Extragonadal germ cell tumors: Clinicopathologic findings, staging and treatment experience in 14 patients

Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCT) are a rare group of neoplasms histolog ically identical to testicular counterparts. Fourteen cases of primary medi astinal and retroperitoneal germ cell tumors were treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy between 1987 and 1999 in Ankara Oncology Hospital. There were 9 (64%) complete remissions (CR),one (7%) partial remission (PR) and 2 (14%) stable diseases (SD). The remaining 2 patients were lost due to diss emination of disease. The median duration of response was 19 months. Our mo dified chemotherapeutic results were similar to original doses of PVB and B EP but toxicity was less. The necessity of a uniform staging system and tre atment programs are discussed.