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Travis LB, Feldman DR, Fung C, Poynter JN, Lockley M, Frazier AL. Adolescent and Young Adult Germ Cell Tumors: Epidemiology, Genomics, Treatment, and Survivorship. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:696-706. [PMID: 37820296 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovations in the care of adolescent and young adult (AYA) germ cell tumors (GCTs) are needed for one of the most common AYA cancers for which treatment has not significantly changed for several decades. Testicular GCTs (TGCTs) are the most common cancers in 15- to 39-year-old men, and ovarian GCTs (OvGCTs) are the leading gynecologic malignancies in women younger than 25 years. Excellent outcomes, even in widely metastatic disease using cisplatin-based chemotherapy, can be achieved since Einhorn and Donohue's landmark 1977 study in TGCT. However, as the severity of accompanying late effects (ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, second malignant neoplasms, nephrotoxicity, and others) has emerged, efforts to deintensity treatment and find alternatives to cisplatin have taken on new urgency. Current innovations include the collaborative design of clinical trials that accrue GCTs across all ages and both sexes, including adolescents (previously on pediatric trials), and OvGCT (previously on gynecologic-only trials). Joint trials accrue larger sample sizes at a faster rate and therefore evaluate new approaches more rapidly. These joint trials also allow for biospecimen collection to further probe GCT etiology and underlying mechanisms of tumor growth, thus providing new therapeutic options. This AYA approach has been fostered by The Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium, which includes over 115 GCT disease experts from pediatric, gynecologic, and genitourinary oncologies in 16 countries. Trials in development incorporate, to our knowledge, for the first time, molecular risk stratification and precision oncology approaches on the basis of specific GCT biology. This collaborative AYA approach pioneering successfully in GCT could serve as a model for impactful research for other AYA cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois B Travis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Chunkit Fung
- J.P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Jenny N Poynter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Michelle Lockley
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Dana Farber-Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
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Hack J, Crabb SJ. Platinum-Based Chemotherapy 'Rechallenge' in Advanced Non-ovarian Solid Malignancies. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2022; 34:e329-e344. [PMID: 35282934 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapy forms the backbone of treatment for many solid cancers. However, resistance inevitably develops in those with advanced disease. Platinum rechallenge is a well-established concept in the management of ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer and germ cell tumours. In other solid malignancies there is a lack of quality evidence to support platinum rechallenge, yet it is a widely adopted strategy. Often, patients are within the last year of life, making questions of efficacy, treatment-related toxicity and quality of life critical factors for treatment recommendations. In this overview we appraise the available evidence for platinum rechallenge and strategies being developed to attempt resensitisation of tumours to platinum-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hack
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.
| | - S J Crabb
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
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The diagnostic and prognostic value of tumor markers in giant mediastinal endodermal sinus tumor with prolonged survival: Twelve-year follow up after radical resection. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 69:102744. [PMID: 34484723 PMCID: PMC8390953 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of 16 -year male who presented with nonproductive cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis. His chest -x-ray and computerized tomographic scan (CT) of the thorax with contrast enhancement revealed a large mediastinal mass mostly occupying the left hemithorax. Percutaneous CT scan-guided biopsy of the mediastinal mass was reported as an endodermal sinus tumor (EDST). Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were markedly raised (120,000 ng/ml). After completion of chemotherapy repeat, CT scan of the thorax revealed a large residual mass. Radical resection of the tumor was carried out. Twelve-year post-surgical resection follow-up with serial serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker levels and CT scan of the thorax showed no recurrence.
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Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common solid tumours in young men and have an excellent overall cure rate and prognosis. In most patients, localised disease is cured by surgery alone, and a minority of patients receive short-course adjuvant chemotherapy to reduce the risk of further relapse. Also, in about 80% of patients, metastatic disease can be cured by systemic cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Unfortunately, for a proportion of patients, the disease exhibits platinum resistance and relapse occurs. Despite further lines of systemic treatment, cure can be difficult to achieve in these patients and ultimately about 20% of them will die from disease progression. Addressing the mechanisms underpinning platinum resistance is critical to improving the survival and chances of cure for these patients. This review describes the latest advances in TGCT research, focusing on the identification of novel biomarkers, genetic characteristics and exploring novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Mele
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Alison Reid
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK
| | - Robert Huddart
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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Between a Rock and a Hard Place: An Epigenetic-Centric View of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071506. [PMID: 33805941 PMCID: PMC8036638 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This minireview focuses on the role of epigenetics in testicular cancer. A working model is developed that postulates that epigenetic features that drive testicular cancer malignancy also enable these tumors to be cured at a high rate with chemotherapy. Chemoresistance may occur by epigenetic uncoupling of malignancy and chemosensitivity, a scenario that may be amenable to epigenetic-based therapies. Abstract Compared to many common solid tumors, the main genetic drivers of most testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are unknown. Decades of focus on genomic alterations in TGCTs including awareness of a near universal increase in copies of chromosome 12p have failed to uncover exceptional driver genes, especially in genes that can be targeted therapeutically. Thus far, TGCT patients have missed out on the benefits of targeted therapies available to treat most other malignancies. In the past decade there has been a greater appreciation that epigenetics may play an especially prominent role in TGCT etiology, progression, and hypersensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. While genetics undoubtedly plays a role in TGCT biology, this mini-review will focus on the epigenetic “states” or features of testicular cancer, with an emphasis on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression, and response to chemotherapy. In addition, we comment on the current status of epigenetic-based therapy and epigenetic biomarker development for TGCTs. Finally, we suggest a unifying “rock and a hard place” or “differentiate or die” model where the tumorigenicity and curability of TGCTs are both dependent on common but still ill-defined epigenetic states.
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Cong R, Ji C, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Zhou X, Yao L, Luan J, Meng X, Song N. m6A RNA methylation regulators play an important role in the prognosis of patients with testicular germ cell tumor. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:662-679. [PMID: 33718069 PMCID: PMC7947426 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is found to be associated with promoting tumorigenesis in different types of cancers, however, the function of m6A-related genes in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) development remains to be illuminated. This study aimed to investigated the prognostic value of m6A RNA methylation regulators in TGCT. Methods We collected TGCT patients’ information about clinicopathologic parameters and twenty-two m6A regulatory genes expression from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx). We analyzed the differentially expressed m6A RNA methylation regulators between tumor tissues and normal tissues, as well as the correlation of m6A RNA methylation regulators. By using Cox univariate analysis, last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression algorithm and Cox multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis, a risk score was constructed based on a TCGA training cohort, and further verified in the TCGA testing cohort. Then, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between risk score and progression-free survival (PFS) in TGCT. Finally, the six-gene risk score was further verified by two gene expression profiles (GSE3218 and GSE10783) as an independent external validation cohort. Results Distinct expression patterns of m6A regulatory genes were identified between TGCT tissues and normal tissues in TCGA and GTEx datasets. To predict prognosis of TGCT patients, a risk score was calculated based on six selected m6A RNA methylation regulators (YTHDF1, RBM15, IGF2BP1, ZC3H13, METTL3, and FMR1). Additionally, we found significant differences between the high-risk and low-risk groups in serum marker study levels and histologic subtype. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that high risk score was associated with unfavorable PFS. Ultimately, the risk score was further verified by two gene expression profiles (GSE3218 and GSE10783). Conclusions Based on six selected m6A RNA methylation regulators, we developed a m6A methylation related risk score that can independently predict the prognosis of TGCT patients, and verify the prediction efficiency in TCGA and GEO datasets. Patients in high-risk group were associated with serum tumor marker study levels beyond the normal limits, non-seminoma, and unfavorable survival time. However, further prospective experiments should be carried out to verify our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Cong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengjian Ji
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qijie Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liangyu Yao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaochen Luan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianghu Meng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ninghong Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Urology, The Affiliated Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Artux, China
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Albany C, Fazal Z, Singh R, Bikorimana E, Adra N, Hanna NH, Einhorn LH, Perkins SM, Sandusky GE, Christensen BC, Keer H, Fang F, Nephew KP, Spinella MJ. A phase 1 study of combined guadecitabine and cisplatin in platinum refractory germ cell cancer. Cancer Med 2020; 10:156-163. [PMID: 33135391 PMCID: PMC7826483 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are cured with therapy based on cisplatin, although a clinically significant number of patients are refractory and die of progressive disease. Based on preclinical studies indicating that refractory testicular GCTs are hypersensitive to hypomethylating agents (HMAs), we conducted a phase I trial combining the next‐generation HMA guadecitabine (SGI‐110) with cisplatin in recurrent, cisplatin‐resistant GCT patients. Methods Patients with metastatic GCTs were treated for five consecutive days with guadecitabine followed by cisplatin on day 8, for a 28‐day cycle for up to six cycles. The primary endpoint was safety and toxicity including dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Results The number of patients enrolled was 14. The majority of patients were heavily pretreated. MTD was determined to be 30 mg/m2 guadecitabine followed by 100 mg/m2 cisplatin. The major DLTs were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Three patients had partial responses by RECIST criteria, two of these patients, including one with primary mediastinal disease, completed the study and qualified as complete responses by serum tumor marker criteria with sustained remissions of 5 and 13 months and survival of 16 and 26 months, respectively. The overall response rate was 23%. Three patients also had stable disease indicating a clinical benefit rate of 46%. Conclusions The combination of guadecitabine and cisplatin was tolerable and demonstrated activity in patients with platinum refractory germ cell cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantine Albany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences and the Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences and the Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Emmanuel Bikorimana
- Department of Comparative Biosciences and the Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Nabil Adra
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nasser H Hanna
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lawrence H Einhorn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Susan M Perkins
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - George E Sandusky
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Harold Keer
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Pleasanton, CA, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Michael J Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences and the Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) exhibit, in contrast to other cancer types, a relatively low mutational burden. However, numerous epigenetic alterations have been shown to impact TGCT. In this review, we summarize the most relevant findings of the past 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies focused on the functions of microRNAs and the impact of aberrant DNA methylation. Moreover, several epigenetic drugs with antineoplastic effects in TGCTs were identified. SUMMARY Aberrant DNA methylation and differentially expressed microRNAs have an important effect on TGCT pathogenesis. Moreover, differential DNA methylation patterns were found to be specific for different TGCT subtypes. Various microRNAs, such as miR-371a-3p, were found to be highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for TGCT. The epigenetic drugs guadecitabine, animacroxam, and JQ1 showed promising effects on TGCT in preclinical in-vivo and in-vitro studies.
