Adequacy of chemotherapy prior to cytoreductive surgery in testicular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT

Removal of residual masses after cisplatin-based chemotherapy (cytoreductive surgery) for inoperable or metastatic testicular carcinoma has demonstrated that many partial regressions are defects without malignant cells. Such negative results allow a clarification of complete regression. Failure to achieve complete regression requires intensive salvage chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant. Extended initial chemotherapy could reduce these failures. Cytoreductive surgery was performed on 44 patients with inoperable stage II or stage III testicular cancer with residual defects following chemotherapy. The patients were evaluated according to whether (a) adequate treatment was given based on attaining normal markers followed by two additional courses of therapy, (b) normal markers were achieved but two additional courses were not administered, or (c) normal markers were never attained. These were subdivided into those receiving five or more courses of chemotherapy or fewer than five courses. Patients receiving two additional courses of chemotherapy after markers became normal had a low death rate (15.4%) and highest median follow-up. Fewer patients died if they had five or more courses of chemotherapy (11.8%). Of all those who attained normal markers with at least five or more courses of therapy, 10% are dead. The presence of residual malignant cells in those receiving five or more courses of therapy was 18.2% in contrast to 50% in those receiving fewer courses. Adequate chemotherapy and attainment of normal markers followed by two more courses of therapy results in fewer patients with residual malignant cells, a greater potential of cure, and less need for intensive salvage regimens.