Chemotherapy immediately after surgery for patients with germ cell tumors

Urology. 1990 Sep;36(3):264-6. doi: 10.1016/0090-4295(90)80270-w.

Abstract

Six patients underwent surgery while receiving active chemotherapy for metastatic germ cell tumors. Surgical procedures included cholecystectomy, thoracotomy with tumor resection, and orchiectomy. Aggressive chemotherapy was reinitiated immediately after the surgery (average, 4.3 days; range, 3-6 days). Myelosuppression with nadir of granulocytes 80/dL (median) developed at day 13 (average). There were no immediate adverse effects of chemotherapy on wound healing, and all treatment courses were uneventful. We conclude that aggressive chemotherapy can safely be delivered to patients with germ cell tumors immediately after surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Agranulocytosis / chemically induced
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / surgery
  • Orchiectomy
  • Testicular Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / surgery
  • Wound Healing / drug effects