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Singh R, Fazal Z, Corbet AK, Bikorimana E, Rodriguez JC, Khan EM, Shahid K, Freemantle SJ, Spinella MJ. Epigenetic Remodeling through Downregulation of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Mediates Chemotherapy Resistance in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060796. [PMID: 31181810 PMCID: PMC6627640 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A greater understanding of the hypersensitivity and curability of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) has the potential to inform strategies to sensitize other solid tumors to conventional chemotherapies. The mechanisms of cisplatin hypersensitivity and resistance in embryonal carcinoma (EC), the stem cells of TGCTs, remain largely undefined. To study the mechanisms of cisplatin resistance we generated a large panel of independently derived, acquired resistant clones from three distinct parental EC models employing a protocol designed to match standard of care regimens of TGCT patients. Transcriptomics revealed highly significant expression changes shared between resistant cells regardless of their parental origin. This was dominated by a highly significant enrichment of genes normally repressed by H3K27 methylation and the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) which correlated with a substantial decrease in global H3K27me3, H2AK119 ubiquitination, and expression of BMI1. Importantly, repression of H3K27 methylation with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK-126 conferred cisplatin resistance to parental cells while induction of H3K27 methylation with the histone lysine demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4 resulted in increased cisplatin sensitivity to resistant cells. A gene signature based on H3K27me gene enrichment was associated with an increased rate of recurrent/progressive disease in testicular cancer patients. Our data indicates that repression of H3K27 methylation is a mechanism of cisplatin acquired resistance in TGCTs and that restoration of PRC2 complex function is a viable approach to overcome treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Andrea K Corbet
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Emmanuel Bikorimana
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Jennifer C Rodriguez
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Ema M Khan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Khadeeja Shahid
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Sarah J Freemantle
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Michael J Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine and Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite the high cure rate of germ-cell tumors (GCTs), the 5-year survival rate for those patients with metastatic poor-risk GCT rarely exceeds 50%. The purpose of this review is to highlight past and recent discoveries in the treatment of patients with poor-risk GCT. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple clinical trials to optimize the management of poor-risk germ-cell cancer are ongoing. First-line phase II clinical trials of dose-dense multidrug and paclitaxel-based regimens such as accelerated bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP), dose-dense chemotherapy and paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) reported promising results. Positive phase III data are still lacking. SUMMARY Four cycles of BEP or Etoposide (VP16), ifosfamide, cisplatin (VIP) continue to be the standard of care in patients with poor-risk GCT. A significant disparity in patient outcome exists between high-volume and low-volume centers. Referral for centers of excellence should be considered in the management of poor-risk GCT.
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Kollmannsberger C, Nappi L, Nichols C. Novel treatment options for refractory Germ Cell Tumours: back to the bench! Ann Oncol 2018; 29:21-22. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Albany C, Einhorn L, Garbo L, Boyd T, Josephson N, Feldman DR. Treatment of CD30-Expressing Germ Cell Tumors and Sex Cord Stromal Tumors with Brentuximab Vedotin: Identification and Report of Seven Cases. Oncologist 2017; 23:316-323. [PMID: 29222199 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytotoxic therapy for relapsed and refractory germ cell tumors or metastatic sex cord stromal tumors is rarely effective and is often accompanied by high adverse event rates. Expression of CD30 has been observed in testicular cancers, and patients with CD30-expressing embryonal carcinomas have worse progression-free survival and overall survival than those with CD30-negative tumors. The objective of this study (NCT01461538) was to characterize the antitumor activity of brentuximab vedotin in patients with CD30-expressing nonlymphomatous malignancies. Enrolled patients included seven patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors or metastatic sex cord stromal tumors described in this case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors, metastatic sex cord stromal tumors, or testicular tumors were screened for CD30 expression; 14 patients had tumors that expressed CD30. Seven patients with CD30-expressing testicular cancer were enrolled in the treatment study: five patients with germ cell tumors, one patient with a Leydig cell tumor, and one patient with a Sertoli cell tumor. Patients were treated with brentuximab vedotin at initial doses of 1.8 or 2.4 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Response assessments were performed at cycles 2 and 4 and every 4 cycles thereafter while the patient was receiving treatment. RESULTS Two of seven patients achieved an objective response, including one durable complete response and one partial response at a single time point. Both responding patients had germ cell tumors. Treatment with brentuximab vedotin was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSION Treatment of relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors with brentuximab vedotin can induce durable responses with a manageable toxicity profile. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This case series of seven patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-expressing germ cell tumors (GCTs) or sex cord stromal tumors demonstrates that brentuximab vedotin has activity against GCTs and is well tolerated in heavily pretreated patients with these aggressive tumor types. One patient achieved a complete response that has been durable for almost 4 years since the discontinuation of treatment with brentuximab vedotin. Therefore, brentuximab vedotin may be a valuable option for physicians who care for this difficult-to-treat patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantine Albany
- Indiana University Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lawrence Einhorn
- Indiana University Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lawrence Garbo
- New York Oncology Hematology, Albany Cancer Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Boyd
- Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Yakima, Washington, USA
| | | | - Darren R Feldman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
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Sonnenburg D, Spinella MJ, Albany C. Epigenetic Targeting of Platinum Resistant Testicular Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2017; 16:789-795. [PMID: 26694252 DOI: 10.2174/1568009616666151222150359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of epigenetic aberrations in the development and progression of tumors is now well established. However, little is known of the epigenetic alterations in testicular cancer and particularly in platinum refractory germ cell tumors. Germ cell derived testicular cancers, as compared to somatic tumors, appear to have a unique epigenetic profile that features more extensive DNA hypomethylation. Emerging data from clinical specimens suggest that epigenetic aberrations, especially DNA hypermethylation, can contribute to chemotherapy resistance and poor clinical outcomes in testicular germ cell tumors. Recent data indicate that testicular cancer cells, even those resistant to platinum, are highly sensitive to low doses of demethylating agents. Based on these promising preclinical studies, we suggest that DNA methylation inhibitors in combination with chemotherapeutic agents may offer a path to overcome acquired drug resistance in testicular cancer, laying the foundation and rationale for testing this class of epigenetic drugs in the clinical setting. In this mini-review we provide a brief overview of the promise of DNA methylation therapy to treat patients with refractory cancer of the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Costantine Albany
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, 535 Barnhull Drive RT-473, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Consensus Recommendations from the Spanish Germ Cell Cancer Group on the Use of High-dose Chemotherapy in Germ Cell Cancer. Eur Urol Focus 2017; 3:280-286. [PMID: 28753776 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) has been studied in several clinical scenarios in advanced germ cell cancer (GCC). OBJECTIVE To establish a clinical practice guideline for HDCT use in the treatment of GCC patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS An expert panel reviewed information available from the literature. The panel addressed relevant issues concerning and related to HDCT. The guideline was externally reviewed by two international experts. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS The efficacy of HDCT has been demonstrated in selected GCC patients. The most conclusive evidence comes from retrospective analyses that need to be interpreted with caution. HDCT can cure a significant proportion of heavily treated GCC patients. When indicated, sequential HDCT with regimens containing carboplatin and etoposide, as well as peripheral stem-cell support, is recommended. There is no conclusive evidence to recommend HDCT as first-line therapy. According to a multinational retrospective pooled analysis, HDCT might be superior to conventional CT as first salvage treatment in selected patients. There is an urgent need for prospective clinical trials addressing the value of HDCT in GCC patients who experience failure on first-line cisplatin-based CT. In patients who progress on conventional-dose salvage CT, HDCT should be considered. Treatment of these patients at experienced centers is strongly recommended. CONCLUSIONS It has been demonstrated that HDCT cures selected GCC patients who experience disease progression on conventional rescue regimens. The panel recommends the inclusion of GCC patients in randomized clinical trials including HDCT. PATIENT SUMMARY This consensus establishes clinical practice guidelines for the use and study of high-dose chemotherapy in patients with germ cell cancer.
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Schaffrath J, Schmoll HJ, Voigt W, Müller LP, Müller-Tidow C, Mueller T. Efficacy of targeted drugs in germ cell cancer cell lines with differential cisplatin sensitivity. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178930. [PMID: 28591197 PMCID: PMC5462387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common malignancies in men between the age of 15 and 35. Although cisplatin-based chemotherapy is highly effective in advanced disease, approximately 20% of patients have an unfavorable prognosis due to primary or acquired cisplatin resistance. For these patients, new therapeutic options are urgently needed. In numerous tumor entities, combinations of monoclonal antibodies or kinase inhibitors with chemotherapy exerted promising preclinical or clinical results, which have led to new treatment concepts. This prompted us to investigate the activity of different targeted agents alone or in combination with cisplatin in a panel of TGCT cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Schaffrath
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Schmoll
- Workgroup Clinical Studies in Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Wieland Voigt
- Medical Innovations and Management, Innovation in Oncology, Steinbeis University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lutz P. Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- * E-mail:
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Albany C, Hever-Jardine MP, von Herrmann KM, Yim CY, Tam J, Warzecha JM, Shin L, Bock SE, Curran BS, Chaudhry AS, Kim F, Sandusky GE, Taverna P, Freemantle SJ, Christensen BC, Einhorn LH, Spinella MJ. Refractory testicular germ cell tumors are highly sensitive to the second generation DNA methylation inhibitor guadecitabine. Oncotarget 2017; 8:2949-2959. [PMID: 27936464 PMCID: PMC5356854 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common cancers of young males. A substantial portion of TGCT patients are refractory to cisplatin. There are no effective therapies for these patients, many of whom die from progressive disease. Embryonal carcinoma (EC) are the stem cells of TGCTs. In prior in vitro studies we found that EC cells were highly sensitive to the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza deoxycytidine (5-aza). Here, as an initial step in bringing demethylation therapy to the clinic for TGCT patients, we evaluated the effects of the clinically optimized, second generation demethylating agent guadecitabine (SGI-110) on EC cells in an animal model of cisplatin refractory testicular cancer. EC cells were exquisitely sensitive to guadecitabine and the hypersensitivity was dependent on high levels of DNA methyltransferase 3B. Guadecitabine mediated transcriptional reprogramming of EC cells included induction of p53 targets and repression of pluripotency genes. As a single agent, guadecitabine completely abolished progression and induced complete regression of cisplatin resistant EC xenografts even at doses well below those required to impact somatic solid tumors. Low dose guadecitabine also sensitized refractory EC cells to cisplatin in vivo. Genome-wide analysis indicated that in vivo antitumor activity was associated with activation of p53 and immune-related pathways and the antitumor effects of guadecitabine were dependent on p53, a gene rarely mutated in TGCTs. These preclinical findings suggest that guadecitabine alone or in combination with cisplatin is a promising strategy to treat refractory TGCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantine Albany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mary P. Hever-Jardine
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Katherine M. von Herrmann
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Christina Y. Yim
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Janice Tam
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Joshua M. Warzecha
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Leah Shin
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Sarah E. Bock
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brian S. Curran
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Aneeq S. Chaudhry
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Fred Kim
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - George E. Sandusky
- Department of Pathology, Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Sarah J. Freemantle
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Brock C. Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Lawrence H. Einhorn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael J. Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Oing C, Alsdorf WH, von Amsberg G, Oechsle K, Bokemeyer C. Platinum-refractory germ cell tumors: an update on current treatment options and developments. World J Urol 2016; 35:1167-1175. [PMID: 27449639 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-016-1898-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In general, 50 % up to 80 % of metastasized germ cell tumor patients can be cured by platinum-based chemotherapy. However, 3-5 % of patients will still die of platinum-refractory disease and new systemic treatment options are needed to improve treatment success in this difficult setting. This review aims to give an overview on treatment options and current developments in the field of platinum-refractory male germ cell tumors. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted searching PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and Embase to identify clinical trials regarding the treatment of platinum-refractory disease. ASCO, EAU and ESMO conference proceedings were searched to identify unpublished results of relevant trials. Comprehensive review papers were hand searched for additional references. Clinicaltrials.gov was checked for ongoing clinical trials in the field of platinum-refractory germ cell tumors. RESULTS Outcome of platinum-refractory disease remains poor. Single-agents with reasonable activity are gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and paclitaxel, but complete remissions resulting in long-term survival could not be achieved. The triple-combination of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and paclitaxel followed by resection of residual masses provides the best outcomes with objective responses in 51 % of patients and long-term survival in approximately 10-15 %. To date, no molecularly targeted agent has shown reasonable activity. CONCLUSIONS Treatment options for platinum-refractory disease are limited, but a small subset of patients may achieve long-term disease-free survival by multimodal treatment. The potential of novel targeted agents, i.e. by immune-checkpoint-inhibition remains to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Oing
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Winfried H Alsdorf
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild von Amsberg
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Nishikawa M, Miyake H, Fujisawa M. Irinotecan and nedaplatin as salvage therapy for patients with advanced germ cell tumors following intensive treatment with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapies. Int J Clin Oncol 2015; 21:162-7. [PMID: 26123313 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-015-0861-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze the clinical outcomes of the irinotecan plus nedaplatin (IN) regimen in patients with advanced germ cell tumors (GCTs) refractory to cisplatin-based combination chemotherapies. METHODS This study included a total of 20 consecutive advanced GCT patients who were categorized into intermediate- or poor-risk GCT groups according to the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification, and were judged to show refractory or relapsed disease after bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin and cisplatin, ifosfamide and paclitaxel therapies. All 20 patients subsequently received IN therapy (irinotecan 100 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15; nedaplatin 100 mg/m(2) on day 1) every 4 weeks. RESULTS Following a median of 3 cycles of IN, 9 patients (45 %) achieved normalization of serum tumor markers. In addition, surgical resection of the residual tumors following IN was performed in 5 patients, of whom 4 were pathologically diagnosed with no viable cancer cells. At a median follow-up of 9 months, 11 patients (55 %) were alive, including 7 (35 %) with no evidence of disease, whereas the remaining 9 (45 %) died of disease progression. The median duration of overall survival after the introduction of IN to these 20 patients was 13.4 months. Severe hematological toxicities were observed in all patients, but were manageable. Although fatal treatment-related interstitial pneumonia occurred in 1 patient, other non-hematological toxicities were generally tolerable. CONCLUSIONS Considering the markedly unfavorable characteristics of the included patients with advanced GCT who were intensively treated with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapies, IN could be regarded as having promising therapeutic activity with an acceptable toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatomo Nishikawa
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hideaki Miyake
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
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Nakamura T, Ueda T, Oishi M, Nakanishi H, Shiraishi T, Fujihara A, Naito Y, Kamoi K, Naya Y, Hongo F, Okihara K, Miki T. Importance of continuous sequential chemotherapy and multimodal treatment for advanced testicular cancer: a high-volume Japanese center experience. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e653. [PMID: 25789960 PMCID: PMC4602480 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with "difficult-to-treat" advanced testicular cancer can require multiple therapies. We retrospectively assessed our patients with advanced germ cell tumors (GCTs) and characterized the clinical efficacy, outcomes, and factors affecting overall survival (OS).Two hundred fifty-three patients with advanced GCTs were treated at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan, from June 1998 to September 2013. Of 253 patients, 142 patients had salvage chemotherapy.As first-line therapy, bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin, and etoposide and cisplatin therapies were performed in 234 cases (92.5%). As second-line therapy, etoposide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin/vinblastine, ifosfamide, and cisplatin, and paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin/paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and nedaplatin therapies were carried out in 44 and 59 cases, respectively. Furthermore, 111, 72, 44, and 28 cases had third, fourth, fifth, and sixth-or-later-line chemotherapy, respectively. Five-year OS rate stratified by chemotherapy line was 95.5% in the first line, 89.4% in the second line, 82.1% in the third line, 45.1% in the fourth line, and 58.9% in the fifth or after line. A statistical significant difference was found when comparing fourth-or-after-line versus first to third-line therapy. Additional procedures were performed, including retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) (n = 168), extra-RPLN resection (n= 114), and external beam radiotherapy/stereotactic radiotherapy (n = 78).Multivariate analysis showed that factors predicting better outcomes were in serum tumor marker (STM) normalization, RPLND, and extra-RPLN resection.Good outcomes were obtained in patients who completed chemotherapy up to third line. After fourth-line chemotherapy, approximately 50% of "difficult-to-treat" patients could be cured with normalization of STM levels and residual mass resection. Continuous or sequential chemotherapy with multimodality therapy is important for patients with "difficult-to-treat" advanced GCTs. Effective chemotherapy after third line should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terukazu Nakamura
- From the Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Chaudhry IU, Rahhal M, Khurshid I, Mutairi H. Radical surgical resection for giant primary mediastinal endodermal sinus tumour with pulmonary metastasis after chemotherapy: can be curative. BMJ Case Rep 2014; 2014:bcr-2014-204662. [PMID: 24939455 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-204662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary non-seminomatous germ cell tumours of anterior mediastinum are uncommon. Endodermal sinus tumour of the anterior mediastinum (yolk sac) is a rare but lethal neoplasm. We present a case of an 18-year-old man who presented with chest pain, cough and haemosputum with markedly raised serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels above 112,000 ng/mL. Chest roentgenogram and CT showed a giant anterior mediastinal mass. CT guided biopsy revealed a diagnosis of endodermal sinus tumour. After the completion of chemotherapy, extensive surgical resection was carried out along with the right lung metastastectomy. Five years postresection follow-up the patient is disease free with normal serum tumour markers. This is the longest survival ever reported of such tumours with highest AFP level (>112,000 ng/mL) and lung metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikram Ulhaq Chaudhry
- Department of Chest Surgery, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Rahhal
- Department of Adult Oncology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imtiaz Khurshid
- Department of Adult Oncology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadi Mutairi
- Department of Chest Surgery, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Teo M, McCarthy JE, Brady AP, Curran DR, Power DG. A case of sarcoidosis in a patient with testicular cancer post stem cell transplant. Acta Oncol 2013; 52:869-71. [PMID: 22708529 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2012.689854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Nieto Y. Transplantation for refractory germ cell tumors: does it really make a difference? Curr Oncol Rep 2013; 15:232-8. [PMID: 23494829 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-013-0309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) has been used over the past 25 years for germ-cell tumors in a variety of clinical scenarios. There is consensus at this point that its use as part of first-line treatment does not benefit patients with high-risk tumors. Long-term results of prospective trials in patients with relapsed or with refractory disease indicate that a fraction of them achieve long-term remissions consistent with cures. While HDC constitutes for many oncologists in the US an accepted treatment modality for relapsed or refractory GCT, controversy surrounds its use in those settings. Prognostic models have been developed that allow to prospectively identify poor prognosis patients that might benefit from novel HDC-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yago Nieto
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 423, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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McIntosh DE, Harrington J, White JD, Baxter G, Garden OJ. Liver resection as part of multi-modality treatment of late relapse of germ cell cancer following high dose chemotherapy. Surgeon 2012; 10:183-4. [PMID: 22525417 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2011.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Long-Term Survival After Treatment with Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin With and Without Paclitaxel Plus Secondary Surgery in Patients with Cisplatin-Refractory and/or Multiply Relapsed Germ Cell Tumors. Eur Urol 2011; 60:850-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2011.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Park S, Lee S, Lee J, Park SH, Park JO, Kang WK, Park YS, Lim HY. Salvage chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) in relapsed or cisplatin-refractory germ cell tumors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:416-20. [PMID: 21934340 DOI: 10.1159/000331129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In relapsed germ cell tumors, salvage chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) is a well-established regimen for patients with favorable features such as a primary testicular tumor and prior complete remission (CR) after the initial chemotherapy. We reviewed patients who had received salvage TIP chemotherapy, and evaluated the efficacy of TIP, linking it to patient characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between August 1998 and May 2009, a total of 14 patients were treated with salvage TIP chemotherapy. 10 of 14 had cisplatin-refractory disease, and none of the patients were expected to show a favorable outcome to conventional-dose salvage chemotherapy. RESULTS Of the 14 patients, 5 (37.5%) showed a favorable response (CR in 1 patient, partial response (PR) in 4 patients) to TIP alone, and 1 had CR with subsequent surgery after TIP. 2 patients with CR and another 2 patients who attained disease stabilization are still alive at 81.3, 25.4, 69.3, and 27.4 months, respectively. After a median follow-up of 41.0 months (range 11.1-137.6), the median overall survival time for all patients was 21.1 (range 5.0-112.6). CONCLUSIONS Even in the presence of poor prognostic features, salvage TIP chemotherapy can be an active regimen in patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Feldman DR, Patil S, Trinos MJ, Carousso M, Ginsberg MS, Sheinfeld J, Bajorin DF, Bosl GJ, Motzer RJ. Progression-free and overall survival in patients with relapsed/refractory germ cell tumors treated with single-agent chemotherapy: endpoints for clinical trial design. Cancer 2011; 118:981-6. [PMID: 21792865 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.26375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refractory germ cell tumor (GCT) patients have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The identification of novel active agents may be impaired by use of response as the primary endpoint in phase 2 trials. Improved endpoints could enhance the development of new effective agents. METHODS The characteristics and outcome of refractory GCT patients enrolled in 7 single-agent phase 2 trials conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1990 to 2008 were reviewed. The study agents were suramin, all-transretinoic acid, topotecan, pyrazoloacridine, temozolomide, ixabepilone, and sunitinib. The major endpoints evaluated were response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Ninety patients (87 male, 3 female) were treated. The primary tumor site was testis in 65 patients, mediastinum in 17 patients, retroperitoneum in 4 patients, and other in 4 patients. Eighty-six patients had nonseminoma, and 4 patients had pure seminoma. Best responses were 1 (1%) partial response (ixabepilone), 15 (17%) stable disease, and 74 (82%) progressive disease. Median PFS and OS were 1.0 month (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-1.3) and 4.7 months (95% CI, 3.5-6.4), respectively. Eighty-six of the 90 patients have died. The 12- and 16-week PFS rates were 9% (95% CI, 3-15%) and 6% (95% CI, 1%-11%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients with refractory GCT progressed rapidly to these single agents. PFS and OS may be useful endpoints for designing phase 2 trials testing novel agents in this population. Twelve-week PFS (with comparison to the 9% benchmark rate reported herein) is the recommended endpoint for phase 2 trial design and median OS (using 4.7 months as the predicted median for the control arm) is suggested for phase 3 trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren R Feldman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.
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Maroto P, Huddart R, Garcia del Muro X, Horwich A, Paz Ares L, Aparicio J, Germa-Lluch JR. Brief report: phase II multicenter study of temozolomide in patients with cisplatin-resistant germ cell tumors. Oncology 2011; 80:219-22. [PMID: 21734411 DOI: 10.1159/000329041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the activity and toxicity of temozolomide in a phase II multicenter trial in patients diagnosed with relapsed or cisplatin-refractory germ cell tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS During a recruitment period of 30 months, 20 patients received temozolomide 150 mg/m(2)/day p.o. for 5 days every 4 weeks, escalating to 200 mg/m(2)/day if grade II toxicity was not observed in the first cycle. Eligibility criteria were tumor progression or relapse after previous cisplatin and ifosfamide-containing chemotherapy, creatinine clearance of >40 ml/min, and a performance status of 0-2. RESULTS The median age was 38 years (range 27-56). Seventeen patients had nonseminomatous tumors, and 3 had seminomatous tumors. Six of the patients had extragonadal primary tumors (3 retroperitoneal and 3 mediastinal). The median number of prior cisplatin-containing cycles was 11 (range 7-20). Eight patients received prior high-dose chemotherapy and 14 were refractory or absolutely refractory to cisplatin. A total of 45 cycles were administered. Two partial responses lasting 9 and 3.5 months (overall response rate 10%, 95% CI 1.2-31.7) were observed. One of these responses was seen in a patient with a cisplatin-refractory tumor that had previously been treated with high-dose chemotherapy. The median time to progression and the median overall survival were 1.5 and 3.1 months, respectively. Grade III hematological toxicity consisted of thrombocytopenia in 2 patients and anemia in 1 patient. No grade IV toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS Temozolomide had some activity in heavily pretreated patients resistant to cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Maroto
- Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. jmaroto @ santpau.cat
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Third-Line Chemotherapy and Novel Agents for Metastatic Germ Cell Tumors. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2011; 25:577-91, ix. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2011.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Oechsle K, Honecker F, Cheng T, Mayer F, Czaykowski P, Winquist E, Wood L, Fenner M, Glaesener S, Hartmann JT, Chi K, Bokemeyer C, Kollmannsberger C. Preclinical and clinical activity of sunitinib in patients with cisplatin-refractory or multiply relapsed germ cell tumors: a Canadian Urologic Oncology Group/German Testicular Cancer Study Group cooperative study. Ann Oncol 2011; 22:2654-2660. [PMID: 21415240 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdr026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of the study was to investigate the activity of sunitinib in a cell line model and subsequently in patients with cisplatin-refractory or multiply relapsed germ cell tumors (GCT). METHODS The effect of sunitinib on cell proliferation in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-refractory GCT cell lines was evaluated after 48-h sunitinib exposure by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, and IC(50) (concentration that causes 50% inhibition of growth) doses were determined. Sunitinib was subsequently administered at a dose of 50 mg/day for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week break to 33 patients using a Simon two-stage design. RESULTS Sunitinib demonstrated comparable dose-dependent growth inhibition in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cell lines, with IC(50) between 3.0 and 3.8 μM. Patient characteristics were as follows: median of 2 (1-6) cisplatin-containing regimens; high-dose chemotherapy 67%; late relapse 33%; and cisplatin refractory or absolute cisplatin refractory 54%. Toxic effects included fatigue (39%), anorexia (21%), diarrhea (27%), mucositis (45%), nausea (33%), hand-foot syndrome (12%), dyspepsia (27%), and skin rash (18%). No unexpected side-effects were observed. Thirty -two of 33 patients were assessable for response. Three confirmed partial responses (PRs) and one unconfirmed PR were seen for a total response rate of 13%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2 months, with a 6-month PFS rate of 11%. CONCLUSIONS Sunitinib shows in vitro activity in cisplatin-resistant GCT cell lines. Modest clinical activity in heavily pretreated GCT patients was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Oechsle
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Section Pneumology, University Medical Centre Eppendorf, Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F Honecker
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Section Pneumology, University Medical Centre Eppendorf, Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - T Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Canada
| | - F Mayer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology, Immunology and Pulmonology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - P Czaykowski
- Department Medical Oncology/Haematology, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
| | - E Winquist
- Division of Medical Oncology, London Health Science Centre, London
| | - L Wood
- Division of Medical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Canada
| | - M Fenner
- Department of Hematology/Hemostaseology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Glaesener
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Section Pneumology, University Medical Centre Eppendorf, Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J T Hartmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology, Immunology and Pulmonology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - K Chi
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia-Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - C Bokemeyer
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Section Pneumology, University Medical Centre Eppendorf, Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Kollmannsberger
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia-Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
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Bazarbachi A, Hatoum H, Mugharbel A, Otrock Z, Yassine N, Muwakkit S, Salem Z, Shebbo W, Jisr T, Abboud M, Ibrahim A. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Lebanon: first comprehensive report. Bone Marrow Transplant 2008; 42 Suppl 1:S96-S102. [PMID: 18724316 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2008.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) has become a curative therapeutic strategy for several malignant and nonmalignant diseases. We report the comprehensive results of the first 10 years of experience in HSCT from the two major BMT units in Lebanon: Makassed University Hospital and the American University of Beirut Medical Center. The median and the 5-year overall survival (OS) were 97 months and 58%, respectively, for the 84 patients who received allogeneic HSCT, and 60 months and 50%, respectively, for the 228 patients who received autologous BMT. The results for myeloablative allogeneic transplantation were as follows: AML (n=28, 5-year OS 58%, 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) 48%), CML (n=9, 5-year OS 66%, 5-year DFS 52%), ALL (n=13, 2-year OS 10%, 2-year DFS 10%), thalassemia (n=10, 5-year transfusion-free survival 67%). The results for autologous HSCT were as follows: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in relapse (n=37, 5-year OS 68%, 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) 65%), Hodgkin's lymphoma (n=55, 5-year OS 55%, 5-year PFS 36%), and first-line multiple myeloma (n=71, 5-year OS 53%, 5-year PFS 24%). For allogeneic transplanted patients, the cumulative TRM was 23% and the incidence of acute GVHD was 23%. For autografted patients, TRM was 2.6%. These results indicate that despite the relatively low socioeconomic status of the Lebanese population, both allogeneic and autologous HSCT are feasible with outcomes similar to developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bazarbachi
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Kollmannsberger C, Honecker F, Bokemeyer C. Pharmacotherapy of relapsed metastatic testicular cancer. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2008; 9:2259-72. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.9.13.2259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Bokemeyer C, Oechsle K, Honecker F, Mayer F, Hartmann JT, Waller CF, Böhlke I, Kollmannsberger C. Combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and paclitaxel in patients with cisplatin-refractory or multiply relapsed germ-cell tumors: a study of the German Testicular Cancer Study Group. Ann Oncol 2008; 19:448-53. [PMID: 18006893 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdm526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, University Medical Centre Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Pedersini R, Vattemi E, Mazzoleni G, Graiff C. Complete response after treatment with imatinib in pretreated disseminated testicular seminoma with overexpression of c-KIT. Lancet Oncol 2007; 8:1039-40. [PMID: 17976614 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(07)70344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Pedersini
- Department of Oncology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy.
