fetoprotein - pediatrics
 

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