Refining the optimal chemotherapy regimen for good-risk metastatic nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors: a randomized trial of the Genito-Urinary Group of the French Federation of Cancer Centers (GETUG T93BP)

Abstract

Background: High cure rates are expected in good-risk metastatic nonseminomatous germ-cell tumor (NSGCT) patients with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin.

Patients and methods: Patients received either three cycles of BE500P or four cycles of E500P every 3 weeks. Disease was defined according to the Institut Gustave Roussy prognostic model. Patients were retrospectively assigned into the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) classification. A sample size of 250 patients was necessary for an expected favorable response rate (primary end point) of 90% and not more than a 10% difference between the two arms.

Results: Among 257 assessable patients, 124 and 122 patients achieved a favorable response in the 3BE500P and 4E500P arms, respectively (P = 0.34). Median follow-up was 53 months. The 4-year event-free survival rates were 91% and 86%, respectively (P = 0.135). The 4-year overall survival rates were not significantly different [five deaths versus 12 deaths, respectively (P = 0.096)]. Similar nonsignificant trends were observed in good IGCCCG prognosis patients.

Conclusions: Both regimens produced similar results in terms of favorable response rates. As the trial was underpowered for survival analyses, conclusive data would require a larger randomized trial. Unless such a study is done, 3BE500P is the treatment of choice for metastatic NSGCT patients.