Once the diagnostic evaluation is complete, a surgical resection is usually planned. If the malignancy is ovarian or testicular, the tumor will be removed along with the normal ovary or testis. A biopsy of the abdominal lymph nodes may also be performed.

In cases where the tumor has spread, or if it cannot be removed entirely or easily, chemotherapy is administered before and after surgery. Germ cell tumors are typically very sensitive to chemotherapy, and a combination of chemo drugs may be used, according to standard American and European treatment protocols. When the germ cell tumor is located in the brain, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used.

Immunotherapy mobilizes the body’s immune system cells to fight cancer. In cases of resistance to treatment or recurrence, immunotherapy has demonstrated effectiveness against germ cell tumors.