Mixed testicular germ cell tumor presenting as metastatic pure choriocarcinoma involving multiple lung metastases that was effectively treated with high-dose chemotherapy

Cancer Res Treat. 2009 Dec;41(4):229-32. doi: 10.4143/crt.2009.41.4.229. Epub 2009 Dec 31.

Abstract

Choriocarcinoma in the testis is very rare, and it represents less than 1% (0.3%) of all the testicular germ cell tumors. It is a particularly aggressive variant of non-seminoma tumor, which is characterized by a high serum beta-HCG level and multiple lung metastases. The optimal management for this disease remains undefined. We report here on a case of choriocarcinoma with multiple lung metastases, and the patient has achieved continuous remission for 2 years after combination chemotherapy of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin) and sequential high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral stem cell rescue.

Keywords: Germ cell and embryonal; High-dose chemotherapy; Neoplasms; Testicular choriocarcinoma.