Cisplatin-based chemotherapy for ovarian germ cell malignancies: the Australian experience.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate the Australian experience with cisplatin-based treatment of ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCT) with respect to survival and toxicity of treatment.


METHODS
A retrospective review was undertaken based on a standardized questionnaire, which was sent to all major gynecologic oncology centers in Australia.


RESULTS
Data on 58 patients were obtained. Overall survival at 5 years for all patients was 87%. There was one death from disease among 14 patients with dysgerminoma, and four deaths from disease among 44 patients with nondysgerminomas. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was associated with a low incidence of serious complications, with only one treatment-related death (from bleomycin-induced respiratory failure).


CONCLUSIONS
Our large series demonstrates that cisplatin-based chemotherapy is highly effective for patients with OGCT. Although direct comparisons cannot be made, the survival of our patients with advanced tumors was comparable to that seen in male germ cell tumors, rather than inferior as is commonly believed. Future studies should aim to refine treatment to minimize toxicity, while further increasing curability.
Segelov
E
E
Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
Campbell
J
J
Ng
M
M
Tattersall
M
M
Rome
R
R
Free
K
K
Hacker
N
N
Friedlander
M L
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002945:Cisplatin