Paclitaxel, Ifosfamide and Cisplatin (TIP) Versus Bleomycin, Etoposide and Cisplatin (BEP) for Patients With Previously Untreated Intermediate- and Poor-risk Germ Cell Tumors

The purpose of this study is to learn about the safety and effectiveness of two different drug combinations in patients who have intermediate- and poor-risk germ cell tumors (GCT). One combination of drugs, paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin (TIP), is experimental. The other combination of drugs, bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP), is the standard of care treatment for intermediate- and poor-risk germ cell tumors. However, BEP does not cure every patient and therefore newer treatments are needed.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients ≥ 18 years of age. * Patients with newly diagnosed GCT * Pathology confirmation of GCT histology at MSKCC or a collaborating treating institution. In exceptional circumstances, patients without pathological diagnosis may be included in the study following discussion with the national principal investigator, Dr. Feldman,(or national Co-PI or MSKCC Co-PI if the national PI is unavailable) if they meet the one of the following criteria: * Patients with a testicular mass (detected clinically and/or by ultrasound), and/or mediastinal or retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy or pineal tumor AND elevated serum tumor markers (HCG and/or AFP). Patients with elevated LDH only will not be included without pathological confirmation of GCT since LDH is a nonspecific marker for GCT and could potentially be elevated in other malignancies such as lymphomas. This is because patients may present with a clinical scenario consistent with GCT (elevated serum tumor markers, testicular mass and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy) with a concurrent life-threatening oncologic emergency that require immediate treatment. In this case, initial treatment without biopsy confirmation is usually recommended and tissue confirmation may be obtained after initiating therapy. * Patients must have measurable or evaluable disease. * Patients must be classified as having intermediate or poor-risk germ cell tumor, as follows: * Intermediate-risk (Modified\*) a) Testis or retroperitoneal primary NSGCT with lymph node and/or lung metastasis but without non-pulmonary visceral metastasis AND any of the following pretreatment serum tumor marker (STM) values: i. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from 3 to \