Long-term results of two VAB-like regimens (vinblastine + actinomycin-D + bleomycin + cyclophosphamide + cisplatin) in malignant germ cell tumours of the ovary.

21 patients with malignant germ cell tumours of the ovary were treated with two chemotherapy regimens including vinblastine, actinomycin-D, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide and cisplatin. Chemotherapy was delivered as primary postoperative therapy in 15 patients and for recurrent disease in 6 patients. 3 of 4 patients with pure dysgerminomas and 10 of 17 patients with non-dysgerminomatous tumours are alive without evidence of disease. The overall progression-free survival is 62% (95% confidence interval 45-77) with a median follow-up of 7 years. Two toxic deaths were observed. Less toxicity and better efficacy favour etoposide- and cisplatin-based regimens as standard chemotherapy for germ cell tumours of the ovary.