Recommendations of follow-up after treatment of germ cell tumors.
Patients diagnosed with germ cell tumors (GCT) are relatively young, and most are rendered disease-free by primary treatment. Also, second-line therapies in nearly all instances are potentially curative. Therefore, the schedule and modalities of follow-up testing are important issues in detecting recurrence of GCT and for detecting secondary malignancies and complications of therapy. Follow-up is usually based on the pattern and probability of recurrence following primary therapy according to stage and histology. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has outlined guidelines (www.nccn.org/physician_gls/index.html). There is a paucity of randomized data regarding the follow-up regimens most effective in identifying relapsed disease. Optimal means of imaging and frequency of physician visits and serum marker level measurements need to be further addressed.
Kondagunta
G Varuni
GV
Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Sheinfeld
Joel
J
Motzer
Robert J
RJ
D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards*; D018237:Germinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic