The VAB-6 regimen in the treatment of metastatic seminoma

In an attempt to improve complete remission rates, seven patients with Stage III or bulky Stage II pure seminoma of the testis were treated with the VAB-6 regimen. Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 of body surface, vinblastine 4 mg/m2, dactinomycin 1 mg/m2, and bleomycin 30 mg were given by intravenous (IV) push on the first day. This was immediately followed by 3 days of continuous bleomycin infusion (20 mg/m2/day X 3) and cisplatin 120 mg/m2 IV over 20 to 30 minutes on the fourth day. Induction was repeated three more times. All patients achieved complete remission with chemotherapy alone. Five patients remain in CR 38, 36, 30, 29, and 19 months, respectively, and two relapsed 9 and 18 months, respectively, from beginning of chemotherapy. One patient required broad spectrum antibiotics for fever during severe myelosuppression. One patient developed temporary elevation of serum creatinine to 4 mg/dl after the second treatment with platinum, and was given reduced platinum doses with subsequent inductions. The VAB-6 regimen is effective in the treatment of advanced metastatic seminoma.