Gestational trophoblastic diseases and their treatment

In purely clinical terms, the treatment of GTD can be shown to be extremely cost-effective. Gestational trophoblastic tumours are highly chemo-sensitive, and good-quality normal life expectancy in patients of child-bearing age can be expected. However, long-term management and sequelae must be taken into account in assessing global costs and benefits. The future is bright for patients with gestational trophoblastic tumour; they can be cured by appropriate chemotherapy given under expert supervision, they are likely to lead productive lives, to remain fertile and to be free of major long-term physical effects. However, both the short- and long-term psychological trauma of having a potentially life-threatening illness, sometimes requiring acutely toxic chemotherapy, must not be underestimated; there may be a role for ongoing counselling or even personal rather than remote computerized follow-up.