Imaging response assessment for CNS germ cell tumours: consensus recommendations from the European Society for Paediatric Oncology Brain Tumour Group and North American Children's Oncology Group.

Homogeneous and common objective disease assessments and standardised response criteria are important for better international clinical trials for CNS germ cell tumours. Currently, European protocols differ from those of North America (the USA and Canada) in terms of criteria to assess radiological disease response. An international working group of the European Society for Paediatric Oncology Brain Tumour Group and North American Children's Oncology Group was therefore established to review existing literature and current practices, identify major challenges regarding imaging assessment, and develop consensus recommendations for imaging response assessment for patients with CNS germ cell tumours. New clinical imaging standards were defined for the most common sites of CNS germ cell tumour and for the definition of locoregional extension. These new standards will allow the evaluation of response to therapy in patients with CNS germ cell tumours to be more consistent, and facilitate direct comparison of treatment outcomes across international studies.
Competing Interests: Declaration of interests JF reports consulting fees from AstraZeneca as a paid consultant on their Pediatric Advisory Board. GC participates in data safety monitoring for trials (MAKEI V and ITT in Germany) and advisory boards for non-profit organisations and academic societies (German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, and German Childhood Cancer Aid). BB reports funding from the German Childhood Cancer Association (Deutsche Kinderkrebsstiftung) to support the Reference Center for the German HIT-Studies, including support for salary, travel, meetings, and equipment; and payment and honoraria from Bayerische Röntgengesellschaft to support educational events. DH is chair of the SIOPE Brain Tumour Group. GM is chair of the SIOPE Brain Tumour Group Neuroradiology Subgroup. MJM is chair of the SIOPE Brain Tumour Group CNS Germ Cell Tumour Subgroup. MF is chair of the Children's Oncology Group Brain Tumour Group. All other authors declare no competing interests.
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