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 effe ctiveness of therapy when recurrences are detected. The natural histor y of stage I and stage II germ cell tumors are reviewed, including the unique circumstances of late recurrences. The accuracy and cost of im aging modalities are also reviewed and general recommendations to cost -effective follow-up are proposed.