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Gilligan T, Kantoff PW. Testis Cancer. Oncology 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/0-387-31056-8_49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Li J, Yang W, Wu X. Prognostic factors and role of salvage surgery in chemorefractory ovarian germ cell malignancies: a study in Chinese patients. Gynecol Oncol 2007; 105:769-75. [PMID: 17459461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2007.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2006] [Revised: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 02/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The majority of the studies on ovarian germ cell malignancies (OGCMs) focused on combination chemotherapy and fertility sparing surgery in primary treatment. Prognostic factors and the salvage treatment, particularly the role of salvage surgery, for the chemorefractory disease are much less documented. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic factors and the role of salvage surgery in Chinese patients with chemorefractory OGCMs. METHODS A total of 34 patients with chemorefractory OGCMs who underwent salvage surgery at Fudan University Cancer Hospital from April 1992 to December 2005 were retrospectively identified and analyzed. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier and the statistical significance of various prognostic factors was tested using both the log-rank and the Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The median age of the study patients was 22.76 years. The histological subtypes included 2 dysgerminomas (DSG), 7 immature teratomas (IMT), 22 endodermal sinus tumors (EST) (including 16 pure EST, 3 mixed type with DSG, 3 with EC), 2 embryonal carcinomas (EC) and 1 mixed form (with component of sex cord-stromal tumor). The median follow-up time was 44.09 months (range, 5-164 months). For the entire study population, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were 82.35%, 45.64%, and 33.17%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival in patients who were rendered macroscopically disease-free or had residual disease < or = 1 cm after surgical salvage were 93.33%, 80.00%, and 60.95%, compared to 68.42%, 21.05%, and 14.04% in those who had postoperative residual disease >1 cm (P=0.0036). Histology (DSG/IMT vs. non-DSG/IMT) (P=0.0221), primary and salvage chemotherapy regimen (non-BEP/PVB regimen for primary chemotherapy and BEP/PVB regimen for salvage chemotherapy vs. all other regimens in primary and salvage chemotherapy) (P=0.0316), site of chemorefractory disease (retroperitoneal vs. intraperitoneal) (P=0.0221), and salvage surgery states (optimal cytoreduction vs. suboptimal cytoreduction) (P=0.0036) were significant prognostic factors for survival through univariate analysis. However, site of chemorefractory disease was excluded as an independent prognostic factor according to multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Chemorefractory cases with dysgerminoma or immature teratoma appear to have better outcome than the other subtypes. When offered standard BEP/PVB regimen as salvage chemotherapy, patients with chemorefractory disease after non-BEP/PVB primary chemotherapy have better prognosis. Optimal cytoreduction during salvage surgery does benefit chemorefractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, 270 Dong-an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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Einhorn LH, Brames MJ, Juliar B, Williams SD. Phase II Study of Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine Salvage Chemotherapy for Germ Cell Tumors After Progression Following High-Dose Chemotherapy With Tandem Transplant. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:513-6. [PMID: 17290059 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.07.7271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine long-term survival and potential cure with salvage chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus gemcitabine after progression after both cisplatin combination chemotherapy and subsequent high-dose chemotherapy with tandem transplantation. Patients and Methods One hundred eighty-four patients received salvage high-dose chemotherapy at Indiana University (Indianapolis, IN) from February 1996 to December 2004. After further evidence of progressive disease, 32 patients were subsequently treated with paclitaxel 100 mg/n2 over 1 hour plus gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 minutes, days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks for a maximum of six courses. This is a retrospective review of this patient population. Patients were evaluated for response, duration of response, and survival. Patients were ineligible if they received prior paclitaxel or gemcitabine. Results Ten (31%) of 32 patients achieved objective response, including four partial remissions (2- to 6-month duration) and six complete responses (CRs). Four of these six CRs (12.5% of total patient population) are continuously disease free (NED) with paclitaxel plus gemcitabine alone (no postchemotherapy surgery) at more than 20, 40, 44, and 57 months from start of paclitaxel plus gemcitabine, respectively. One additional CR is currently NED more than 63 months after paclitaxel plus gemcitabine with two subsequent resections of carcinoma. Conclusion Long-term disease-free survival is possible with paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in this patient population that progressed after high-dose chemotherapy, and had not received prior paclitaxel or gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence H Einhorn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Walther Cancer Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Abstract
Although front-line chemotherapy cures most men with testicular germ cell tumors, salvage therapy is still important in a small but significant minority. Second-line conventional-dose or high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue may cure 25%-50% of patients. New chemotherapeutic agents, including the taxanes gemcitabine and oxaliplatin, have added to the therapeutic armamentarium. Salvage surgical resection has an important role in selected patients. Cisplatin-refractory patients have a poor prognosis with current therapy, and novel chemotherapeutic and biologic agents need to be discovered for such patients.
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Bedano PM, Brames MJ, Williams SD, Juliar BE, Einhorn LH. Phase II Study of Cisplatin Plus Epirubicin Salvage Chemotherapy in Refractory Germ Cell Tumors. J Clin Oncol 2006; 24:5403-7. [PMID: 17135640 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.05.8065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Initial cisplatin (CIS) combination chemotherapy will cure 70% of patients with disseminated testicular cancer. This phase II clinical trial evaluated the combination of CIS plus epirubicin (CIS-EPI) in patients with metastatic germ cell tumors (GCT) not amenable to cure with standard salvage therapy. Patients and Methods Between March 2001 and August 2005, 30 patients with GCT, who had received at least one previous CIS-based regimen, were enrolled. All patients were males, with median age 36 (range, 24 to 45 years). Twenty-one patients (70%) had experienced late relapses (> 2 years). Patients received EPI 90 mg/m2 on day 1 and CIS 20 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5 every 3 weeks for maximum of four cycles. Results Nineteen (63%) of 30 patients received all four cycles. Toxicity was primarily hematologic: grade 3/4 neutropenia, four patients (one neutropenic fever); two patients had grade 3 thrombocytopenia, and five patients had grade 3/4 anemia. Nonhematologic toxicity was grade 3 acute renal failure in two patients; grade 3 electrolyte wasting in two patients; grade 3 nausea/vomiting in eight patients; grade 3 elevation of aminotransferases in one patient; and grade 3 diarrhea in one patient. There were no occurrences of severe mucositis, cardiotoxicity, or treatment-related deaths. Nine patients achieved a complete remission; seven of these patients remain without evidence of disease at 25+, 27+, 29+, 44+, 45+, 46+, and 48+ months. One patient remains alive with stable pulmonary nodules at 28+ months. Conclusion CIS-EPI is an active regimen in metastatic GCT, with an acceptable toxicity profile. This regimen offers potential for long-term disease-free survival in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo M Bedano
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Biostatistics, Indiana University Medical Center and Walther Cancer Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Kollmannsberger C, Honecker F, Bokemeyer C. Treatment of germ cell tumors – update 2006. Ann Oncol 2006; 17 Suppl 10:x31-5. [PMID: 17018745 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Kollmannsberger
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency-Vancouver Cancer Centre, Vancouver, Canada
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Rick O, Braun T, Siegert W, Beyer J. Activity of thalidomide in patients with platinum-refractory germ-cell tumours. Eur J Cancer 2006; 42:1775-9. [PMID: 16765039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2006.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2005] [Revised: 03/20/2006] [Accepted: 03/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was assess the activity of thalidomide in patients with progressive relapsed or platinum-refractory germ-cell tumours (GCT). Between April 2002 and January 2003, 15 patients with inoperable progressive GCT were treated with escalated daily doses of 200-600 mg thalidomide. All patients had failed first-line and salvage chemotherapy with a median of 6 (range 4-12) cisplatin-based treatment cycles, 13/15 (87%) patients had received high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and 8/15 (53%) patients were considered platinum-refractory or absolute refractory; 8/15 (53%) patients had previously received other palliative chemotherapy regimens. No patient achieved a complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR). However, 5/15 (33%) patients achieved serological PR and 1 additional patient had stable disease for 3 months. The median duration of remissions was 3 months (range 2-12 months) including 2 patients with a progression-free survival of 9 and 12 months. Responses occurred mainly in patients with a low tumour burden, slow disease progression and alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) elevations. Responses to thalidomide were independent from platinum-sensitivity. Toxicity was mild, with lethargy and constipation in the majority of patients. Skin rash grade II developed in 2 patients and peripheral neurotoxicity grade II/III developed in 4 patients. One responding patient died suddenly from an unknown cause. It is concluded that thalidomide shows single-agent activity in patients with heavily pre-treated GCT, AFP elevations and slowly progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Rick
- Klinikum Reinhardshöhe, Fachklinik für Onkologische Rehabilitation, Quellenstrasse 8-12, 34527 Bad Wildungen, Germany
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Kollmannsberger C, Nichols C, Bokemeyer C. Recent advances in management of patients with platinum-refractory testicular germ cell tumors. Cancer 2006; 106:1217-26. [PMID: 16463389 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.21742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
With the use of cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy, metastatic testicular germ cell tumors can be cured in 70-80% of patients, but patients refractory to cisplatin-based chemotherapy continue to have a very poor prognosis. Various chemotherapeutic agents have been evaluated in intensively pretreated or cisplatin-refractory patients, but as single agents, only orally administered etoposide, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and, most recently, oxaliplatin have been shown to be active with selected patients achieving complete remissions. This has for the first time lead to clinical evaluation of combination chemotherapy regimens such as gemcitabine-paclitaxel or oxaliplatin-gemcitabine, demonstrating the feasibility of combination therapy in these heavily pretreated patients. High response rates of up to 45% were observed in particular with the latter combination. Salvage surgery remains a very important treatment option for patients with resectable disease. The molecular mechanisms of cisplatin resistance have been intensively studied, and several mechanisms have been discussed such as a decreased intracellular concentration of the drug, increased repair of the drug-induced damage, or an altered apoptotic response to this damage. This increasing knowledge may now allow design of new therapeutic options. Ongoing studies in refractory germ cell tumors are evaluating 3-drug regimens such as gemcitabine-paclitaxel-oxaliplatin but also biologic approaches such as inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor or the vascular endothelial growth factor. This research may eventually allow the development of a noncross-resistant multidrug combination regimen that can be evaluated in an earlier line of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kollmannsberger
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia-Vancouver Cancer Center, 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada.
