What to expect from chemotherapy for germ cell tumour

Germ cell tumours can arise in the testicles, ovaries or another part of the body. The treatment plan depends on the tumour’s location, type, stage and whether surgery is needed. Medicines may be given through a vein over one or more clinic days, followed by a break before the next cycle. Your team may use scans and blood markers alongside examination to assess how treatment is working. Blood tests also check whether your bone marrow, kidneys and other organs are ready for the next course.

Possible effects include tiredness, nausea, taste changes, appetite loss, mouth soreness, hair loss and a higher chance of infection. Some medicines can affect hearing, nerves, kidneys or fertility, so discuss these issues before treatment begins.

Bring a current medicine list and tell the team about allergies, hearing changes, numbness or urinary problems. Take prescribed anti-sickness medicines as directed, drink according to your team’s advice and use gentle mouth care. Arrange help with travel and demanding tasks when energy is low. Ask about fertility preservation before chemotherapy if future parenthood matters to you; this conversation is time-sensitive. Keep a thermometer and the out-of-hours contact number available if your team recommends them.

Call the oncology team promptly for fever or chills, a new cough, painful urination, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhoea, unusual bruising or bleeding, or worsening breathlessness. Report ringing in the ears, hearing loss, new tingling or reduced urine output because some treatment effects need early assessment. Seek emergency care for severe breathing trouble, collapse or sudden confusion.

Where is my tumour located and what is the treatment goal? Which blood tests and scans will I need? Could treatment affect fertility, hearing or kidney function? What symptoms require a same-day call, and whom should I contact at night?