Prognostic factors in metastatic testicular cancer.

The prognosis for metastatic testicular cancer has been analysed in seven reports using multivariate analysis. Serum hCG is the most important factor. Volume of metastases, serum LDH and serum AFP are also of prognostic value. Bone, liver, nodal or retroperitoneal metastases are not independent prognostic factors. The prognosis for extragonadal nonseminomas remains in dispute. Future studies should categorize poor prognosis patients using one of the several available prognostic formulas. No consensus yet exists on optimal treatment for such patients.