Experience with germ cell tumors of testicle at University of Iowa

Between 1964 and 1979, 219 patients with germ cell testicular tumors were treated at the University of Iowa. In 79 nonseminomatous germ cell tumors various chemotherapeutic regimens were used. The response, salvage, and survival rates are compared. There is a definite trend toward better response rates and survival using the combination cisplatinum, vinblastine (Velban), and bleomycin. With this combination, 75 per cent of Stage II and III patients survived two years. The over-all response rate was 85 per cent, and 87 per cent of those with a complete response survived two years. Eighty per cent of deaths occurred within two years and 90 per cent within three years.