Overview
Malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary (also called ovarian malignant germ cell tumors, or OMGCTs) are a group of rare cancers that start in the egg-producing cells of the ovary. These cells are called germ cells because they are responsible for reproduction. Unlike the more common ovarian cancers that affect older women, these tumors most often develop in children, teenagers, and young women. There are several types, including dysgerminoma, yolk sac tumor (also called endodermal sinus tumor), immature teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, and choriocarcinoma. Each type behaves a little differently, but all are considered malignant, meaning they can grow and spread to other parts of the body. These tumors can grow quickly and may cause noticeable symptoms such as pelvic pain, a swollen belly, or a lump that can be felt. Some types release hormones or proteins into the blood that can cause unusual symptoms. Because they tend to grow fast, early diagnosis is important. Fortunately, many of these tumors respond very well to treatment, especially chemotherapy, and many young patients can be cured while preserving their ability to have children in the future. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, often followed by chemotherapy. The most commonly used chemotherapy regimen is called BEP, which stands for bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. Doctors try hard to preserve the healthy ovary and uterus whenever possible, especially in young patients who may want to have children later. With modern treatment, the outlook for most patients is quite good, particularly when the cancer is caught early.
Key symptoms:
Pelvic or abdominal painSwollen or bloated abdomenA lump or mass that can be felt in the lower bellyNausea and vomitingFeeling full quickly when eatingIrregular or missed menstrual periodsAbnormal vaginal bleedingUnexplained weight lossFatigue and low energyFrequent urination or difficulty urinatingConstipation or changes in bowel habitsSigns of early puberty in young girls (caused by hormone-producing tumors)Fever without a clear cause
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Juvenile
Begins in the teen years
FDA & Trial Timeline
5 eventsDualityBio Inc. — PHASE1, PHASE2
Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille
Nabil Adra — PHASE2
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center — PHASE1
National Cancer Institute (NCI) — PHASE1, PHASE2
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary.
3 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary.
Community
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: A Phase 1/2a Study of DB-1311/BNT324 in Advanced/Metastatic Solid Tumors
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary
New recruiting trial: Administering Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Transduced With a CD70-Binding Chimeric Antigen Receptor to People With CD70 Expressing Cancers
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary
New recruiting trial: Maintenance Oral Etoposide or Observation Following High-dose Chemo for GCT
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary
New recruiting trial: Ovarian Reserve and Semen Parameters Evolution During Adjuvant Therapy in Melanoma
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary
New recruiting trial: Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Treating Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced-Diarrhea or Colitis in Genitourinary Cancer Patients
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific type of ovarian germ cell tumor has been diagnosed, and how does that affect my treatment plan?,Is fertility-sparing surgery possible in my case, and what are the risks and benefits?,What are the expected side effects of BEP chemotherapy, and how will they be managed?,What are the chances of cure or long-term remission with the recommended treatment?,How often will I need follow-up appointments and tests after treatment is finished?,Are there any clinical trials I should consider?,Should I see a reproductive specialist before starting chemotherapy to discuss fertility preservation options?
Common questions about Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary
What is Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary?
Malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary (also called ovarian malignant germ cell tumors, or OMGCTs) are a group of rare cancers that start in the egg-producing cells of the ovary. These cells are called germ cells because they are responsible for reproduction. Unlike the more common ovarian cancers that affect older women, these tumors most often develop in children, teenagers, and young women. There are several types, including dysgerminoma, yolk sac tumor (also called endodermal sinus tumor), immature teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, and choriocarcinoma. Each type behaves a little differently,
How is Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary inherited?
Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary typically begin?
Typical onset of Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary is juvenile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary?
Yes — 3 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary?
19 specialists and care centers treating Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.