Novel treatment options for refractory germ cell tumors

Although testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a model for a curable neoplasm, a significant proportion will relapse and require salvage therapy. While currently available conventional and high-dose chemotherapy salvage regimens attain durable complete remissions in a significant proportion of patients, the long-term outcomes are still suboptimal in this young population. Several novel agents are being evaluated for recurrent germ cell tumors, including chemotherapeutic and biologic agents, notably anti-angiogenic agents. A better understanding of biology may lead to enhanced outcomes for cisplatin-refractory patients with germ cell tumors.