An Italian experience of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) in germ cell tumours. Suggestions for future direction.
In this paper an Italian cooperative trial investigates the role of a high-dose regimen with carboplatin, etoposide and ifosfamide in germ cell tumours. Twenty-eight patients underwent one or two transplants. Seventeen with progressive disease. Nine in sensitive relapse and two with stable disease after salvage therapy. Toxicity was generally moderate: two deaths occurred at day 15 from ABMT (one from VOD and one from tumour growth). Five patients are alive and disease free at least 10 months follow-up. In highly pre-treated patients this high-dose combination seems to give an option of cure for relapsed patients. Early transplantation is suggested.
Rosti
G
G
Medical Oncology Ravenna, Italy.
Albertazzi
L
L
Tienghi
A
A
Fiorentini
G
G
Turci
D
D
Cruciani
G
G
Flamini
M
M
Argnani
M
M
Bassetto
M A
MA
Salvioni
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000628:therapy*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous