Abstract
BACKGROUND.
The authors developed evidence‐based guidelines for a follow‐up schedule after orchiectomy for stage 1 seminoma. Required investigations, frequency of assessment, overall duration of follow‐up, and management strategies were identified.
METHODS.
A systematic review of the literature was performed of prospective studies in stage 1 seminoma. Studies published after 1980 were considered eligible for inclusion. Data extracted included relapse‐free rates, number of patients at risk, and relapse locations. Five strategies were identified: Surveillance, Extended‐Field Radiotherapy, Para‐aortic Radiotherapy, and either 1 or 2 cycles of Carboplatin Chemotherapy. For each strategy, Kaplan‐Meier relapse‐free estimates were used to calculate weighted‐mean cumulative hazards of relapse over time. These were used to calculate semiannual weighted‐mean relapse hazards.
RESULTS.
Seventeen prospective studies with a total of 5561 patients were identified. Actuarial data on relapse was available in 5013 (90.1%) patients, and 92.9% of all relapses had location data reported. Annual hazard rates for relapse were determined.
CONCLUSIONS.
Evidence‐based recommendations for follow‐up frequency based on risk of relapse were formulated. The authors suggested 3 times per year when the risk is >5%, 2 times per year when the risk is 1% to 5%, and annually until the risk is <0.3%. Investigations should reflect location(s) at risk of relapse and include computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis for surveillance and adjuvant carboplatin, whereas for para‐aortic radiotherapy, pelvic computed tomography alone is required. These recommendations offer the possibility of maximal patient convenience and optimal healthcare resource allocation without compromising disease control. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.