Single agent chemotherapy (actinomycin D) in the treatment of metastatic testicular carcinoma.

Single-agent chemotherapy (actinomycin D) was administered in cyclic regimens to 26 patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular carcinoma. Twenty-five patients were evaluable, 9 with stage II disease and 16 with stage III disease. A 37.5% response rate in stage III disease is reported and all patients are long-term survivors. Five of eight stage II patients currently being followed are alive and well. During toxicity was negligible. Actinomycin D is recommended as the initial drug of choice for metastatic testicular carcinoma.