High-dose chemotherapy and stem-cell rescue for salvage therapy for relapsed malignant mixed ovarian germ cell tumor: A case report

Abstract

Background: Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors are rare, and often treatable with surgery and chemotherapy. Few data are available for treatment of platinum-resistant tumors. Case: A 31 year old gravida 0 with a 20 cm pelvic mass was found to have a malignant ovarian germ cell tumor after she underwent debulking surgery. She initially responded to chemotherapy; however her AFP began to rise before all cycles were completed. She underwent additional debulking surgery that was again suboptimal. She was then referred for salvage therapy with high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant, which was successful and she has had no evidence of disease for over two years. Conclusion: High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant is a viable salvage therapy for patients with platinum-resistant germ cell tumors.

Keywords

• Ovarian cancer
• Yolk sac tumor
• Stem cell rescue