Predictive value of marker half-life in relapsed and nonrelapsed nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumor patients undergoing chemotherapy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a marker half-life (MHL) on relapse in nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumor patients.


METHODS
MHL was retrospectively analyzed in relapsed (n = 37) and nonrelapsed patients (n = 28) undergoing first-line chemotherapy (CT). Before CT and after the second cycle of CT, serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels were measured for MHL analysis. The International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group risk classification system was used to assess the correlation between MHL and relapse. MHL was calculated according to a logarithmic formula.


RESULTS
Median follow-up was 25 months (range, 6 to 96 mo). A statistically significant difference was not observed between initial AFP (P = 0.266) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (P=0.092) in both patient groups. MHL was statistically different between the relapsed and nonrelapsed patients with a good, intermediate, and poor prognosis, except for the half-life of AFP in patients with a poor prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
MHL is an indicator that predicted recurrence. Patients with an MHL longer than expected should be investigated to improve the effectiveness of treatment and should be treated with a recovery regimen.
Department of Medical Oncology, Istanbul University Institute of Oncology, Turkey. drkeskin76@hotmail.com
Serkan
S
Keskin
Meltem
M
Ekenel
Mert
M
Başaran
Sevil
S
Bavbek
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D001761:Bleomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D001761:Bleomycin; D005047:Etoposide; D002945:Cisplatin