VP16-213, cisplatinum, and adriamycin salvage therapy of refractory and/or recurrent nonseminomatous germ cell neoplasms

Eleven patients with recurrent and/or resistant nonseminomatous germinal cell neoplasms refractory to conventional chemotherapy were treated with the combination VP16-213, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, and adriamycin. One complete response, four partial responses which at surgery were benign teratomas, and six partial responses have been observed. Four patients are prolonged survivors (>18 months). The possibility that this regimen may offer true salvage for refractory patients exists. Incorporation of VP16-213 into initial treatment regimens for germinal cell neoplasms is warranted.