Publication
Interdisciplinary evidence-based recommendations for the follow-up of testicular germ cell cancer patients
Journal Paper/Review - Jan 17, 2011
Cathomas Richard, Hartmann Michael, Krege Susanne, Souchon Rainer, Lorch Anja, Mayer Frank, De Santis Maria, Gillessen Sommer Silke, Interdisziplinäre Arbeitsgruppe Hodentumore
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
Over the last years, clear treatment recommendations for patients with testicular cancer have been published. This has led to significant improvements in outcome and survival. Moreover, active surveillance has become a cornerstone in the management of clinical stage I seminomatous and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. On the other hand, the existing recommendations for the follow-up of testis cancer patients are unclear and differ widely. Follow-up recommendations in this young patient population have to be as evidence based as possible, feasible in order to ensure adherence, and must not be harmful. Therefore, attention has to be paid to the negative impact of unnecessary radiation exposure. Recently, new evidence became available regarding the relapse pattern of different disease stages of testicular cancer, the use of imaging at follow-up, and the risks of excessive radiation due to imaging, and in particular that of computed tomography (CT) scans. This article summarizes the recommendations for follow-up of testicular cancer patients of an interdisciplinary multinational working group consisting of urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.