α-FP Normalization as a Prognostic Factor for Mediastinal Origin Embryonal Carcinoma: Report of Five Cases

Yasuko MURAKAWA; Nobuaki SATAKE; Syunsuke KATO; Takasi YOSIOKA; RYUNOSUKE KANAMARU

doi:10.2169/internalmedicine.41.883

Yasuko MURAKAWA, Nobuaki SATAKE, Syunsuke KATO, Takasi YOSIOKA, RYUNOSUKE KANAMARU

Author information

Keywords: high-dose chemotherapy (HD-CT) supported by auto-PBSCT, germ cell tumors (GCTs)

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2002 Volume 41 Issue 10 Pages 883-888

DOI https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.41.883

Details

Abstract

It is well known that a subgroup of germ cell tumors, embryonal carcinoma of extra-gonadal origin have a poor prognosis. We have encountered five cases of mediastinal embryonal carcinoma treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HD-CT) supported by auto-PBSCT in four, and resection in three. Our cases indicated that normalization of the α-FP tumor marker level during standard chemotherapy is a very important factor for cure, and the resection of the residual mass after chemotherapy is indicated due to the great risk of remnant malignant cells despite HD-CT.
(Internal Medicine 41: 883-888, 2002)

Corresponding author