[Malignant germ cell tumours. Multicenter prospective trial in Polish Pediatric Group for Solid Tumours (years 1998-2000)].
Germ cell tumors constitute about 3% of all pediatric malignancies. Since 1998 the multicenter trial was initiated in Poland.


METHODS
95 children (aged from 1 month to 17 years--mean 9.2 years) were registered. There were 38 boys and 57 girls. Diagnosis was made on histopathological examination in 88% patients (pts) and in 12% was established on imaging and biochemical findings (elevated AFP). Mixed germ cell tumor and yolk sac tumor prevelaged. AFP was elevated in 72% pts; in 26% it was over 15.000. Primary tumor was localized in gonads (59%) and in sacrococcygeal region (30%). Following disease stages were identified: I and II--41% pts, III--34%, IV--25%. All patients were treated according to French TGM'95 protocol. 43 belonged to high risk and 52 to standard risk group. 77 children completed therapy, 15 continue treatment and 3 were lost from follow-up.


RESULTS
Among children who were off therapy, 70 (91%) are alive in a complete remission (second remission in 3 cases). Survival in high risk group is 89%, while in standard risk group is 93%. Median time of follow-up is 31 months from the beginning of treatment and 25 months after completion of therapy. 7 children died; all had progressive disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The outcome of malignant germ cell tumors treatment in Poland is favourable and comparable to results showed by other study groups in the world.
Popadiuk
Stefan
S
Klinika Pediatrii, Gastroenterologii i Onkologii Dzieciecej Akademii Medycznej w Gdańsku.
Korzon
Maria
M
Szumera
Małgorzata
M
Chybicka
Alicja
A
Szmyd
Krzysztof
K
Dzierzega
Maria
M
Kowalczyk
Jerzy R
JR
Wiśniewska-Slusarz
Hanna
H
Trelińska
Joanna
J
Wozniak
Wojciech
W
Bilska
Katarzyna
K
Wysocki
Mariusz
M
Krawczuk-Rybak
Maryna
M
Lopatka
Barbara
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018240:Endodermal Sinus Tumor / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011044:Poland; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins