When is chemotherapy recommended for germ cell tumour?

Germ cell tumours include different tumour types, such as seminoma and teratoma, and may arise in different parts of the body. Treatment is selected from the tumour type, location, scans, pathology, tumour-marker results, and whether surgery has removed the visible tumour. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to treat disease beyond the operation area, after surgery when the risk of remaining disease is a concern, or for disease that has returned. Some people need close marker and scan monitoring when the findings support observation.

Ask which germ cell tumour type is present and what the tumour markers mean for your plan. Discuss whether surgery, chemotherapy, or surveillance comes first, along with fertility preservation, sperm or egg storage, and effects on hearing, nerves, kidneys, or breathing. Keep every marker test and scan appointment so the team can see the treatment response. Tell the team about other medicines and previous cancer therapy. Read more about [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/).

During treatment, report fever, chills, new breathlessness, severe vomiting, reduced urine, or unusual bleeding promptly. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, or sudden confusion. New severe pain, rapidly increasing swelling, or inability to drink should be assessed quickly. If you have a testicle or pelvic mass with sudden severe pain, seek urgent medical care.

Which tumour type and stage do I have? How are markers guiding treatment? Is surgery planned before or after chemotherapy? Should fertility preservation happen before treatment? How will response and late effects be monitored?