[Chemotherapy of malignant testicular tumors]

The role chemotherapy plays in the improvement of prognosis of malignant testicular germ cell tumors is discussed in the light of the development of chemotherapeutic conceptions and stage related strategies. The course of disease in 117 own patients being subjected to cytostatic treatment in 1978-1982 is analysed in detail. In 70% of the cases a complete remission was achieved. Partial remissions generally were of short duration. All toxic side effects are described, the vital threat of panmyelopathy with resulting septicaemia being emphasized. The therapeutic countermeasures are mentioned. Protocols of two prospective clinical trials attempting to answer some of the still open questions regarding chemotherapy are presented.