High-dose Chemotherapy for Poor-Prognosis Relapsed Germ-Cell Tumors
United States64 participantsStarted 2009-06-02
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if 2 cycles of high-dose chemotherapy can help to control germ-cell tumors. The first cycle of chemotherapy will include the drugs gemcitabine, docetaxel, melphalan, and carboplatin. The second cycle of chemotherapy will include the drugs ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide. The safety of these drug combinations will also be studied.
This is an investigational study. Gemcitabine, docetaxel, melphalan, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide are all FDA-approved and commercially available for the treatment of germ-cell tumors.
Up to 67 patients will be enrolled in this study.
Who can participate
Age range
12 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Male or female patients, age 12 to 65 years.
. Patients with seminomatous or nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors (GCT) in one of the following groups: A) First relapse or progression or second response with an intermediate or high risk according to the Beyer model. B) Second relapse or beyond.
. Adequate renal glomerular and tubular function, as defined by estimated serum creatinine clearance \>/=50 ml/min and/or serum creatinine \</= 1.8 mg/dL, and urinary protein excretion \</=500 mg/day.
. Adequate hepatic function, as defined by ALT and AST \</=3 x upper limit of normal (ULN); serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase \</=2 x ULN or considered not clinically significant.
. Adequate pulmonary function with FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in the first second), FVC (Forced vital capacity) and DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide) \>/=50% of predicted, corrected for volume and hemoglobin.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of Participants With 2-year Event-Free Survival (EFS)