Metastatic germ cell tumour following renal transplantation

Treatment of germ cell tumours with cisplatin-based chemotherapy results in cure for the majority of patients. There is, however, a small but significant mortality rate, reported to be higher in patients with multiple co-morbidities.

We report our management of a renal transplant patient with spina bifida, who was diagnosed with stage IIIC, poor-risk, non-seminomatous germ cell carcinoma. A marker-negative partial response, which has been maintained more than 2 years following completion of treatment, was seen following chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide. Performance status has been preserved at pre-treatment levels.

Administration of cisplatin-based chemotherapy is feasible for treatment of renal transplant patients with advanced non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. Treatment strategies require careful planning and monitoring. Dose modifications may be required. This case highlights a favourable outcome in spite of multiple obstacles to ideal management.