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Mead GM, Cullen MH, Huddart R, Harper P, Rustin GJS, Cook PA, Stenning SP, Mason M. A phase II trial of TIP (paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin) given as second-line (post-BEP) salvage chemotherapy for patients with metastatic germ cell cancer: a medical research council trial. Br J Cancer 2005; 93:178-84. [PMID: 15999102 PMCID: PMC2361542 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This phase II trial describes the use of TIP chemotherapy (paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin) as salvage for patients with metastatic germ cell cancer (GCC) who have failed initial BEP (bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin) chemotherapy. Patients with first relapse following BEP for metastatic GCC, confirmed by biopsy or sequentially rising markers, received four courses of TIP (paclitaxel 175 mg m−2 day 1, followed on days 1–5 by ifosfamide 1 g m−2 intravenously (i.v.) and cisplatin 20 mg2 i.v.) at 3-weekly intervals. The primary outcome measure was response to TIP. In all, 51 patients were registered, of whom 43 were eligible for response assessment. Eight achieved complete remission (CR) and 18 a partial remission with negative markers (PR−ve); favourable response rate (FRR=CR+PR−ve) 60%, 95% CI (44–75%); survival at 1 year was 70% (56–84%) and failure-free survival 36% (22–50%). In the group of 26 patients meeting the ‘good-risk’ criteria described by the Memorial Hospital, the FRR was 73% (52–88%) compared with 41% (18–67%) for the 17 ‘poor-risk’ patients. These results are inferior to those previously reported for TIP in a single-centre study when it was given more intensively, at higher dose and with growth factor support. Nonetheless, TIP as described here can cure a substantial proportion of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Mead
- Medical Oncology Unit, C Level West Wing, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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Rick O, Bokemeyer C, Weinknecht S, Schirren J, Pottek T, Hartmann JT, Braun T, Rachud B, Weissbach L, Hartmann M, Siegert W, Beyer J. Residual tumor resection after high-dose chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell cancer. J Clin Oncol 2004; 22:3713-9. [PMID: 15365067 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.07.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the role of residual tumor resection performed after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors (GCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between July 1987 and October 1999, postchemotherapy resections of residual tumors were performed in 57 patients who had been treated with HDCT for relapsed or refractory GCT and who had achieved a partial remission to this treatment. RESULTS Complete resections of residual masses were achieved in 52 (91%) of 57 patients who were rendered disease free; in five (9%) of 57 patients, the resections were incomplete. Resection of a single site was performed in 39 (68%) of 57 patients, and the remaining 18 (32%) of 57 patients required interventions at two or more residual tumor sites. Necrosis was found in 22 (38%) of 57 patients, mature teratoma with or without necrosis was found in nine (16%) of 57 patients, and viable cancer with or without additional necrosis or mature teratoma was found in 26 (46%) of 57 patients. Viable cancer consisted either of residual germ cell or undifferentiated cancer in 22 (85%) of 26 patients, with additional non-GCT histologies in the remaining four patients. Patients with viable cancer had a significantly inferior outcome after surgery compared with patients with necrosis and/or mature teratoma even if all cancer was completely resected. Pulmonary lesions with a diameter of more than 2 cm were the only predictive variable for viable cancer in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION Resections of all residual tumors should be attempted in patients with relapsed or refractory GCT and partial remissions after HDCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Rick
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité, Germany
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Kollmannsberger C, Beyer J, Liersch R, Schoeffski P, Metzner B, Hartmann JT, Rick O, Stengele K, Hohloch K, Spott C, Kanz L, Bokemeyer C. Combination Chemotherapy With Gemcitabine Plus Oxaliplatin in Patients With Intensively Pretreated or Refractory Germ Cell Cancer: A Study of the German Testicular Cancer Study Group. J Clin Oncol 2004; 22:108-14. [PMID: 14701772 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.06.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Long-term survival is rarely achieved in patients with cisplatin-refractory germ cell cancer (GCT). Both single-agent gemcitabine and oxaliplatin have shown activity in patients who experience relapse or are refractory to cisplatin treatment. This study investigates the activity of a gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin regimen in these patients. Patients and Methods Gemcitabine was administered at a dose of 1,000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8; oxaliplatin was administered at a dose of 130 mg/m2 on day 1. Response was evaluated every 4 weeks. Results Thirty-five patients with a median age of 37 years (range, 21 to 54 years) were enrolled onto the study. Primary tumor localization was gonadal, retroperitoneal, or mediastinal in 30, one, and four patients, respectively. Patients had been pretreated with a median of six platinum-containing cycles (range, four to 13 cycles) and 89% of patients previously had experienced treatment failure after high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral-blood stem-cell transplantation. Sixty-three percent of patients were considered absolutely cisplatin-refractory or cisplatin-refractory. A median of two cycles (range, 1 to 6 cycles) per patient were applied. Toxicity consisted mainly of myelosuppression, with Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3 occurring in 54% of patients. Only 9% of patients developed neutropenic fever. Three patients attained a complete remission (CR), two patients attained a marker-negative partial remission, and 11 patients attained a marker-positive partial remission, resulting in an overall response rate of 46% (95% CI, 30% to 64%). All three patients with CR and one patient with a marker-negative partial remission remained disease free at 16+, 12+, 4+, and 2+ months of follow-up. Seven (44%) of these 16 responses, including one CR, occurred in cisplatin-refractory patients. Conclusion Gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin demonstrates antitumor activity with acceptable toxicity in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or cisplatin-refractory GCT, and may offer a chance of long-term survival for selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kollmannsberger
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Tuebingen Medical Center, Otfried-Mueller-Strasse 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Vaena DA, Abonour R, Einhorn LH. Long-Term Survival After High-Dose Salvage Chemotherapy for Germ Cell Malignancies With Adverse Prognostic Variables. J Clin Oncol 2003; 21:4100-4. [PMID: 14615439 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2003.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Independent prognostic variables for patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) as salvage modality for germ cell tumors (GCT) were previously described, and a score was created. Patients with more than 2 points had a poor prognosis. However, these data were from patients treated from 1984 to 1993, and most received a single HDCT course. In this study, we evaluated outcomes at Indiana University and determined the applicability of the Beyer score to contemporary poor-risk patients. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who received salvage HDCT between 1988 and 2001 and had at least one of the following characteristics: platinum-refractory or absolutely platinum-refractory GCT, primary mediastinal nonseminomatous GCT (PMNSGCT), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) ≥ 1,000 mU/mL or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 1,000 ng/mL before HDCT. Primary end points were overall and 2-year failure-free survival (FFS). Results: Eighty patients were identified. Fifty-six were platinum refractory, 23 had a Beyer score greater than 2, and 13 had PMNSGCT. Fifty-six patients received two HDCT courses. HDCT included carboplatin and etoposide. Forty-three patients received HDCT as first salvage modality. Median overall survival was 14.7 months. The 2-year FFS was 32%. No relapses have occurred after 2 years from HDCT. Patients with greater than 2 points in the Beyer score, platinum-refractory patients, and patients with HCG ≥ 1,000 mU/mL, AFP ≥ 1,000 ng/mL, and PMNSGCT had 2-year FFS of 30%, 37%, 26%, 18%, and 0%, respectively. Conclusion: Results with PMNSGCT remained poor. However, other patients with poor prognosis should not be denied an attempt at curative salvage HDCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Vaena
