Effect of VAB-6 combination chemotherapy on malignant germ cell tumours in childhood.

The VAB-6 protocol was applied to 5 children with malignant germ cell tumour. Four of them achieved complete remission after 3 inductions of this protocol and surgery. Death in one case was attributed to chemotherapy. Complete responders have been in remission now for 4 months to 2 years without maintenance chemotherapy. Adverse effects including myelosuppression, ototoxicity, cardiotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity were observed. The VAB-6 protocol is an effective chemotherapy in children with malignant germ cell tumour and requires only 3 to 4 months of treatment.