Management of extraretroperitoneal masses in germ cell tumor

Intricacies of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testis cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) and retroperitoneal tumor resection for germ cell cancer are complex operations requiring experience and expertise in surgical techniques necessary to achieve complete resection while minimizing morbidity. This article reviews the intricacies of RPLND for testis cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgical management of advanced testis cancer begins with an intimate understanding of retroperitoneal anatomy and the various techniques necessary to safely extirpate tumors. Preoperatively patients should undergo comprehensive counseling and obtain up-to-date imaging along with tumor markers to assist in surgical planning and evaluation of extraretroperitoneal (ERP) disease. Surgeons must be well versed in nerve-sparing techniques to maintain ejaculatory function. Newer techniques using a midline extraperitoneal technique minimizes morbidity and length of hospital stay. Special consideration should be given to the possibility of encountering ERP disease in advanced germ cell tumors, with management of these cases in tertiary care centers with multidisciplinary teams.

SUMMARY

The perioperative care of the testis cancer patient undergoing RPLND is complex. The goal is to achieve complete resection to render patients disease free while minimizing surgical and long-term morbidity. Advanced testis cancer patients should be managed at tertiary care facilities with surgical expertise and access to multidisciplinary care.

Treatment at an Inexperienced Center Suggests Worse Prognosis of Metastatic Germ Cell Tumors

BACKGROUND/AIM

We evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with metastatic germ cell tumors (GCT) treated at our hospital, which belongs to a regional cancer center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data pertaining to patients with metastatic GCT were obtained between April 2007-October 2017 and was retrospectively analyzed. Key outcome measures included objective response rates and survival rates.

RESULTS

All 42 patients received chemotherapy [complete response: eight (19.0%); partial response: 21 (50.0%); stable disease (SD): nine (21.4%); progressive disease: four patients (9.5%)]. Post-chemotherapeutic surgery was performed for seven out of 21 cases of partial response and two out of nine of stable disease. The 5-year survival rates of patients with good, intermediate and poor prognosis (International Germ Cell Consensus Classification) were 100%, 100%, and 71.4%, respectively. Patients who received induction chemotherapy at other hospitals had significantly poorer prognosis than those at our hospital (p=0.0043).

CONCLUSION

Patients with metastatic GCT should preferably receive chemotherapy at an experienced institution.

Surgical strategies for postchemotherapy testis cancer

The surgical management of disseminated disease has long been an essential component in the management of patients with testis cancer. While the indications for surgery have been narrowed since the advent of cisplatin based chemotherapy, resection remains essential to provide long-term survival. The indications for surgery vary by histology and rely on adequate preoperative imaging to evaluate for residual disease. Surgery for postchemotherapy testis cancer is challenging and requires that surgeons be prepared for extraretroperitoneal resections and adjunctive procedures as necessary. Herein, we review the imaging options that are essential for surgical planning and the various surgical techniques that are often necessary in this challenging situation.