Cost-effective strategies for the follow-up of patients with germ cell tumors.
Cost-effective strategies for the follow-up of patients with germ cell tumors must be based on the known natural history of the disease, the accuracy and cost of diagnostic modalities, and the efficacy and effectiveness of therapy when recurrences are detected. The natural history of stage I and stage II germ cell tumors are reviewed, including the unique circumstances of late recurrences. The accuracy and cost of imaging modalities are also reviewed and general recommendations to cost-effective follow-up are proposed.
Koch
M O
MO
Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018237:Germinoma / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States