Single agent activity of methotrexate in advanced non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumours

The single agent activity of methotrexate in non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT), and thus the rationale for its inclusion in combination regimens, has never been documented clearly. We have therefore reviewed all patients with NSGCT treated in this hospital from 1967 to 1970. Seventeen patients were identified who had a rising HCG excretion and who were treated with methotrexate alone as first line chemotherapy. Nine patients (53%) obtained a partial remission and a further seven patients a reduction in HCG production that was less than one log. Methotrexate is an active agent in testicular germ cell tumours and should be of particular value in treating CNS disease where intrathecal treatment may be required.