GAMEC-II, Risk-adapted Protocol for Relapsed Germ Cell Tumours (GCT)
United Kingdom36 participantsStarted 2006-07
Plain-language summary
St Bartholomew's hospital completed a study using the regimen GAMEC (PEG-filgrastim, actinomycin-D, methotrexate, etoposide, cisplatin). The results of this study showed that 50% of patients with relapsed testicular cancer could be cured using this treatment. These results are very encouraging and compare very favourably to other treatment protocols. In reviewing this study, it became clear that of the 5 cycles of treatment which were proposed, the first 3 seemed to matter and the last 2 did not appear important. In addition there was a group of patients who appeared to do particularly well namely patients under the age of 35 and those who had a normal LDH (lactate dehydrogenase). LDH is a blood test which monitors cancer activity. Selecting patients which fill both these criteria, this trial aims to see whether the investigators can maintain the good results the investigators have seen but using only 3 cycles of treatment. This will therefore shorten the treatment from 10 weeks to 6 weeks, thus reducing the side effects.
Who can participate
Age range
16 Years – 35 Years
Sex
MALE
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:
* Germ Cell Tumour (GCT), relapsed or progressing on or following platinum-based chemotherapy - as evidenced by rising tumour markers or progressive disease on CT scan
* Neutrophil count \>1.0 x109/l
* Platelets \>70 x109/l
* Haemoglobin \>100g/l (may be transfused)
* Creatinine clearance should be \>60ml/min. However, if creatinine clearance \<60 ml/min then an EDTA clearance is MANDATORY. (If EDTA clearance is \<60 ml/min then the patient will be excluded.)
* Males age \>16 ≤35 years \[decision made on physical fitness to participate\]
* ECOG Performance status 0-3
* Full written consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Other malignancy except basal cell carcinoma
* Evidence of clinically significant cardiac failure, unstable angina or uncontrolled hypertension
* Current participation in any other investigational drug study
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.