Prediction of relapse after lymph node dissection for germ cell tumours: can salvage chemotherapy be avoided?
2001
Predicting Relapse After Surgery for Germ Cell Tumours
Sample size: 118
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Berney D M, Shamash J, Hendry W F, Arora A, Jordan S, Oliver R T
Primary Institution: Barts and The London NHS Trust, St Bartholomews Hospital, London
Hypothesis
Can the need for salvage chemotherapy be avoided in patients with germ cell tumours after lymph node dissection?
Conclusion
The study found that certain morphological characteristics can predict the likelihood of relapse in patients, allowing for tailored treatment approaches.
Supporting Evidence
- 28 of the 118 patients had immature or malignant elements and were treated by surveillance before chemotherapy.
- Patients with more than 25% embryonal carcinoma had an 84% chance of relapse.
- A Ki-67 index greater than 50% indicated a 71% chance of relapse.
- The positive predictive value for the proliferation index was 83%.
Takeaway
Doctors can tell if a patient might need more treatment after surgery by looking at specific features in their lymph nodes.
Methodology
The study reviewed 118 lymph node dissections and assessed the morphology and proliferation rates of the samples.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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