In this episode of the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology podcast, we discuss a systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhang and colleagues comparing carboplatin-based and cisplatin-based chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant gonadal germ cell tumors. The study, which analyzed data from eight studies involving 1,409 patients, found that while carboplatin was associated with a higher treatment failure rate, overall survival was comparable to cisplatin. Subgroup analyses revealed that carboplatin may be a viable alternative in ovarian germ cell tumors but was less effective in testicular germ cell tumors. The efficacy of carboplatin was dose-dependent, with higher doses achieving better outcomes. Additionally, carboplatin was associated with lower nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity but higher rates of myelosuppression compared to cisplatin. These findings highlight the potential role of carboplatin as a substitute for cisplatin in select patients. Tune in for a detailed discussion of these important findings and their clinical implications.

Comparison of carboplatin-based chemotherapy versus cisplatin-based chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant gonadal germ cell tumor: a systematic review and meta-analysis (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e49)