Salvage Treatment in Male Patients with Germ Cell Tumours
Author Information
Author(s): D. Josefsen, S. Ous, J. H0ie, A.E. Stenwig, S.D. Fossa
Primary Institution: The Norwegian Radium Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the outcomes of salvage treatment in patients with germ cell tumours who relapse after primary chemotherapy?
Conclusion
Only about 25% of testicular cancer patients relapsing after initial cisplatin-based chemotherapy survive without evidence of disease for 3 years or more.
Supporting Evidence
- 52 patients had been given cisplatin-based chemotherapy as their primary treatment.
- The disease-free survival for the total group was 27% at 5 years.
- Complete response to primary treatment lasting for > 6 months was the only parameter which significantly predicted a favourable outcome.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well patients with testicular cancer do after their first treatment doesn't work. It found that only a small number of them stay healthy for a long time after getting more treatment.
Methodology
Retrospective review of 55 patients who relapsed after primary chemotherapy for advanced malignant germ cell tumours.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective design and selection of patients.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective nature and the small sample size.
Participant Demographics
The study included 55 male patients with a median age of 31 years (range: 15-70).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.041
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website