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Surgery and observation or chemotherapy (stages I–IV)
Source: Childhood Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: November 5, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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The use of chemotherapy is controversial in the treatment of immature teratomas. There are no clinical trials supporting the use of chemotherapy in children. In adult women with ovarian tumors, surgery followed by chemotherapy has been the standard treatment approach since 1976.[16] As in children, there are no clinical trials supporting the use of chemotherapy in adults.
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Evidence (role of chemotherapy for immature teratomas):
A seminal article published in 1976 reported that most women with ovarian immature teratomas were treated with surgery and chemotherapy. This approach has remained standard practice in postpubertal females.[16]
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A report on pediatric patients aged 15 years and younger in the United Kingdom found that immature teratomas did not respond to chemotherapy.[17]
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A report from the Malignant Germ Cell Tumor International Collaborative (MaGIC) analyzed data from 98 pediatric patients and 81 adult patients with ovarian immature teratomas. Ninety pediatric patients underwent surgery alone. All 81 adult patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.[18][Level of evidence C1]
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A report from the Malignant Germ Cell Tumor International Collaborative (MaGIC) analyzed data from 98 pediatric patients and 81 adult patients with ovarian immature teratomas. Ninety pediatric patients underwent surgery alone. All 81 adult patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.[18][Level of evidence C1]
The 5-year EFS rate was 91% for pediatric patients and 98% for adult patients.
A report from the Malignant Germ Cell Tumor International Collaborative (MaGIC) analyzed data from 98 pediatric patients and 81 adult patients with ovarian immature teratomas. Ninety pediatric patients underwent surgery alone. All 81 adult patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.[18][Level of evidence C1]
The overall survival (OS) rate was 83% for pediatric patients and 93% for adult patients.
A report from the Malignant Germ Cell Tumor International Collaborative (MaGIC) analyzed data from 98 pediatric patients and 81 adult patients with ovarian immature teratomas. Ninety pediatric patients underwent surgery alone. All 81 adult patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.[18][Level of evidence C1]
There were no relapses in patients with grade I tumors. One adult patient with a grade II tumor relapsed after chemotherapy.
A report from the Malignant Germ Cell Tumor International Collaborative (MaGIC) analyzed data from 98 pediatric patients and 81 adult patients with ovarian immature teratomas. Ninety pediatric patients underwent surgery alone. All 81 adult patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.[18][Level of evidence C1]
For pediatric patients with grade III, stage I/II tumors, the 5-year EFS rate was 92%. For patients with grade III, stage III tumors, the 5-year EFS rate was 52%.
A report from the Malignant Germ Cell Tumor International Collaborative (MaGIC) analyzed data from 98 pediatric patients and 81 adult patients with ovarian immature teratomas. Ninety pediatric patients underwent surgery alone. All 81 adult patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.[18][Level of evidence C1]
For adult patients with grade III, stage I/II tumors, the 5-year EFS rate was 91%. For patients with grade III, stage III/IV tumors, the 5-year EFS rate was 65%.
Additional studies on the treatment of ovarian immature teratomas with chemotherapy are needed. For more information about the treatment of ovarian immature teratomas in postpubertal females, see Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors Treatment.
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice