Novel image-guided marker aimed at organ-preserving therapies for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We developed fiducial imaging-guidance markers for the prostate with less imaging artifacts than currently commercially available markers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging artifacts and potential usefulness and safety of these novel fiducial imaging markers in preclinical experiments. METHODS: We selected specific metal materials and a shape that can minimize artifacts in line with a license we obtained for a metal with a gold-platinum (Au-Pt) alloy composition that maximized artifact-free MRI images. Both phantom and canine prostate tests were conducted in order to evaluate the imaging artifacts for three imaging modalities, MRI, CT and ultrasound, and the risk of migration of the markers from the site of insertion to elsewhere, as well as crushing. RESULTS: The newly developed Au-Pt material had less imaging artifacts in the MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging modalities in comparison with current commercially available fiducial markers made from gold materials only. The Au-Pt markers had sufficient strength and durability and were considered to be potentially clinically useful and safe markers. CONCLUSION: The developed Au-Pt markers could be potential tools for accurate lesion-targeted, organ-preserving therapies such as lesion-targeted focal therapy and active surveillance in addition to conventional radiation therapies.

A comparison of nephrotoxicity between patients with a solitary-functioning kidney and those with bilateral-functioning kidneys in cisplatin-based chemotherapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma: a Japanese retrospective multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the prevalence of nephrotoxicity between patients with a solitary-functioning kidney versus those with bilateral-functioning kidneys during the administration of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 244 advanced urothelial carcinoma patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy between 2004 and 2010 at 17 institutes in Japan. The 24 h creatinine clearance, Cockcroft-Gault formula, and estimated glomerular filtration rate equation (eGFR), were compared before all chemotherapies. The urinary tract function status was determined based on the data of nephroureterectomy, hydronephrosis, and relief of upper urinary tract obstruction. A total of 244 patients were divided into four groups according to their urinary tract functioning status and eGFR results, including bilateral-functioning kidneys with pretreatment eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 group (n = 83, 34.0%); a solitary-functioning kidney with pretreatment eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 group (n = 36, 14.8%); bilateral-functioning kidneys with pretreatment eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 group (n = 45, 18.4%); and a solitary-functioning kidney with pretreatment eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 group (n = 80, 32.8%). RESULTS: The prevalence of nephrotoxicity with impaired eGFR of > 10% and 30% from baseline in the post-third-course of chemotherapy was significantly higher in patients with bilateral-functioning kidneys than in those with a solitary-functioning kidney, among patients with pretreatment eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.023 and p = 0.026). During all courses of chemotherapy, the prevalence of nephrotoxicity with impaired eGFR of > 20% from baseline were significantly higher in patients with bilateral-functioning kidneys than those with a solitary-functioning kidney among patients with pretreatment eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.034), whereas no significant difference was observed among patients with pretreatment eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that cisplatin-based chemotherapy may have more nephrotoxicity in patients with bilateral-functioning kidneys than in those with a solitary-functioning kidney.

Impact of acute kidney injury defined by CTCAE v4.0 during first course of cisplatin-based chemotherapy on treatment outcomes in advanced urothelial cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes group (KDIGO) defined acute kidney injury (AKI) as an elevation of serum creatinine (sCR) exceeding 0.3 mg/dl within 48 h. The widely used adverse events criteria for chemotherapy, Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 (CTCAE v4.0), also defined AKI as sCR exceeding 0.3 mg/dl, but with no provision of a time course. Here, we attempted to clarify the impact of AKI (CTCAE v4.0) during cisplatin-based chemotherapy on clinical outcome of patients with advanced urothelial cancer (UC). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included 230 UC patients who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. RESULTS: During the first chemotherapy course, AKI (CTCAE v4.0) episodes were observed in 61 patients (26.5 %), whereas only four patients (1.5 %) experienced AKI (KDIGO) episodes. Both the pretreatment estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine clearance by Cockcroft-Gault formula were not efficient predictors for the development of AKI (CTCAE v4.0). AKI (CTCAE v4.0) impacted renal function: at the start of second-course chemotherapy, the average eGFR of the patients with AKI (CTCAE v4.0) was 54.1 ml/min/1.73 m2, significantly lower than that of patients without AKI (CTCAE v4.0) (63.4 ml/min/1.73 m2). As a result, only 57.4 % of patients with AKI (CTCAE v4.0) received the planned treatment at the second course. The survival of the patients who developed AKI (CTCAE v4.0) was significantly worse than that of the patients who did not. The 3-year OSs were 10.3 and 21.4 %, respectively (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that AKI (CTCAE v4.0) during chemotherapy had a negative impact on both the intensity of subsequent chemotherapy and oncological outcomes.

[Neuroendocrine Tumor Possibly Originating from the Kidney : A Case Report].

A 40-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with right lower back pain as the chief complaint. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a partially-solid tumor within a cyst measuring approximately 6 cm in diameter in the right renal hilum. The solid part was enhanced in the early phase and contrast medium was washed out earlier in the solid part than in the parenchyma in the equilibrium phase. Plain CT revealed partial cyst wall calcification. A soft tissue shadow approximately 10 mm in diameter in the dorsal inferior vena cava at the upper pole of the kidney and a solid tumor adjacent to the iliopsoas muscle and the kidney were detected. We performed radical nephrectomy and lymph node dissection with transperitoneal approach. The histopathological diagnosis was neuroendocrine tumor. Her clinical course has since been observed on an outpatient basis, for nearly 10 months to date, without any recurrence.

Current status of systemic chemotherapy for octogenarians with advanced urothelial cancer in Japan: a Japanese multi-institutional study (CURE study).

BACKGROUND: The standard regimen of systemic chemotherapy for patients with advanced urothelial cancer (UC) changed from methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, and cisplatin (MVAC) to gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) in 2008 when the use of gemcitabine for UC began to be reimbursed by public health insurance in Japan. We examined its influence on the chemotherapy trend in elderly patients aged ≥80 years. METHODS: Among 345 patients included in our previous multicenter retrospective cohort study (chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma: renal function and efficacy study; CURE study), the outcome of 30 patients aged ≥80 years was reviewed before and after 2008 and compared with 315 young patients. RESULTS: There were only 7 (4.6 %) elderly individuals among all registered patients before 2008, whereas the number increased to 23 (12 %) after 2008. Before 2008, only one elderly patient received MVAC, while GC (whose rate was similar to the rate in young patients) was administered to 13 patients (56.5 %) after 2008. The chemotherapeutic effect and overall survival (OS) rate was not significantly different between young and elderly patients. In the elderly treated with the GC regimen, the renal impairment rate after the first cycle was significantly higher, and the presence of distant metastases and renal impairment were independent prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Since GC was approved as the standard regimen for first-line chemotherapy in UC, selected elderly patients have been able to safely receive systemic chemotherapy like young patients. The clinical response rate and OS rate were similar to the young, but we need to monitor changes in renal function more closely in the elderly treated with GC.

Impact of renal function of patients with advanced urothelial cancer on eligibility for first-line chemotherapy and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to clarify the clinical effects of first-line chemotherapy regimens for advanced urothelial cancer on clinical responses and survival of patients grouped by renal function. METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, 345 urothelial cancer patients received systemic chemotherapy for metastatic or unresectable disease in 17 centers (2004-10). RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-one patients were treated with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin/methotrexate, epirubicin and cisplatin (n = 136) or gemcitabine and cisplatin (n = 105) followed by carboplatin-based treatments, non-platinum treatments or other regimens. After 2008, gemcitabine and cisplatin was the most frequently used regimen in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and in those with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). The gemcitabine and cisplatin patients' complete response rate was 10.5% and their response rate was 52.4%, which was highest among all regimens. Gemcitabine and cisplatin demonstrated a better 3-year overall survival when the estimated glomerular filtration rate was ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (31.4%), but it tended to be worse when the estimated glomerular filtration rate was < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (14.1%). In the latter cases, the dose reduction rate of gemcitabine and cisplatin was high (43.9%). Among the patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), the 1-year overall survival of the patients treated with a reduced dose of gemcitabine and cisplatin was significantly lower than that of those treated with standard-dose gemcitabine and cisplatin (26.2 vs. 60.3%, respectively, P = 0.0108). CONCLUSIONS: Gemcitabine and cisplatin provided favorable responses and survival in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) but unsatisfactory oncological outcomes in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), especially when treated with a reduced dose. Alternative regimens might be optimal rather than reduced-dose gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2).

