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TAP-144-SR (3M) is a 3-month sustained releasing injection of a super-active agonist of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH), leuprorelin acetate. At the Department of Urology of Gunma University Hospital, TAP-144-SR (3M) was injected once subcutaneously into 10 prostatic cancer patients who had had no treatment in the past to investigate safety, serum testosterone levels, drug concentrations and efficacy. In safety, no problematic adverse reactions occurred, and the drug was well tolerated. Serum testosterone levels elevated temporarily up to 2 days after injection and then were reduced rapidly. The levels were reduced below the castration level (100 ng/dl) after 3 weeks and then remained reduced up to 12 weeks. Serum TAP-144 levels including metabolite M-I, elevated to maximal plasma concentration up to 3 hours after injection and then were maintained at about 0.2 ng/ml between 1 week and 12 weeks after injection. With respect to the anti-tumor effects, the response rate according to "criteria of prostate cancer" at 12 weeks after injection was 100% (stable response cases) and the ratio of PSA normalization at 12 weeks was 90%. These results showed that an injection of TAP-144-SR (3M) was well tolerated in prostate cancer patients having no prior treatment and inhibited serum testosterone persisting for at least 12 weeks so that TAP-144-SR (3M) was concluded to be safe and clinically effective for prostate cancer patients.

A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group study was conducted in order to evaluate the hormonal kinetics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of TAP-144-SR (3M) a three-month sustained-release injectable preparation of leuprorelin acetate, a highly active luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) derivative by comparing the treatment with two subcutaneous doses of the test medication TAP-144-SR (3M) and the treatment with six subcutaneous doses of the reference medication TAP-144-SR (1M), a 1-month sustained-release injectable preparation. Study participants were 103 patients with prostate cancer in whom a stable anti-tumor effect had been obtained with Leuplin Injection 3.75. The hormonal kinetics revealed that the proportion of the patients "maintaining the castration level of serum testosterone (maximum serum testosterone level during treatment below the castration level [100 ng/dl])" was 100% in both treatment groups. With regard to the efficacy, the proportions of the patients in whom the anti-tumor effects (> or = Stable) of the baseline treatment prior to the initiation of the treatment with the study medication were maintained during the study treatment period (6 months) were comparable; 84.0% with TAP-144-SR (1M) and 80.4% with TAP-144-SR (3M). On evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, the mean value of AUC1-12w of the serum TAP-144 concentration (including the metabolite M-I) for the treatment with TAP-144-SR (3M) was 77.0% that of the treatment with TAP-144-SR (1M). Adverse events were similar in the subjects on TAP-144-SR (3M) and in those on TAP-144-SR (1M). There existed no big differences in kind, incidence or time of occurrence of adverse events between two groups. TAP-144-SR (3M) showed no clinically relevant findings in particular. These results indicate that one dose of TAP-144-SR (3M) is comparable to three doses of the already approved Leuplin injection 3.75 in serum testosterone level-inhibitory effect, efficacy and safety. Hence, it is considered that TAP-144-SR (3M) is a drug suitable for treatment of prostate cancer over a prolonged period of time.

Pharmacodynamics (PD), anti-tumor effects, safety and pharmacokinetics of a 3-month formulation of goserelin (Zoladex LA 10.8 mg depot: "10.8 mg depot") were investigated in a collaborative multicenter study. Study participants were 40 Japanese patients with prostate cancer comprising 20 untreated patients and 20 switch patients who had been receiving Zoladex 3.6 mg depot for 3 months or longer. Serum testosterone levels, serum LH levels, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and drug concentrations were measured until 12 weeks after a single subcutaneous dose of 10.8 mg depot. Anti-tumor effects were evaluated by means of changes in the tumor lesions and the PSA levels at 12 weeks. After administration to the untreated patients, 10.8 mg depot reduced serum testosterone to the castrate range within 4 weeks and the reduction was maintained for up to 12 weeks. In the switch patients, serum testosterone suppression that had been produced by previous treatment with Zoladex 3.6 mg depot was maintained for up to 12 weeks following 10.8 mg depot administration. The anti-tumor effect at 12 weeks was 90.0% including partial response cases. The ratio of PSA normalization at 12 weeks was 75.0%. Fifty-seven adverse reactions were observed in 27 of the 40 patients (67.5%), but none were clinically significant. Although a disease flare presented as urinary retention in 1 of the untreated patients, all patients completed the study. Serum goserelin was detected up to 12 weeks after the administration of 10.8 mg depot. In conclusion a single dose of 10.8 mg depot showed a satisfactory PD-effect and brought about clinical efficacy persisting for at least 12 weeks and was well tolerated in patients with prostate cancer.

