[Malignant germ cell tumours. Multicenter prospective trial in Polish Pediatric Group for Solid Tumours (years 1998-2000)].

UNLABELLED: Germ cell tumors constitute about 3% of all pediatric malignancies. Since 1998 the multicenter trial was initiated in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 95 children (aged from 1 month to 17 years--mean 9.2 years) were registered. There were 38 boys and 57 girls. Diagnosis was made on histopathological examination in 88% patients (pts) and in 12% was established on imaging and biochemical findings (elevated AFP). Mixed germ cell tumor and yolk sac tumor prevelaged. AFP was elevated in 72% pts; in 26% it was over 15.000. Primary tumor was localized in gonads (59%) and in sacrococcygeal region (30%). Following disease stages were identified: I and II--41% pts, III--34%, IV--25%. All patients were treated according to French TGM'95 protocol. 43 belonged to high risk and 52 to standard risk group. 77 children completed therapy, 15 continue treatment and 3 were lost from follow-up. RESULTS: Among children who were off therapy, 70 (91%) are alive in a complete remission (second remission in 3 cases). Survival in high risk group is 89%, while in standard risk group is 93%. Median time of follow-up is 31 months from the beginning of treatment and 25 months after completion of therapy. 7 children died; all had progressive disease. CONCLUSION: The outcome of malignant germ cell tumors treatment in Poland is favourable and comparable to results showed by other study groups in the world.