Outcome of Germ Cell Tumors of Ovary Treated with Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Background: Effective combination chemotherapy has improved the previously dismal prognosis for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors dramatically. In young patients, conservative surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy has made the preservation of fertility possible, even in patients with advanced disease. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the outcome of treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 41,030 patients attending Gynecology OPD, between January 2012 and December 2012 in NRS Medical College, Kolkata. Six cases of germ cell tumor of ovary diagnosed (1 mixed germ cell tumor, 2 dysgerminoma, 1 immature teratoma, 1 endodermal sinus tumor, 1 yolk sac tumor) 3 underwent fertility-sparing surgery. All 6 received post-operative chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, platinum regimen. Results: Incidence of germ cell tumor of the ovary was 1 in 6838 general population, mean age of presentation 21 years, adjuvant chemotherapy given to all 6 patients, overall mean follow-up period was 8 months. Conclusion: Effective combination chemotherapy has dramatically improved poor prognosis of malignant germ cell tumor of the ovary. These patients may expect almost normal lives. Serial assay of tumor markers is useful for monitoring response to chemotherapy and subsequent follow-up.