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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Isolation of Primary Mouse Trophoblast Cells and Trophoblast Invasion Assay
Published on: January 8, 2012
Study and treatment of gestational trophoblastic diseases at the John I. Brewer Trophoblastic Disease Center,
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago.
Insights
This study found that chemotherapy effectively treats gestational trophoblastic tumors, achieving a 94% cure rate. Factors like diagnosis and metastasis significantly impact treatment outcomes for these rare cancers.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Gestational trophoblastic tumors (GTTs) are rare neoplasms arising from placental tissue.
- Early diagnosis and effective chemotherapy are crucial for successful GTT management.
- The John I. Brewer Trophoblastic Disease Center has a long history of managing GTTs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy of chemotherapy for GTTs.
- To identify factors influencing treatment response in patients with GTTs.
- To assess cure rates based on disease stage and characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 564 patients treated with chemotherapy for GTTs (choriocarcinoma, invasive mole) from 1962-1989.
- Data collection on patient demographics, tumor type, metastatic sites, and treatment history.
- Statistical analysis to determine cure rates and identify prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- An overall cure rate of 94% was achieved for patients treated with chemotherapy.
- Patients without metastases had a 100% cure rate, while those with metastatic disease had an 85% cure rate.
- Choriocarcinoma diagnosis, non-lung/vagina metastases, number of metastases, and prior failed chemotherapy significantly influenced treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy is a highly effective treatment for gestational trophoblastic tumors.
- Disease stage, specific metastatic sites, and treatment history are critical determinants of patient outcomes.
- Continued research and specialized centers are vital for optimizing GTT management.
Abstract:
From 1962 through 1989, 5063 patients were referred to the John I. Brewer Trophoblastic Disease Center of the Northwestern University Medical School. Among these were 564 patients treated with chemotherapy for gestational trophoblastic tumors (choriocarcinoma and invasive mole). The overall cure rate was 94%, 100% for 323 patients without evidence of metastases and 85% for 241 patients with metastatic disease. Four factors were determined to significantly influence treatment response: (1) clinicopathologic diagnosis of choriocarcinoma, (2) metastases to sites other than the lung or vagina, (3) number of metastases, and (4) previous failed chemotherapy.
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