Prognostic factors in testicular germ cell tumours. Experiences from 1058 consecutive cases

Prognostic factors in carcinoma of the testis were studied in 1058 adult patients treated in Denmark from 1976 to 1980. Separate analyses of the prognostic factors were carried out within the subgroups formed by a classification of the patients according to main histologic type (seminoma, non-seminoma) and the clinicoradiologic stage (I, II and III). The prognosis was measured by relapse-free survival (stage I and II), and survival (stage II and III). The prognostic value of 19 clinical and histologic parameters was evaluated using logrank tests and multiple regression analyses. An elevated HCG level and the size of retroperitoneal metastases were associated with a significantly adverse prognosis for seminoma in stage II. For non-seminomas the following parameters had a significant influence on the prognosis. Stage I: postoperative HCG level, local invasion and number of mitoses. Stage II: size of retroperitoneal metastases, postoperative HCG level, tumour size and local invasion. Stage III: presence of liver or lung metastases, postoperative HCG level, presence of choriocarcinoma or endodermal sinus tumour, and age.