Primary chemotherapy and the role of second-look laparotomy in non-dysgerminomatous germ cell malignancies of the ovary Journal Article


Authors: Pippitt, C. H. Jr; Cain, J. M.; Hakes, T. B.; Pierce, V. K.; Lewis, J. L. Jr
Article Title: Primary chemotherapy and the role of second-look laparotomy in non-dysgerminomatous germ cell malignancies of the ovary
Abstract: In view of the rarity of germ cell tumors of the ovary, it is not surprising that little information exists about the indications for and significance of findings at second-look laparotomy in patients with these tumors. For this reason, we have reviewed 16 patients who received primary chemotherapy for malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) between 1976 and 1983. Eleven of them underwent a second-look laparotomy after completion of their therapy. Primary therapy consisted of surgery, usually unilateral oophorectomy, and cis-platinum-based VAB chemotherapy. The histologic diagnoses were six immature teratomas, five endodermal sinus tumors, four mixed germ cell tumors, and one nongestational choriocarcinoma. Stage distribution was as follows: Stage IA, eight patients; Stage IC, one patient; Stage IIA, one patient; Stage III, four patients, and unstaged, two patients. The ages ranged from 15 to 56 years, with the mean of 29 years. All of the 11 patients undergoing second-look laparotomy were found to be free of disease. They are alive and have been continuously free of disease from 9 to 77 months (mean 39 months). This paper discusses primary chemotherapy and the role of the second-look laparotomy and suggests its value in modifying treatment, predicting cure, and safely stopping therapy in patients with germ cell malignancies of the ovary. © 1988 Academic Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: adolescent; adult; cancer chemotherapy; clinical article; cisplatin; doxorubicin; combined modality therapy; methotrexate; laparotomy; ovarian neoplasms; dacarbazine; ovary cancer; antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; cyclophosphamide; vinblastine; reoperation; dactinomycin; bleomycin; teratoma; second look surgery; germ cell tumor; choriocarcinoma; chlorambucil; middle age; human; female; priority journal
Journal Title: Gynecologic Oncology
Volume: 31
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0090-8258
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 1988-10-01
Start Page: 268
End Page: 275
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/s0090-8258(88)80004-0
PUBMED: 2458993
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Thomas B Hakes
    115 Hakes
  2. John   Lewis
    132 Lewis