Treatment protocols for germ cell tumors

INTRODUCTION — The following material represents a subset of chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens that are used for the treatment of patients with advanced germ cell tumors. This is not an exhaustive list; it includes regimens that are considered by the authors and editors to be commonly used and important for the care of both male and female patients with germ cell tumors. Additional regimens may be added over time, particularly as treatment evolves.

This topic review is intended to provide only a listing of chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens. It does not address the appropriate context for use of these regimens in the care of patients with germ cell tumors. Clinicians should refer to the individual disease-oriented topic reviews that discuss the use of these protocols in appropriate clinical situations:

●(See "Extragonadal germ cell tumors involving the mediastinum and retroperitoneum".)

●(See "Initial risk-stratified treatment for advanced testicular germ cell tumors".)

●(See "Treatment of malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary".)

These tables are provided as examples of how to administer these regimens; there may be other acceptable methods. All chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens must be administered by clinicians who are trained in the use of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The clinician is expected to use his or her independent medical judgment in the context of individual circumstances to make adjustments, as necessary.

Regimens

BEP (bleomycin plus etoposide and cisplatin) —  (table 1)

EP (etoposide plus cisplatin) —  (table 2)

TIP (paclitaxel plus ifosfamide and cisplatin) —  (table 3)

VIP (etoposide plus ifosfamide and cisplatin) —  (table 4)

VeIP (vinblastine plus ifosfamide and cisplatin) —  (table 5)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT — The UpToDate editorial staff acknowledges Scott M Wirth, PharmD, BCOP, who contributed to an earlier version of this topic review.