[BEP-chemotherapy in patients with testicular tumors--is it worthwhile?]

Since 1985 44 consecutive patients with testicular cancer have been treated with a modified BEP regimen. 70% had metastatic disease and 30% received adjuvant therapy. After mean follow-up of 26 (8-56) months, 91% of patients are alive and all are in remission. Chemotherapy-related side effects were alopecia (100%), myelosuppression (100%), nausea/vomiting (89%) and fever (66%). Patients reported nausea has been rare. It is concluded that BEP chemotherapy is a highly effective treatment which secures complete remission or cure even in patients with advanced metastatic disease. In retrospect the patients considered the treatment worthwhile despite the stress involved.