This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride alone or in combination with chlormadinone acetate (CMA) against lower urinary tract symptoms for a period of 52 weeks in 33 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patients were randomly allocated into a group administered tamsulosin alone and a group administered tamsulosin in combination with CMA. Based on the assessment of the total I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), significant symptomatic improvement was noted 4 weeks after the commencement of drug administration in the tamsulosin + CMA group, whereas no significant improvement was observed in the tamsulosin group. Both irritative and obstructive bladder symptoms improved significantly at any time of assessment after 4 weeks of drug administration in the tamsulosin + CMA group; however, significant improvement was noted only at week 16 and week 52 for irritative symptoms and at week 16 for obstructive symptoms in the tamsulosin group. In particular, obstructive symptoms showed significant improvement at week 4 in the tamsulosin + CMA group, as compared with that in the tamsulosin group. The average value of peak urinary flow rate was significantly increased in the tamsulosin + CMA group (10.4 ml/s to 15.6 ml/s) as compared with that in the tamsulosin group (8.5 ml/s to 10.5 ml/s). These findings indicate that combined administration of tamsulosin and CMA resulted in early improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms in these patients. Long-term combined administration of tamsulosin and CMA thus appears to be a promising treatment strategy for the improvement of obstructive symptoms and peak urinary flow rate, particularly, 16 weeks onward after administration in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

We performed mass screening for prostate diseases in the village of Satomi-mura, in Ibaraki Prefecture for males between 40 and 79 years old (participation rate; 21%). The findings were compared to those obtained by mass screening in the village of Shimamaki-mura, in Hokkaido Prefecture, conducted by the same examiners in a consistent manner (participation rate; 47%). When we considered the difference in biopsy rates between the two sites, the detection rate of prostate cancer in Satomi-mura was similar to that in Shimamaki-mura. There were no apparent differences in distribution of prostate volume, the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and maximum flow rate between the two sites for each 10-year-age group. Our findings suggested that there was little site difference in the detection rate of prostate cancer and voiding condition between the two villages.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of bicalutamide (Casodex) with its clinically recommended dose, the randomized early phase II study was performed in 124 patients with prostatic cancer (stage C, D). The patients were given 50, 80 or 100 mg of bicalutamide orally once a day in fixed doses for 12 weeks; 122 patients were eligible for evaluation. The overall response rate was 50.0% (20/40), 61.0% (25/41) and 53.7% (22/41) in the 50 mg, 80 mg and 100 mg groups, respectively. The response rate in prostate lesion, bone and lymph node metastases was slightly higher in the 80 mg group than in the 50 mg and 100 mg groups. The proportion of patients showing a response with regard to serum PSA (CR and PR) was 84.2, 92.7 and 97.6% in the 50, 80 and 100 mg groups, respectively. The incidence of adverse reactions was 65.0, 61.0 and 61.0% in the 50, 80 and 100 mg groups, respectively, and there was no significant difference in overall safety rating in the three groups. Frequent adverse reactions were gynecomastia and breast pain. Only one patient in the 80 mg group was withdrawn due to shortness of breath. Serum concentrations of LH, testosterone and estradiol increased significantly after treatment. Bicalutamide was concluded to be effective and well tolerated in patients with prostatic cancer, and its recommended dose was 80 mg once daily.

A phase I study (open trial) of bicalutamide (Casodex), a non-steroidal antiandrogen, was conducted on 16 patients with prostatic cancer (stage C to D). The patients were given 10, 30, 50, 80 or 100 mg of bicalutamide orally daily for 12 weeks. Adverse reactions were observed in 8 out of 16 patients, but almost all were mild. Breast pain, gynecomastia and hot flushes were observed in 6 patients. Adverse reactions regarding liver function tests were observed in 3 patients. These were increased glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaliphosphatase (AL-P) or gamma guanosine 5'-triphosphate (gamma-GTP). However, during or after the treatment period the elevated values were reversed to the pretreatment level. In terms of efficacy, anti-tumor effect was observed in 1 or 2 patients at each dose. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and estradiol increased during treatment. Plasma concentrations of the R (-) enantiomer, which has antiandrogenic activity, reached the steady state 6-8 weeks after the initiation of treatment; its apparent plasma elimination half-life observed following repeated administration was 8.4 +/- 1.1 days. In conclusion, bicalutamide (10-100 mg od) is considered to be tolerated well enough to be administered to patients with prostatic cancer and has shown evidence of anti-tumor effect.

