Phase II Pediatric Germ Cell + Chemotherapy

Authors: Wessalowski R, Schneider DT, Mils O, Hannen M, Calaminus G, Engelbrecht V, Pape H, Willers R, Engert J, Harms D, Göbel U.
Publication: Klin Padiatr. 2003 Nov-Dec;215(6):303-9.

BACKGROUND:
Elevated temperatures of 40 - 44 degrees C increase the actions of various anticancer drugs including N-lost derivatives, cytotoxic antibiotics and platinum analoga. In clinical usage thermochemotherapy (TCH) should facilitate surgical resection and ameliorate local tumor control.

Phase I/II Pediatric Germ Cell + Chemotherapy

Authors: Wessalowski R, Kruck H, Pape H, Kahn T, Willers R, Göbel U.
Publication: Cancer. 1998 Feb 15;82(4):793-800.

PURPOSE:
Extracranial nontesticular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare malignancies in children and adolescents. Cisplatin-containing regimens and complete tumor resection are important determinants for a favorable outcome; however, patients with recurrent tumors that cannot be eradicated by surgical procedures and chemotherapy have a poor prognosis. Noninvasive electromagnetic technologies for superficial and regional deep hyperthermia (RHT) are under investigation to enhance local tumor control in various malignancies. The objectives of this Phase I/II study were to examine 1) whether RHT can be used in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy with acceptable toxicity in children and adolescents and 2) whether this combined regimen can induce objective tumor response in patients with malignant nontesticular GCT that persisted or recurred locoregionally after validated, intensive, cisplatin-based chemotherapy +/- surgery as unsuccessful first-line treatment.

Phase I Germ cell + Chemotherapy

Authors: Schneider DT, Wessalowski R, Calaminus G, Pape H, Bamberg M, Engert J, Waag K, Gadner H, Göbel U.
Publication: J Clin Oncol. 2001 Apr 1;19(7):1951-60.

PURPOSE:

To evaluate therapeutic options for recurrent malignant sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors (GCT) following three-agent, cisplatinum-based, first-line chemotherapy and tumor resection.

Pilot Study Pediatric Germ Cell + Radiotherapy + Chemotherapy

Authors: Wessalowski R, Blohm M, Calaminus G, Engert J, Harms D, Krause I, Kruck H, Grüttner HP, Pape H, Göbel U.
Publication: Klin Padiatr. 1997 Jul-Aug;209(4):250-6.

PURPOSE:
In this study treatment results in children and adolescents (n = 32) suffering from loco-regional abdominal relapses of germ cell tumors (GCT) (7 embryonal carcinoma, 17 Yolk sac tumors, 8 immature teratomas) aged from 1;0 to 23;3 years (mean = 10;11 years) were evaluated.