Total pelvic floor reconstruction during non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: impact on early recovery of urinary continence.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a modified technique of "total pelvic floor reconstruction" during non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and to determine its effect on postoperative urinary outcomes. METHODS: A total of 128 patients who underwent non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were evaluated, including 81 with total pelvic floor reconstruction and 47 with non-total pelvic floor reconstruction. Nerve-sparing cases were excluded. Urinary outcomes were assessed with self-administrated questionnaires (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique included two concepts involving posterior and anterior reconstructions. In posterior reconstruction, Denonvilliers' fascia was approximated to the bladder neck and the median dorsal raphe by slipknot. The anterior surface of the bladder-neck was approximated to the anterior detrusor apron and the puboprostatic ligament collar for anterior reconstruction. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the patients' characteristics, and in perioperative and oncological outcomes. In the total pelvic floor reconstruction group, the continence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were 45.7%, 71.4%, and 84.6%, respectively. In the non-total pelvic floor reconstruction group, the continence rates were 26.1%, 46.8% and 60.9%, respectively. The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique resulted in significantly higher continence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, respectively (all P < 0.05). The mean interval to achieve continence was significantly shorter in the total pelvic floor reconstruction group (mean 7.7 months) than in the non-total pelvic floor reconstruction group (mean 9.8 months; P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique allows preservation of the blood supply to the urethra and physical reinforcement of the pelvic floor. Therefore, this technique is likely to improve urinary continence outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Assessment of renal shape of horseshoe kidney with multidetector row CT in adult patients: relationship between urolithiasis and renal isthmus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between urolithiasis and characteristics of renal shape in adult patients with horseshoe kidney (HSK) diagnosed on multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: We evaluated 36 patients with HSK and urolithiasis (Group A) and 70 patients with HSK without urolithiasis (Group B) whose disease was diagnosed on non-contrast MDCT. Two radiologists measured minimum width of the renal isthmus and maximum length of the renal pelvis and evaluated coexisting neoplastic diseases on axial computed tomographic (CT) images with 5-mm reconstruction, and we compared those measurements between the Groups A and B. RESULTS: The overall mean maximum length of the renal pelvis, 12.7±9.2 mm, did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Minimum isthmus width was larger in patients with HSK and urolithiasis (11.0±5.6 mm), than those without urolithiasis (9.5±5.1 mm). No patient in either groups had a urological renal tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of HSK might have tendency of a high incidence of stone formation. Because urolithiasis is a risk factor for tumors of the renal pelvis, monitoring of patients with HSK requires careful attention to isthmus width on CT images.

Dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a novel dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and to evaluate its postoperative outcomes. METHODS: A total of 109 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon were evaluated, including 44 patients with dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, 20 patients with conventional intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 45 patients with non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Functional outcomes were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite). Continence was defined as zero to one security pad per day. Oncological outcomes were evaluated based on positive surgical margin. RESULTS: In the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group, the continence rate was 57%, 77% and 95% at 1, 3 and 12 months, respectively. The continence rate in the conventional intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group was 37%, 63% and 90%, and in the non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group it was 23%, 57% and 82% at 1, 3, and 12 months, respectively. The dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group showed a significantly earlier recovery from incontinence compared with that in the conventional intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups (log-rank test, P = 0.044 and P < 0.001). Similarly, the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group tended to show a more early recovery in relation to urinary function of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite. Regarding sexual function, there were no significant differences between the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and conventional intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups. In pT2 patients, the positive surgical margin rate of the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group (11%) was similar to that of the other two groups (conventional intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy 7%; non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy 11%). CONCLUSIONS: The dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy technique provides early recovery from incontinence without adversely affecting the oncological outcome.

[Successful resection of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the pelvis with imatinib mesylate as neoadjuvant therapy].

We report a case of marginally resectable gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the pelvis treated with neoadjuvant intent before subsequent successful surgical resection. A 46-year old man presented with urinary frequency and rectal discomfort with tenesmus. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 12 cm diameter mass between the bladder and rectum and the margin of the tumor and prostate was unclear. No metastases were evident. Trans-rectal needle core biopsy confirmed c-kit positive GIST. Because of the locally advanced nature of the tumor,immediate surgical resection would have required total pelvic exenteration with eternal colostomy and urinary diversion. Therefore,the patient was treated with imatinib mesylate 400 mg daily in anticipation of adequate tumor size reduction to enable a more simplified surgical approach. After 3 months of imatinib therapy,MRI demonstrated a reduction in tumor size of 60%. Consequently,a complete surgical resection including the bladder,prostate and part of the sigmoid colon with temporary ileostomy and ileal conduit was performed. Pathological findings of the resected specimen showed widespread degeneration with cystic changes,necrosis, and hypocellularlity,as well as nodules of residual viable c-kit positive tumor cells. The patient has been treated with imatinib mesylate for 39 months following the operation without tumor recurrence.

[Prostatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma].