The number of elderly patients with urological cancer is increasing, and it is becoming very difficult for urologists to decide on an appropriate treatment modality for each patient. Physical and socioeconomical problems make it impossible for the patients to accept a standard treatment for their disease. Between 1987 and 1992, 498 patients with urological cancer were hospitalized in our institute. Among them, 51 patients (10%) were 80 years of age or older. The average age of these older patients was 83.2 (80-93) years. There were 41 men, and 10 women. These older patients included 30 with bladder cancer, 15 with prostate cancer, three with renal cancer, and three with renal pelvic and ureteral cancer. The incidence of patients aged 80 or older was 18.5% for prostate cancer and 15.9% for bladder cancer. Eighty percent of these patients had complications such as cardiovascular disease, and fewer patients could be adapted treatment because of their physical condition. The median survival period was 21.6 months, with only 18 of the patients still living at the time of the analysis. Only 11 of the initial 51 patients (22%) still received follow-up treatment in the outpatient clinic of our institute, 10 of whom were lost during the follow-up. Our observations indicate that we should consider both the medical aspects and quality of life when we choose the suitable type of treatment.

Two cases of prostatic cancer accompanied by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are reported. Both cases presented IgG-lambda type hyperimmunoglobulinemia and Bence Jones protein (BJP) in the urine. A characteristic of both cases was significant multiple bone metastasis, and one case also demonstrated a severe immunological disorder. During the treatment, one patient recovered from MGUS. We recommend that elderly male patients manifesting MGUS be examined for prostatic cancer.

A phase I study of orally administered flutamide (a pure anti-androgen) was performed in 26 patients with prostatic cancer. No side effects were observed in 11 patients receiving single doses of either 125, 250, 375 or 500 mg. However, in the daily dosing schedule of 375, 750, 1125 and 1,500 mg/day doses, where medication was taken in three divided doses, discomfort in the stomach, nausea, vomiting and anorexia were experienced in one of the four patients receiving the highest dose of 1,500 mg. Nine patients receiving the other doses did not complain of toxic symptoms. Laboratory values did not change in the three patients receiving the lowest 375 mg/day dose, but elevation of transaminase was observed in five of the nine patients given higher doses. This elevation was observed in all the three patients receiving 1,500 mg/day dose. Among the serum hormone levels, significant increases of luteinizing hormone were observed. As for efficacy, objective responses were observed in two of the three patients in each of the four daily dosing groups. Improvement of pain, voiding obstruction symptoms, and performance status were also observed. Flutamide was found to be absorbed rapidly and to exist as a hydroxylated form (hydroxy-flutamide) in the plasma. The half-life of hydroxy-flutamide was similar in the single and daily administration, but the peak concentration and area under the concentration versus time curve in the daily administration became greater than those in the single administration. In conclusion, flutamide should be examined for efficacy and safety using doses of 375 to 1,125 mg/day in the phase II study.

The phase II study of flutamide, a pure anti-androgen, was performed to estimate the clinical doses on 165 hormone untreated or treated patients with prostatic cancer. The hormone-untreated patients were given orally flutamide of 90, 375, 750 or 1,125 mg/day in three divided doses daily for 12 weeks. Responses were not observed at the 90 mg/day dose except for improvement of clinical symptoms. However, an objective response rate of 48.8-46.7% was obtained at 375-1,125 mg/day doses. In hormone-treated patients including cases refractory to the previous hormonal treatment, the objective response rates were 13.3 and 8.3% in 375 and 750 mg/day flutamide groups, respectively. Side effects such as gynecomastia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal laboratory findings such as the elevation of hepatic transaminases were observed. The incidence increased dose-dependently. Determinations of serum hormone levels revealed an increase in testosterone levels by the use of flutamide. In conclusion 375 mg/day of flutamide is the optimal dose in monotherapy for hormone-untreated patients with prostatic cancer, where the quality of life can be maintained compared with therapies involving testosterone suppression. This dose is also expected to show some efficacy in cases refractory to hormone treatment.

