Compliance of males with stage 1 testicular germ cell tumours on an active surveillance protocol

Intern Med J. 2015 Oct;45(10):1081-4. doi: 10.1111/imj.12881.

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the rate of compliance among 57 males with stage 1 testicular germ cell tumours on an active surveillance protocol at a single Australian centre. At median follow up of 24 months, 81% had adequate compliance with the follow-up regimen, 12% were lost to follow up, and 16% relapsed; none between protocol visits. Active surveillance is an acceptable alternative to adjuvant therapy for stage 1 testicular germ cell tumours, with reduced toxicity for most and equivalent survival, but requires efforts to maintain adequate compliance with follow up to avoid late detection of recurrence.

Keywords: compliance; stage 1; surveillance; testicular cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
  • Australia
  • Humans
  • Lost to Follow-Up*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / epidemiology*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / therapy*
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Testicular Germ Cell Tumor