Germ cell tumors of the ovary: the experience of the National Cancer Institute of Milan. I. Dysgerminoma.

The experience of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan on dysgerminoma is presented. Between 1970 and December of 1982, 25 patients were treated with a unique protocol which considered surgery and radiotherapy with different schedules according to the extension of the disease. With this treatment protocol all 13 patients at Stage I were alive and free of disease with a median follow-up of 77 months. Of 12 patients at Stage III (10 retroperitoneal and 2 retroperitoneal and peritoneal) 4 relapsed. The 5-year relapse-free survival of Stage III patients was 61.4% and the overall survival 89.5%. Amenorrhea due to radiation dose absorbed by the contralateral shielded ovary was found in 7.7%. The excellent results in Stage I patients were balanced by the unsatisfactory results in Stage III patients. A more aggressive treatment and the knowledge of other prognostic factors seem necessary.