The combination therapy with natural type human tumor necrosis factor (n-TNF; MHR-24) and human lymphoblastoid interferon-alpha (n-IFN-alpha; MOR-22) was investigated for antitumor effect against renal cell carcinoma in a multiclinic cooperative study throughout Japan. The "Response criteria of Japan Society for Cancer Therapy" were followed for the handling of subjects and the evaluation of antitumor effect. MHR-24 was administered at a daily dosage of 5,000-10,000 JRU by intravenous drip and MOR-22 at a dosage of 5,000,000 IU daily was administered intramuscularly at the same time. Both drugs were administered for 4 weeks or longer. A total of 36 patients were enrolled as subjects in the study. None of them were classified as ineligible. Five patients, were classified as imperfectly evaluable, and 31, as evaluable for the results of treatment. The responses in the evaluable patients were partial response (PR) in 4 patients, minor response (MR) in 3 patients, no change (NC) in 14 patients and progressive disease (PD) in 10 patients, with a response rate of 12.9%. Adverse reactions to the therapy were investigated in all 36 patients. The frequent subjective and objective reactions that occurred were fever, rigors and shivering, anorexia, and generalized malaise, and the frequent abnormal laboratory findings were leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevation of GOT, and elevation of GPT.

A randomized controlled phase III clinical trial comparing TAP-144-SR (TAP) and diethylstilbestrol diphosphate was conducted for patients with prostatic cancer. Patients with Stage B, C, or D disease, who were previously untreated, were enrolled. TAP-144-SR 3.75 mg was administered subcutaneously at 4-week intervals for 12 weeks (a total of 3 injections) in the TAP-144-SR group, while 100 mg of diethylstilbestrol diphosphate was administered orally three times a day (before meals) for 12 weeks in the control group. A total of 141 patients were enrolled using a centralized telephone registration system. Four of these patients were ineligible, and there were 3 drop-outs who never received drugs because they withdrew their consents to participate in the trial. These 7 were excluded from the evaluation, and as a result, 134 patients (66 in the TAP group and 68 in the control group) were evaluable in safety and efficacy. Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in patient characteristics, except the age distribution. Clinical response rates (CR+PR) in evaluable patients according to the criteria of Japanese Prostatic Cancer Study Group were 54.5% in the TAP group and 47.1% in the control group. In addition, the rates according to the criteria for Evaluating the Direct Response to Chemotherapy in Solid Carcinomas and NPCP criteria were 7.6% in the TAP group and 8.8% in the control group and 18.2% in the TAP group and 20.6% in the control group, respectively. Using any of the three criteria, there were no significant differences in response rate between the two groups. The incidence of side effects was 64.1% in the TAP group and 95.4% in the control group; the incidence being significantly higher in the control group (p less than 0.001; chi 2-test). Therefore, the overall safety was significantly greater in the TAP group than in the control group (p less than 0.001; chi 2-test). On the basis of the efficacy and safety the clinical usefulness rate of TAP-144-SR was significantly higher than that of diethylstilbestrol diphosphate (p = 0.038; U-test). In conclusion, TAP-144-SR was confirmed to be more useful than diethylstilbestrol diphosphate as a standard drug for hormonal therapy of prostatic cancer.

Between February, 1984, and June, 1988, 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) scintigraphy was performed on 48 patients with suspected pheochromocytoma at our hospital. Whole body image and/or spot images were obtained 24, 48 and 72 hours after injection of 0.5 mCi of 131I-MIBG. In 10 of 12 patients with surgically proven pheochromocytoma, 131I-MIBG was accumulated in the primary and metastatic tumor. 131I-MIBG scintigraphy was negative in 2 patients. One case of renal cyst had the accumulation of 131I-MIBG but the disease could be confirmed. By 131I-MIBG scintigraphy sensitivity was 83% (10/12), and specificity was 97% (35/36). Heart intensity was much higher in patients with nonpheochromocytoma than those with pheochromocytoma. Thus 131I-MIBG scintigraphy proved to be safe, non-invasive and specific in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