A 71-year-old man underwent a radical nephrectomy for right renal cell carcinoma in April, 2005. Pathological findings revealed clear cell carcinoma, G3＞G2, pT3a. Three years later, he underwent a craniotomy for tumor resection of solitary brain metastasis. In October, 2008, he came to our hospital because of urinary retention. Benign prostate hypertrophy was diagnosed by ultrasonography and digital rectal examination. Serum prostate specific antigen level was 2.55 ng/dl. While he was treated with oral α 1-blocker initially, a urethral catheter was inserted in December, 2009. Because of frequent obstruction of the catheter by hematuria, transureathral prostectomy was performed. Pathological findings revealed prostatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the prostate is rare, and only 7 cases including the present case have been reported.

[Granulocytic sarcoma of the prostate].

A 71-year-old man with dysuria was referred to our hospital. The level of serum prostate specific antigen was slightly elevated (4.66 ng/ml), and digital rectal examination revealed a stony hard prostate mass. We performed a transrectal prostate biopsy because malignancy was suspected. Histological examination revealed leukemia-like cells, and bone-marrow examination (aspiration) was performed to determine the location of the original lesion. However, no leukemia-like cells or any other form of malignant cells were identified. Clinical imaging confirmed the absence of any other lesions, and granulocytic sarcoma of the prostate was subsequently diagnosed. We treated the cancer with radiotherapy at a dose of 40 Gy and dysuria improved. Furthermore, significant reduction in prostate volume was confirmed. Four months after initial presentation, the patient developed acute myeloid leukemia [M2 by French-American-British classification]. Induction chemotherapy was initiated, and the patient was successfully induced to complete remission. Twenty months later, the patient showed relapse. Despite salvage chemotherapy, he died of brain hemorrhage twenty-four months after complete remission.

[Complete response to M-FAP chemotherapy for multiple lung metastases after segmental resection of urachal carcinoma : a case report].

A 39-year-old man visited our clinic with gross hematuria. Cystoscopy revealed a papillary tumor at the urinary bladder dome. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography(CT) demonstrated a tumor extending from the umbilicus to the bladder dome. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-Bt) was performed and histopathological findings revealed adenocarcinoma. Chest CT and examination of the upper gastrointestinal did not reveal any abnormal findings. The tumor was diagnosed as stage IIIA urachal carcinoma, and en bloc segmental resection was performed. About 10 months later, chest CT demonstrated multiple lung metastases. After two courses of combination chemotherapy with methotrexate (MTX), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), epirubicin (epiADM), and cisplatin (CDDP), the multiple lung metastases completely disappeared. The patient has survived 23 months to date with no evidence of disease and is receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with tegafur uracil.

Uretero-aortic fistula: a case report.

We report a case of uretero-aortic fistula following prolonged ureteral stenting in the left ureter which crossed over the aorta toward the cutaneous ureterostomy stoma. A 59 year-old woman presented massive bleeding from the left cutaneous ureterostomy of the single stoma for bilateral ureters. The patient underwent radical hysterectomy and total cystectomy with a single stoma cutaneous ureterostomy for advanced cervical and bladder cancers. The postoperative course was uneventful except for pyelonephritis due to bilateral ureteral stenosis, which were treated by bilateral ureteral stenting. The patient had intermittent hematuria from the left cutaneous ureterostomy for 4 years after ureteral stenting. Massive bleeding from the left cutaneous ureterostomy requiring a big amount of blood transfusion followed intermittent hematuria, finally. A Computed tomography (CT) suggested both severe adhesion of the left ureter to the aorta and left renal pelvic hematoma. Massive bleeding seemed to be caused by uretero-aortic fistula. A fistula, about 5 mm in diameter, from the left ureter to the aorta was detected at exploration. The defect of aortic wall was closed primarily and then left nephroureterectomy underwent for nonfunctioning kidney. Her postoperative course was uneventful at the 18-month follow-up.

[Salvage chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosphamide and nedaplatin for relapsed or refractory germ cell cancer].