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine and Walther Cancer Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Habuchi T, Kamoto T, Hara I, Kawai K, Nakao M, Nonomura N, Kobayashi T, Ogawa O, Kamidono S, Akaza H, Okuyama A, Kato T, Miki T. Factors that influence the results of salvage surgery in patients with chemorefractory germ cell carcinomas with elevated tumor markers. Cancer 2003; 98:1635-42. [PMID: 14534879 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.11711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A standard concept for the integration of surgery into the chemotherapy-based treatment of patients with advanced germ cell carcinoma has been that surgery should be avoided in patients with serum tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] and human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG]) that remain elevated. However, some patients may benefit from resection under such chemorefractory conditions. The objective of this retrospective study was to clarify the outcome and clinical prognostic variables of salvage surgery in patients with disseminated (AJCC Stage II or III) testicular germ cell carcinoma or extragonadal germ cell carcinoma who had elevated serum markers. METHODS The authors reviewed the clinical records of 24 patients who underwent salvage surgery with elevated serum AFP and/or HCG levels after at least 3 courses of cisplatin-based, systemic chemotherapy between January, 1985 and December, 2000. The survival rates were compared between the subgroups with regard to preoperative and postoperative clinical parameters using the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Ten of 24 patients (41.7%) were rendered free of disease and alive without disease after the surgery with or without adjuvant therapy at a median follow-up of 74 months (range, 24-207 months). Among the preoperative parameters, high HCG levels were associated with significantly poorer survival (hazard ratio [HR], 8.321; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.0753-64.553; P = 0.043 and P = 0.016, respectively; log-rank test). In addition, patients who had visceral lesions at resection had a significantly poorer prognosis compared with patients who had retroperitoneal and/or mediastinal lymph node lesions (P = 0.038; log-rank test). Among postoperative parameters, incomplete resection and persistently high HCG levels were associated significantly with poor survival, with a risk of death from disease of 12.516-fold (95% CI, 1.786-87.781) and 9.311-fold (95% CI, 1.796-48.256), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Salvage surgery in patients with high serum tumors markers resulted in long-term disease free status in approximately 40% of patients in a small subset with advanced germ cell carcinoma. Patients with elevated AFP levels alone (i.e., normal HCG levels) or with lymph node lesions alone seem to be good candidates for such surgery. Complete resection of target lesions and normalization of HCG levels after surgery are mandatory to achieve long-term disease free status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Habuchi
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Madani A, Kemmer K, Sweeney C, Corless C, Ulbright T, Heinrich M, Einhorn L. Expression of KIT and epidermal growth factor receptor in chemotherapy refractory non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors. Ann Oncol 2003; 14:873-80. [PMID: 12796025 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdg244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of patients with germ-cell tumors (GCTs) are curable with standard therapy. The molecular differences between curable and incurable disease are unknown. We have studied the expression of KIT and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to determine their incidence in chemorefractory disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 23 patients with chemorefractory non-seminomatous GCTs (15 late relapse and eight transformed teratomas). None of these 23 patients were cured by their initial chemotherapy and/or surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis of KIT and EGFR was performed on the most recently available specimen from a metastatic site. PCR amplimers of KIT exon 17 were screened for mutations by a combination of denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing. RESULTS KIT was expressed (>/=10% of the tumor displaying membranous or cytoplasmic staining) in 11 of 23 GCT patients [48%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 26% to 68%]. There were no activating KIT mutations in the phosphoryltransferase domain (exon 17) in 21 patients analyzed. EGFR was expressed (1+ to 3+) in 15 of 23 GCT patients (65%; 95% CI 41% to 82%). CONCLUSIONS KIT and EGFR are expressed in a significant proportion of refractory GCTs. The significance of these findings will be determined by ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Madani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, and Department of Pathology, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Kollmannsberger C, Schleucher N, Rick O, Metzner B, Hartmann JT, Schöffski P, Beyer J, Casper J, Sosada M, Schmoll HJ, Böhlke I, Meisner C, Kanz L, Bokemeyer C. Analysis of salvage treatments for germ cell cancer patients who have relapsed after primary high-dose chemotherapy plus autologous stem cell support. Eur J Cancer 2003; 39:775-82. [PMID: 12651203 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(03)00003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify treatment strategies and therapeutic or clinical factors that predict for response to salvage therapy and survival in patients with metastatic 'Indiana advanced' or International Germ-Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) poor prognosis' germ cell cancer (GCT) failing first-line sequential high-dose chemotherapy plus autologous stem cell support (HD-CT). A total of 58 'poor prognosis' patients who had relapsed after HD-CT were identified within two large prospective German first-line HD-CT trials (n=286) performed between March 1993 and March 2001. Salvage treatment consisted of the following: cisplatin-based conventional dose CTx+/-resection (19/58; 33%), non-cisplatin based CTx (16/58; 28%) or salvage HD-CT (14/58; 24%)+/-resection; resection (n=3) and/or radiation (n=5) only: 7 patients (12%); no specific therapy: 2 patients. 21 (38%) patients responded favourably (Complete Response (CR)/Partial Response (PR) marker-negative) to salvage therapy. The use of salvage HD-CT (2-year survival 48%; P=0.03, the complete resection of residual masses (2-year survival 42%; P=0.015) as well as a favourable response to salvage therapy (2-year survival: 31%, P=0.014) were the only variables on univariate analysis associated with an improved survival. The estimated 2-year overall survival rate is 32% (95% Confidence Interval CI: 29-45%). Approximately 30% of patients relapsing after first-line HD-CT will survive>2 years, particularly those patients who can be treated with a second HD-CT +and/or surgical resection. If feasible, complete surgical resection of residual tumours appears to be the most efficient treatment.
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Abstract
The care of children with advanced cancer is multifaceted. Treatment should focus on continued efforts to control the underlying illness whenever possible. At the same time, children and their families should have access to interdisciplinary care aimed at promoting optimal physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. Open and compassionate communication can best facilitate meeting the goals of these children and families. However, there remain significant barriers to achieving optimal care related to lack of formal education, reimbursement issues and the emotional impact of caring for a dying child. Future research efforts should focus on ways to enhance communication, symptom management and quality of life for children with advanced cancer and their families. As efforts to break down barriers and create the evidence base continue, we conclude as follows: this is a most rewarding part of the practice of medicine. A kind word and caring attitude are remembered for decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Wolfe
- Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Kollmannsberger C, Rick O, Klaproth H, Kubin T, Sayer HG, Hentrich M, Welslau M, Mayer F, Kuczyk M, Spott C, Kanz L, Bokemeyer C. Irinotecan in patients with relapsed or cisplatin-refractory germ cell cancer: a phase II study of the German Testicular Cancer Study Group. Br J Cancer 2002; 87:729-32. [PMID: 12232755 PMCID: PMC2364262 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.66000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2002] [Revised: 04/15/2002] [Accepted: 07/14/2002] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite generally high cure rates in patients with metastatic germ cell cancer, patients with progressive disease on first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy or with relapsed disease following high-dose salvage therapy exhibit a very poor prognosis. Irinotecan has shown antitumour activity in human testicular tumour xenografts in nude mice. We have performed a phase II study examining the single agent activity of irinotecan in patients with metastatic relapsed or cisplatin-refractory germ cell cancer. Refractory disease was defined as progression or relapse within 4 weeks after cisplatin-based chemotherapy or relapse after salvage high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support. Irinotecan was administered at a dose of 300 (-350) mg m(-2) every 3 weeks. Response was evaluated every 4 weeks. Fifteen patients have been enrolled. Median age was 35 (19-53) years. Primary tumour localisation was gonadal/mediastinal in 12/3 patients. Patients had been pretreated with a median of six (4-12) cisplatin-containing cycles and 13 out of 15 patients had previously failed high-dose chemotherapy with blood stem cell support. Median number of irinotecan applications was two (1-3). Fourteen patients are assessable for response and all for toxicity. In one patient, no adequate response evaluation was performed. Toxicity was generally acceptable and consisted mainly of haematological side effects with common toxicity criteria 3 degrees anaemia (two patients), common toxicity criteria 3 degrees leukocytopenia (one patient) and common toxicity criteria 3 degrees thrombocytopenia (three patients). Common toxicity criteria 3/4 degrees non-haematological toxicity occurred in five patients (33%): 1 x diarrhoea, 2 x alopecia, 1 x fever and in one patient worsening of pre-existing peripheral polyneuropathy from 1 degrees to 4 degrees. No response was observed to irinotecan therapy. Currently, 13 patients have died of the disease and two patients are alive with the disease. The patients included in our study exhibit similar prognostic characteristics as patients treated in previous trials evaluating new drugs in this setting. Irinotecan at a dose of 300-350 mg m(-2) every 3 weeks appears to have no antitumour activity in patients with cisplatin-refractory germ cell cancer and, thus, further investigation in this disease is not justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kollmannsberger
- Department of Haematology/Oncology, University of Tuebingen Medical Center, Germany
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