The clinical efficacy of mecobalamin in the treatment of male infertility was investigated by means of a multicenter collaborative study with 25 participating institutions. The study was carried out as a double-blind, comparative trial using three administration groups: 6,000 micrograms of mecobalamin per day, 1,500 micrograms of mecobalamin per day and a placebo group for 12 wk. The following results were obtained. 1. The total number of evaluated subjects was 375, consisting of 125 in the 6,000 micrograms/day mecobalamin group, 124 in the 1,500 micrograms/day mecobalamin group and 126 in the placebo group. There were no significant differences among the three administration groups in terms of the patient's background factors. 2. When all of the patients were analyzed, there were no statistically significant differences among the three administration groups in terms of the efficacy in relation to the sperm count or the motility rate. 3. However, it was decided to perform a more detailed analysis of the therapeutic efficacy in patients whose pretreatment sperm counts were 20 x 10(6)/ml or less. The reasons for this decision were two-fold: 1) There was a large degree of fluctuation in patients whose pretreatment sperm counts showed a mean value of more than 20 x 10(6)/ml for two or more determinations, and it was surmised that this fluctuation might have masked any therapeutic effect in those cases. 2) The WHO definition of oligozoospermia was recently decided as a sperm count of 20 x 10(6)/ml or less.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A case of lipoma of the spermatic cord is presented. The patient is a 68-year-old with the chief complaint of indolent swelling of the left scrotal content which had been noticed about a month ago. A firm elastic and walnut-sized mass with positive transillumination was palpable in the left spermatic cord, but ultrasound sonography demonstrated that it was a solid mass. Though the tumor was punctured with a 18-gauge needle, nothing could be aspirated. The tumor was removed and histologically diagnosed as lipoma originating in the left spermatic cord. Including the present case, 38 Japanese cases of lipoma of the spermatic cord are reviewed.

Prospective pathological staging by pelvic lymphadenectomy in 12 patients with clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate disclosed a high incidence (58%) of clinically silent and unsuspected lymph node metastases. The incidence of positive nodes was 0% in patients with clinical stage A disease, 33% in stage B, 100% in stage C disease. Serum acid phosphatase was not a useful staging marker. Excellent correlation existed between histological grade and pathological stage. Gleason's sum was predictive of nodal metastases.

A 77 year-old woman presented with the chief complaint of a mass in the right upper quadrant. The examination on admission including IVP, echography, Ga scintigraphy, barium enema, CT scan, and angiography revealed that the right kidney and ascending colon were displaced by the mass. Under the diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumor, operation was carried out. Most of the mass was resected with the right kidney. The pathological diagnosis of the resected tumor revealed well differentiated liposarcoma. Convalescence was uneventful and the patient has been well and free from disease for 14 months. Based on our experience and the review of the pertinent literature in English and Japanese, we emphasize the importance of definite surgery and close follow up, as liposarcoma is frequently recurrent.

The accuracy of computed tomography and arteriography for the diagnosis of local staging of renal cell carcinoma was examined in 39 patients. Their accuracy in predicting perinephric, retroperitoneal lymph node, renal vein and inferior vena caval involvement by the tumor was investigated. The results were correlated with pathologic diagnoses from specimens of nephrectomy and lymphadenectomy in 39 cases. Staging was the same as the findings of computed tomography in 82 per cent of the lesions (27 of 34) and with arteriography in 74 per cent (29 of 39). Compared to arteriography, computed tomography was more accurate in the diagnosis of regional lymph node metastases. Based upon this experience, preoperative arteriography is not routinely recommended for the diagnosis of local staging of renal cell carcinoma.

A case of gas gangrene is presented. The patient was a 78-year-old woman who was admitted with the diagnosis of vesico-vaginal fistula. Cystography revealed a vesico-intestinal fistula and leakage of contrast medium into the prevesical space, in addition to the vesico-vaginal fistula. Right ureterostomy was performed. Two weeks postoperatively, she complained of severe pain and swelling of her right thigh. The swelling grew rapidly and general condition became worse. A diagnosis of gas gangrene was made 8 days after her first complaint by demonstrating subcutaneous and intramuscular gas formation in X-ray. She died the next day. By the bacteriological examination, this case was non-clostridial gas gangrene.