PURPOSE: Only 20-30% of patients with cisplatin refractory or relapsed germ cell cancer will remain continuously disease free with salvage chemotherapy. Paclitaxel is a potent anticancer agent against a variety of solid cancers. The present study investigated the chemotherapy with paclitaxel in combination with nedaplatin, which is a derivative of cisplatin, and ifosphamide as salvage chemotherapy for cisplatin refractory germ cell cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The combination chemotherapy consisted of paclitaxel 210 mg/m2 on day 1, nedaplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 2 and ifosphamide 1.2 g/m2 on day 2-day 6 every three weeks. Fourteen patients with cisplatin refractory germ cell cancer, ranging in age from 17 to 44 years were enrolled onto the study. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were evaluated for response and toxicity. Patients received 1-14 cycles of the combination chemotherapy. The median duration of follow-up was 34 months (10-64 months). Response rate was 57.1% (CR / PR(m-):8 cases, NC:5 cases, PD:1 cases). Seven patients remain alive without disease. However, 5 patients died of the disease. All patients had grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the chemotherapy with paclitaxel in combination with nedaplatin and ifosphamide showed a significant anticancer activity for patients with cisplatin refractory or relapsed germ cell cancer. These findings suggest that the combination chemotherapy may be one of the options of salvage chemotherapy for cisplatin refractory or relapsed germ cell cancer.

[Progress in therapy for testicular tumors].

Approximately 80% of patients with metastatic testicular tumors are cured by cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and surgery. However, the remaining 20% of patients with advanced testicular tumors can not be cured at present. Thus, therapy for these testicular tumors infractory to treatment is the most important issue. Recently, chemotherapy for such tumors is developing, especially salvage chemotherapy using novel anticancer agents(paclitaxel, gemcitabine,irinotecan, docetaxel, oxaliplatin, etc) and high-dose anticancer drugs. Some of the new modalities are very attractive. In this article, we reviewed mainly these new forms of chemotherapy for testicular tumors.

Nerve-sparing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for advanced testicular cancer after chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Nerve-sparing techniques are commonly used in retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in patients with early stage testicular germ cell tumors to preserve postoperative ejaculation. The indications for nerve-sparing procedures have been extended to patients who have residual retroperitoneal tumor postchemotherapy with an increase in the incidence of local recurrence. Here, we report on 26 Japanese men with advanced testicular cancer who underwent nerve-sparing RPLND after partially successful chemotherapy. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2000, 26 patients with metastatic or recurrent testicular cancer underwent nerve-sparing RPLND after chemotherapy. Eight patients had seminoma and 18 had non-seminoma. Three patients received high-dose chemotherapy with carboplatin (250 mg/m2 per day x 5 days), etoposide (300 mg/m2 per day x 5 days) and ifosfamide (1.5 g/m2 per day x 5 days) in combination with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. RESULTS: In all cases, lumbar splanchnic nerves were preserved macroscopically during the operation, at least unilaterally. Twenty-two patients (84.6%) achieved antegrade ejaculation during a mean follow-up at 3.9 months (range: 1-7 months). Three patients have fathered children. Only one patient suffered a retroperitoneal recurrence during a median follow-up at 25.8 months (range: 6-76 months). CONCLUSION: Nerve-sparing procedures for RPLND are appropriate for patients with metastatic testicular cancer, even after chemotherapy. The procedure preserves ejaculatory function in the majority of the patients without increasing the risk of local recurrence. Nerve-sparing RPLND improves the quality of life in patients who require postchemotherapy RPLND to treat residual tumor.

Irinotecan plus cisplatin has substantial antitumor effect as salvage chemotherapy against germ cell tumors.

BACKGROUND: Only 20-30% of patients with refractory or recurrent germ cell tumors (GCT) are cured by salvage chemotherapy. Irinotecan, a new derivative of camptothecin, is a potent anticancer agent against a variety of solid cancers. The current pilot study investigated the efficacy of salvage chemotherapy with irinotecan in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) or nedaplatin (NDP), a derivative of cisplatin, for GCT. METHODS: The combination chemotherapy consisted of 100-150 mg/m(2) irinotecan on Days 1 and 15 or 200-300 mg/m(2) on Day 1 in combination with 20 mg/m(2) CDDP on Days 1-5 or 100 mg/m(2) NDP on Day 1 every 4 weeks. Patients with refractory GCT, ranging in age from 17 to 43 years, received 2-11 cycles of the combination chemotherapy. The median duration of follow-up is 28 months (8-140 months). RESULTS: Twenty patients entered this study, 18 of whom were assessed for response and toxicity. The response rate was 50 % (two complete responses and seven partial responses). Nine patients remain alive without disease. However, six patients died of the disease and one patient died of a brain glioma. The 5-year survival rate was approximately 53%. Myelosuppression was the major toxicity, but was manageable. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that the chemotherapy with irinotecan in combination with CDDP or NDP showed significant anticancer activity for patients with refractory GCT, without serious side effects. Although this study comprised only a few patients, these findings suggest that the combination chemotherapy may be one of the options of salvage chemotherapy for patients with refractory GCT.