ABSTRACT

The introduction of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for the treatment of testicular germ-cell tumors (GCTs) in the late 1970's transformed testicular cancer into a model of a curable neoplasm. However, recurrence of testicular germ cell tumors has still been a problem. Recurrences can be seen early or late. Recurrence pattern change according to mainly histological type, stage and primary treatment modalities. Additionally, late-relapse germ cell tumors behave differently from primary or early relapse germ cell tumors in terms of tumor biology and response.

The aim of the present review was to outline the clinical characteristics, tumor biology and therapeutic outcome of recurrences especially those seen outside of the retroperitoneum.