The results of the operative aspects of open renal biopsy performed by urologic residents at our University Hospital during the 18 months from July 1982 to December 1983 were analyzed. Open renal biopsy was performed by 1st to 6th year residents for various renal diseases on 19 male and 12 female patients, i.e., 14 patients from Pediatric Department, 16 patients from Nephrologic Department and 1 patient from Urologic Department. All except for 3 operations were done under the guidance of urologic staff. The length of incisional line ranged from 3 to 7 cm (average 5.1 cm) in pediatric patients, and that of nephrologic and urologic patients ranged from 5 to 15 cm (average 8.7 cm). The average operation time was 89.2 minutes for pediatric patients, although it was 81.1 minutes when 1 patient who had concurrently operated on inguinal herniorrhaphy in addition to open renal biopsy was excluded from the analysis. The average operation time was 122.2 minutes for nephrologic and urologic patients, although it was 112.8 minutes when 1 patient who had lost a large amount of blood was excluded. The average blood loss was 28.2 ml for pediatric patients when 2 patients whose blood loss was recorded as "small quantity" was excluded, but it was 24.5 ml when 1 patient who was concurrently operated on for inguinal herniorrhaphy in addition to open renal biopsy was excluded. The average blood loss during operation was 235.1 ml in nephrologic and urologic patients, but it was 149.95 ml when 1 patient who had lost a great deal of blood (1,598 ml) was excluded.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Results of a questionnaire study on the daily life of patients undergoing ureterosigmoidostomy are reported. Nine patients who survived for more than 1 year after the operation were subjected to this study. At the time of their regular checkup, they were asked questions including the frequency of febrile attack, degree of daily work, bathing, complaints, frequency of urination and incontinence and feeling towards ureterosigmoidostomy. These patients had neither serious complications nor complaints. All except for 1 patient were satisfied and were enjoying daily life after ureterosigmoidostomy.

A phase II study of a new anthracycline anti-cancer antibiotics, epirubicin (EPI), was undertaken in 71 patients with urothelial malignancies; 40 with advanced urothelial malignancies and 31 with superficial bladder cancer. Out of them 32 patients with advanced stage of urothelial cancer were evaluated for the systemic use of EPI, while 30 patients with superficial bladder cancer for intravesical use. Intravenous administration of this new anticancer antibiotic, at a dosage of 60 mg/m2 every three weeks, showed the response rate of 20.0% for advanced bladder cancer and 14.3% for renal pelvic and ureteral tumors. In cases of superficial bladder cancer, at a dosage of 60 mg/30 ml X 3 day every week in principal, the response rate was 66.7%. Eight out of 30 patients showed complete disappearance of the tumor. Twelve patients also showed more than 50% tumor regression. As for adverse effects no serious cardiotoxicity was demonstrated. Anorexia and other gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, were also seen. Alopecia and myelosuppression were the major adverse effects among patients with systemic EPI administration. With intravesical use of EPI, cystitis syndrome was the major toxicity. However, no systemic side effects were noted in these cases. In conclusion, EPI was assumed to be effective for the treatment of advanced urothelial tumors and superficial bladder cancer.

Pedal lymphangiography was done on 21 patients with carcinoma of the prostate. The lymphangiograms were positive in 11 cases and negative in 10. Out of 9 patients who underwent lymphadenectomy (5 with positive and 4 with negative findings), operative findings were in agreement with the lymphangiogram in 8 patients (89%). Lymphangiography should be used as the primary procedure in all cases where aggressive therapy is being considered.

Seminoma is one of the most radiosensitive of the solid tumors. Radiotherapy provides a high cure rate for patients with stage I and II seminoma, but the survival rate of the patients with clinically advanced stage III seminoma is only about 30% in the literature. Our case of advanced metastatic seminoma was treated with cisplatinum, vinblastine and bleomycin. Metastatic tumors in the lung disappeared after chemotherapy but recurred shortly. Then regional radiation was given and the tumors disappeared completely. Subsequent prophylactic chemotherapy was given. In view of the observed chemosensitivity of seminoma, it appears that all patients who present initially with metastatic or bulky retroperitoneal disease should be treated with multiple drug chemotherapy including cis-platinum. Residual tumors can be treated by radiation and surgical resection, which will improve the cure rate of advanced metastatic seminoma.