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Promising novel therapies for relapsed and refractory testicular germ cell tumors

Kristyna Kozakova1,2, Michal Mego2,3, Liang Cheng4,5

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, National Cancer Institute , Bratislava, Slovakia.

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|November 3, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Treating relapsed germ cell tumors (GCTs) remains challenging. Novel therapies show limited success, highlighting the need for clinical trial participation to improve outcomes for refractory GCT patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common solid malignancies in young men.
  • While metastatic GCTs have high cure rates, relapsed or refractory cases have a poor prognosis.
  • Predicting prognosis and treatment response in GCTs has seen limited improvement over three decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current salvage treatments for GCTs.
  • To explore novel treatment options, including molecularly targeted therapy and epigenetic approaches.
  • To identify challenges and future directions in managing refractory GCTs.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE (1964-2020).
  • Inclusion of original and review articles on salvage treatments and novel therapies.
  • Further searching of review articles for additional original studies.

Main Results:

  • High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) shows promise in retrospective studies.
  • Molecularly targeted therapies have not yet demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials.
  • The treatment of relapsed or platinum-refractory GCTs remains a significant clinical challenge.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advances, refractory GCT treatment is difficult.
  • Clinical trials are crucial for evaluating new therapies and improving patient outcomes.
  • Wider patient inclusion in clinical trials is strongly advised for advancing GCT treatment.
Keywords:
Germ cell tumorcisplatin resistanceepigeneticshigh-dose chemotherapyrefractory germ cell tumorsalvage treatmenttargeted therapy

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