[Modified VAB-3 combination chemotherapy of stage IV endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary]

A case of pure endodermal sinus tumor (EST) of the ovary with huge multiple liver metastases was treated with modified VAB-3 protocol. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) before treatment was 137,775 ng/ml. A complete clinical response was achieved with rapid shrinkage of liver metastases and normalization of serum AFP. Second-look laparotomy preformed 17 months after the start of chemotherapy revealed no evidence of disease. VAB-3 combination chemotherapy, which was proved to be very effective in the treatment of metastatic testicular cancer, also seems to be effective in the treatment of advanced EST of the ovary. This is believed to be the first detailed report of the successful management of advanced EST of the ovary.