Malignant ovarian germ cell tumours -- a survival and prognostic analysis

The medical records and histopathology of all ovarian germ cell tumours (OGCT) in a tertiary centre between 1980 and 1996 were reviewed. Response, overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS) and prognostic factors were analysed. Sixty-seven patients with OGCT were identified and treated, including 33 dysgerminomas, 18 immature teratomas, 10 endodermal sinus tumours, and 6 mixed tumours. Fifty-three patients (79%) received conservative surgery, 24 (36%) had residual disease post-primary surgery, and 43 (64%) had chemotherapy. Complete response was achieved in 62 patients (93%), 4 out of 5 patients who relapsed were successfully salvaged; OS and RFS at 5 years were 89% and 76%, respectively. Advancing stage of disease was the only significant adverse prognostic factor (p = 0.0001 for OS, and 0.0003 for RFS at 5 years). Out of 44 women with the potential to conceive following treatment, there were 16 successful pregnancies. None of the children born subsequent to the chemotherapy were reported to have any congenital abnormalities. The review indicates a high cure rate in OGCT with combined surgery and chemotherapy and that conservative surgery and preservation of fertility are feasible.