Control of relapsed germ cell tumor and SLE nephritis by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation

Abstract

High-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell support remains a curative treatment option for relapsed or nonresponsive germ cell tumors, and has been applied experimentally to control severe autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we report on a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis who developed a nonseminomatous germ cell tumor that relapsed after standard chemotherapy and surgery. The patient received high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation based on its indication for relapsed germ cell tumors. Prolonged control of his relapsed germ cell tumor and systemic lupus erythematosus was attained with high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell support. An extensive literature review is provided alongside a detailed discussion of the aforementioned case.