[Present status of the multidisciplinary treatment of advanced testicular tumors]

Present status of multidisciplinary treatment for advanced testicular tumors was reviewed. Recently dramatic changes have occurred in the management of the disease, resulting substantial improvement in ultimate survival. Many developments in chemotherapy, particularly the introduction of cis-platinum, have been largely responsible for the dramatic change in treatment and prognosis. Therapy depends a large extent upon the histological type and stage of tumors. Surgical excision of primary tumors followed by combination chemotherapy is primary mode of treatment in advanced testicular tumors. Standard chemotherapy involves either cis-platinum, vinblastine, and bleomycin (PVB therapy), or the above 3 drugs combined with actinomycin D and cyclophosphamide (VAB-6 therapy). These therapies have produced complete remission rates of 50%-70% and improved the frequency of long-term survival. Furthermore, post-chemotherapy residual tumors should be treated by aggressive combined therapy with mainly surgery, radiation, and added chemotherapy. The treatment goal for this disease is the achievement of disease free status, namely complete cure.