Recommendations of follow-up after treatment of germ cell tumors

Semin Oncol. 2003 Jun;30(3):382-9. doi: 10.1016/s0093-7754(03)00098-8.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Continuity of Patient Care / standards*
  • Germinoma / diagnosis*
  • Germinoma / prevention & control
  • Germinoma / secondary*
  • Germinoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening / standards*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / prevention & control
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic