Genomic Features of Metastatic Testicular Sex Cord Stromal Tumors

Adipocytic Differentiation in a Sertoli Cell Tumor

Testicular sex cord-stromal tumors are clonal neoplasms, with the majority being of Leydig cell followed by Sertoli cell origins. In Leydig cell tumors, adipocytic differentiation has been previously reported as a possible distinguishing feature, which has not been reported in other sex cord-stromal tumors. Herein, we report a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with an incidentally discovered 1.1 cm testicular mass, for which he underwent partial orchiectomy. Microscopically, the tumor showed features consistent with sex cord-stromal tumor with strong and diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic reaction for B-catenin immunohistochemistry, supporting the diagnosis of Sertoli cell tumor. A novel adipocytic differentiation, reported previously in Leydig cell tumors, was present in this tumor.

Familial syndromes associated with testicular and paratesticular neoplasms: a comprehensive review

A syndromic association between a subset of testicular/paratesticular neoplasms is well established. Such examples include Carney complex and large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and intratubular large cell hyalinizing Sertoli cell neoplasia, and VHL syndrome and clear cell papillary cystadenoma of the epididymis.However, recent studies proposed potential novel links between some testicular and paratesticular neoplasms with certain tumor syndromes. While more studies are still needed to solidify these associations, recent research suggests that a subset of Leydig cell tumors may arise in patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome or that some seminomas may occur in Lynch syndrome patients. Additionally, an association between testicular sex cord stromal tumors and paratesticular sarcomas with Familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome and DICER1 syndrome, respectively, has been proposed as well. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between familial syndromes and associated testicular and paratesticular tumors, shedding light on their clinicopathological and molecular characteristics.

Contemporary Updates on Sex Cord-stromal Tumors of the Testis

Testicular sex cord-stromal tumors (TSCSTs) are relatively rare, representing ~5% of testicular neoplasms overall. Historically, TSCSTs have been classified into 3 major entities: Leydig cell tumor, Sertoli cell tumor, and granulosa cell tumor. In recent years, immunophenotypic and molecular analyses have led to a more detailed understanding of the biological and genomic features of these neoplasms, resulting in the description of new entities, some of which have been included in the latest WHO classification. This review summarizes novel histopathologic, clinical, and molecular findings that may lead to a reappraisal of established concepts and help improve the diagnosis and clinical management of TSCSTs in the coming years.

Testicular Neoplasms With Sex Cord and Stromal Components Harbor a Recurrent Pattern of Chromosomal Gains

A small subset of testicular sex cord-stromal tumors, designated as Sertoli-stromal cell tumors (SSCTs), comprises a mixture of Sertoli, spindle, and/or Leydig cells. The clinicopathologic features of these tumors have not been studied in any detail, and their molecular features are unknown. We, therefore, assessed the morphologic and genomic features of 14 SSCTs, including 1 tumor with features similar to the ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) with retiform tubules. The median age of the patients was 24 years (range, 10-55 years), and the median tumor size was 2.3 cm (range, 0.7-4.7 cm). All tumors showed Sertoli-like sex cord cells arranged in variably developed tubular structures, typically also forming nests and cords. These imperceptibly blended with a neoplastic spindle cell stroma or, in the SLCT, vacuolated to eosinophilic Leydig cells. Genomic analysis demonstrated the presence of a hotspot loss-of-function DICER1 mutation in the SLCT (patient 1) and hotspot gain-of-function CTNNB1 mutations in the tumors of patients 2 and 3, with both CTNNB1 variants being interpreted as possible subclonal events. The mutations were the only relevant findings in the tumors of patients 1 and 2, whereas the tumor of patient 3 harbored concurrent chromosomal arm-level and chromosome-level copy number gains. Among the remaining 11 tumors, all of those that had interpretable copy number data (9 tumors) harbored multiple recurrent chromosomal arm-level and chromosome-level copy number gains suggestive of a shift in ploidy without concurrent pathogenic mutations. The results of the present study suggest that CTNNB1 mutations (likely subclonal) are only rarely present in SSCTs; instead, most of them harbor genomic alterations similar to those seen in testicular sex cord-stromal tumors with pure or predominant spindle cell components. A notable exception was a testicular SLCT with morphologic features identical to the ovarian counterpart, which harbored a DICER1 mutation.

Clinicopathologic Analysis and Molecular Profiling of Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumors

Ovarian steroid and Leydig cell tumors (SCT and LCT, respectively) are rare stromal tumors, with aggressive behavior described in approximately one third of SCTs. Previously reported features potentially predictive of malignancy include size ≥7 cm, gross hemorrhage, necrosis, grade 2 or 3 nuclear atypia, and mitoses ≥2/10 HPFs; however, no subsequent studies have corroborated these findings. Herein, we evaluated a series of 25 tumors (21 SCT, 4 LCT) to explore their clinicopathologic and molecular features. Patients ranged from 16 to 79 years (median: 53 y) and all tumors were FIGO stage I. Recurrences occurred in 3 patients, all of whom died from disease. At least 1 atypical feature was identified in 63% of SCT/LCT and included hemorrhage (n=9), grade 2 or 3 atypia (n=7), mitoses≥2/10 HPFs (n=7), size≥7.0 cm (n=6), and necrosis (n=2); only malignant SCTs demonstrated 4 or 5 atypical features. Next-generation sequencing revealed malignant SCTs were genomically unstable, with uncommon and nonrecurring gene-level alterations ( MDM2/CDK4 coamplification, ATRX rearrangement, BAP1 mutation). One SCT with limited follow-up harbored FH and TP53 mutations and occasional arm-level copy number alterations, while all other sequenced tumors (n=7) were genomically stable; 1 had a CTNNB1 mutation and another a CASP10 mutation. In summary, the presence of at least 1 atypical feature is common in SCT/LCT, but most patients demonstrate a benign clinical course. Genomic alterations are infrequent but occur in malignant SCTs as well as a subset of benign SCTs. Molecular analysis of additional malignant SCTs is necessary to identify recurring and/or potentially actionable targets.

Germline APC Alterations May Predispose to Testicular Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors

Sertoli cell tumor is a type of testicular sex cord-stromal tumor (TSCST) typically driven by gain-of-function CTNNB1 variants. Recently, molecular studies have identified TSCSTs (including Sertoli cell tumors) with loss-of-function APC variants, raising the possibility that germline APC alterations may predispose to TSCSTs. In this study, we evaluated 4 TSCSTs from 4 individual patients, including 3 APC -mutant neoplasms identified in prior studies (1 in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis [FAP] and 2 in patients with unknown syndromic status) and 1 tumor of unknown mutational status diagnosed in a patient with known FAP. Three neoplasms were typical Sertoli cell tumors, and 1 was a malignant unclassified TSCT. All neoplasms exhibited diffuse nuclear beta-catenin expression. Non-neoplastic tissue could be obtained for DNA sequencing in the 3 Sertoli cell tumors. Comparative assessment of non-neoplastic and lesional tissue in these cases suggested that germline APC variants with subsequent inactivation of the gene (loss of heterozygosity) were the likely oncogenic driver of these Sertoli cell tumors. In the malignant unclassified TSCSTs, APC inactivation was also interpreted as the most likely driver event, and the germline origin of the variant was inferred using a recently published method. The results of this study suggest that pathogenic germline APC alterations (eg, FAP and variants thereof) may predispose to TSCSTs.

Molecular Biomarkers With Potential Clinical Application in Testicular Cancer

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) and sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are the most common testicular neoplasms. The morphologic spectrum of such tumors is wide, with several histologic subtypes within each group. Testicular tumors often represent a diagnostic challenge, requiring proper identification of their biologic potential for accurate risk stratification and selection of therapy. In the era of precision medicine, molecular biomarkers are increasingly assuming a critical role in the management of patients with cancer. Given the overall rarity of certain types of testicular neoplasms, progress in biomarker research has been relatively slow. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a multitude of important contributions, including both tissue-based and liquid biopsy biomarkers, stemming from important discoveries of tumor pathobiology, accurate histopathological analysis, multi-institutional studies, and genome-wide molecular analyses of specific tumor subtypes. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in molecular biomarkers of TGCTs and SCSTs, focusing on those with greatest potential for clinical application. In TGCTs, developmental biology has been the key to understanding these tumors and identifying clinically useful biomarkers (from classical serum tumor markers to pluripotency factors and circulating microRNAs of the 371-373 cluster). For SCSTs, studies have focused on tissue biomarkers only, and genome-wide investigations have recently contributed to a better understanding of rare phenotypes and the aggressive biological behavior of some tumors within this nosologic category. Several new biomarkers are moving toward clinical implementation in this field. Therefore, the practicing pathologist should be aware of their strengths and limitations in order to utilize them properly and maximize their clinical benefits.

Inflammatory and Nested Testicular Sex Cord Tumor: A Novel Neoplasm With Aggressive Clinical Behavior and Frequent EWSR1::ATF1 Gene Fusions

A subset of malignant testicular sex cord tumors (TSCTs), heretofore interpreted as Sertoli cell tumors, not otherwise specified, exhibits distinctive morphologic features that partially overlap with those of seminoma. In this study, we evaluated the clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics of 13 such tumors. The patients were 20 to 73 years old (median, 36 y), and all with available data presented with testicular masses (median size, 3 cm), with 2 having synchronous retroperitoneal metastases. All 11 patients with available follow-up developed metastases to retroperitoneal lymph nodes, nonretroperitoneal lymph nodes, bone, contralateral testis, and/or lung. Microscopically, the tumors showed solid nests and sheets of epithelioid cells with granular, eosinophilic to clear/vacuolated cytoplasm, admixed in most (12/13) cases with variable proportions of lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Additional features included intracytoplasmic hyaline inclusions and a prominent collagenous, sometimes hyalinized stroma. Mitotic activity was relatively low (median, 1 mitosis/10 HPF), but tumor necrosis was frequent (11/13). Local invasion of adjacent structures and lymphovascular invasion were noted in some tumors (4/9 cases with available data for each feature). All were α-inhibin-positive and lacked nuclear reactivity for β-catenin. In addition, all tested cases were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (9/9) and steroidogenic factor-1 (8/8), and 8/10 expressed CD30. Two "index" cases were initially analyzed using a DNA sequencing panel, which identified EWSR1::ATF1 fusions in both. Subsequently, EWSR1::ATF1 fusions were demonstrated in 8 of the remaining 11 cases using fluorescence in situ hybridization or DNA sequencing. One of the 3 cases that were negative for EWSR1::ATF1 harbored ATF1 amplification. This study, therefore, shows that a group of malignant TSCTs resembling seminoma is characterized by α-inhibin and steroidogenic factor-1 positivity, no expression of nuclear β-catenin, frequent CD30 positivity and recurrent EWSR1::ATF1 fusions. We have descriptively termed these neoplasms "inflammatory and nested TSCT." Importantly, inflammatory and nested TSCTs show significant differences in morphology, immunoprofile, molecular biology, and, likely, clinical behavior from Sertoli cell tumors, not otherwise specified and should be classified separately.

Molecular Correlates of Aggressive Behavior and Biologic Progression in Testicular Sertoli Cell Tumor

Sertoli cell tumor (SCT) is the second most common type of sex cord-stromal tumor in men and ∼10% exhibit malignant behavior. Although CTNNB1 variants have been described in SCTs, only a limited number of metastatic cases have been analyzed, and the molecular alterations associated with aggressive behavior remain largely unexplored. This study evaluated a series of nonmetastasizing and metastasizing SCTs using next-generation DNA sequencing to further characterize their genomic landscape. Twenty-two tumors from 21 patients were analyzed. Cases were divided into metastasizing SCTs and nonmetastasizing SCTs. Nonmetastasizing tumors were considered to have aggressive histopathologic features if they exhibited ≥1 of the following: size > 2.4 cm, necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, ≥ 3 mitoses per 10 high-power fields (HPF), severe nuclear atypia or invasive growth. Six patients had metastasizing SCTs and the remaining 15 had nonmetastasizing SCTs; 5 nonmetastasizing tumors had ≥1 aggressive histopathologic feature(s). Gain-of-function CTNNB1 or inactivating APC variants were highly recurrent in nonmetastasizing SCTs (combined frequency >90%), with arm-/chromosomal-level CNVs, loss of 1p and CTNNB1 LOH occurring exclusively in CTNNB1-mutant tumors with aggressive histopathologic features or size >1.5 cm. Nonmetastasizing SCTs were almost invariably driven by WNT pathway activation. In contrast, only 50% of metastasizing SCTs harbored gain-of-function CTNNB1 variants. The remaining 50% of metastasizing SCTs were CTNNB1-wild-type and harbored alterations in TP53, MDM2, CDKN2A/CDKN2B, and TERT pathways. These findings suggest that aggressive SCTs can arise from progression of CTNNB1-mutant benign SCTs, or from CTNNB1-wild type tumors with alterations of TP53, cell cycle regulation, and telomere maintenance pathways.

An update on diagnostic tissue-based biomarkers in testicular tumors

Testicular cancer is rare overall but comprises the most common solid malignancy diagnosed in young men aged ∼20-40 years. Most testicular neoplasms generally fall into 2 broad categories: germ cell tumors (GCTs; ∼95%) and sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs ∼5%). Given the relative rarity of these tumors, diagnostic biomarkers are highly relevant for their diagnosis. Over the past several decades, diagnostic biomarkers have improved dramatically through targeted immunohistochemical and molecular characterization. Despite these recent advances, most markers are not perfectly sensitive or entirely specific. Therefore, they need to be used in combination and interpreted in context. In this review, we summarize tissue-based biomarkers relevant to the pathologist, with a focus on practical diagnostic issues that relate to testicular GCT and SCST.

Testicular Tumors: New Developments in Germ Cell and Sex Cord Stromal Tumors

This article reviews the recent advances and potential future changes in the classification of testicular germ cell and sex cord stromal tumors, highlighting changes in the classification system and terminology with description on newer entities. A discussion on approaching difficult areas and diagnostic pitfalls is also included along with the utility of ancillary investigations. Areas with limited knowledge are highlighted to providing direction for future studies and a bulleted summary in the form of critical care points is provided.

Clinicopathologic and molecular spectrum of testicular sex cord-stromal tumors not amenable to specific histopathologic subclassification

A subset of testicular sex cord-stromal tumors (SCST), which includes neoplasms with mixed histology, cannot be classified into a specific histologic subtype. This study evaluated the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic and molecular features of 26 SCST not amenable to specific classification by expert uropathologists. Median age at diagnosis was 43 years and median tumor size was 2.4 cm. Follow-up information was available for 18 (69%) patients, with evidence of an aggressive clinical course in 6 patients (4 alive with disease, 2 dead of disease 3 months and 6 months after orchiectomy). Microscopically, SCST not amenable to specific classification demonstrated monophasic epithelioid (9/26, 35%), monophasic spindle cell (5/26, 19%), and biphasic or mixed histology (12/26, 46%). One or more aggressive histopathologic features were seen in 11 cases. DNA sequencing was successful in 22 tumors. Pathogenic CTNNB1 and APC alterations were seen in 7 (33%) and 2 (10%) cases, respectively, with additional variants (e.g., CDKN2A, RB1, TP53, BRCA2) being identified in individual cases. Combined evaluation of morphology, sequencing data and beta-catenin immunohistochemistry resulted in reclassification of 6 (23%) tumors as Sertoli cell tumor, not otherwise specified. This was supported by comparing the methylation profiles of a subset of these tumors and those of typical Sertoli cell tumors. Additionally, a subset of 5 neoplasms (19%) with spindle cell or biphasic histology and SMA expression was characterized by hyperdiploid genomes with recurrent chromosomal gains and absence of driver mutations, possibly representing a distinct tumor type. The SCST that remained not amenable to specific histologic classification (15/26, 58%) were enriched for aggressive histologic features and malignant clinical behavior. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a subset of testicular SCST that were originally not amenable to specific classification could be reclassified by combined evaluation of morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular data.

Molecular assessment of testicular adult granulosa cell tumor demonstrates significant differences when compared to ovarian counterparts

Testicular adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) is a rare type of sex-cord stromal tumor that affects patients of a wide age range and has the potential for late metastasis. In the testis, the diagnosis of AGCTs often requires the exclusion of other more common types of sex-cord stromal tumors. Immunohistochemistry is of limited utility, being used mostly to confirm sex-cord lineage and to exclude other entities when morphology is not typical. Unlike ovarian AGCTs, which are molecularly homogeneous and harbor a specific activating FOXL2 mutation (c.7558C > T p.C134W) in >90% of cases, the molecular characteristics of testicular AGCTs remain largely unknown. In the current study, we analyzed 13 testicular AGCTs diagnosed at multiple institutions using massively parallel DNA sequencing to evaluate single nucleotide variants, copy number alterations, and structural variants. In all, 10/13 cases were sequenced successfully. Notably, the FOXL2 c.7558C > T (p.C134W) mutation was identified in only a single case (1/10, 10%). The remaining cases were molecularly heterogeneous, with largely nonrecurrent genetic variants. Putative driver events in individual cases included a well-characterized gain-of-function NRAS mutation, as well as inactivation of ATM and TP53, among others. The only highly recurrent finding was single copy loss of 22q (7/10 cases, 70%). Comparatively, the frequencies of FOXL2 c.7558C > T (p.C134W) and 22q loss in 12 metastatic ovarian AGCTs identified in our database were 92% (11/12) and 42% (5/12), respectively. The results of the present study suggest that testicular AGCTs are different from their ovarian counterparts in that they appear to be molecularly heterogeneous and only rarely harbor FOXL2 mutations.

Promising Immunotherapy in Metastatic Testicular Sex Cord Stromal Tumours After First-Line Chemotherapy

Background

Testicular sex cord stromal tumours (TSCSTs) are rare, with few studies focusing on the metastatic TSCST prognosis. The value of treatments, including radical orchiectomy (RO) and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), in preventing metastasis is controversial. Additionally, metastatic TSCSTs are resistant to chemotherapy. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of immunotherapy in metastatic TSCSTs after first-line chemotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively screened patients with testicular tumours undergoing testis surgery between January 2005 and January 2019. Patients with TSCSTs who had undergone testis-sparing surgery (TSS) or RO were identified. The malignant type was defined as metastasis confirmed by pathology. Treatment responses, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety were analysed.

Results

Among the 494 testicular tumour patients who received TSS or RO, 11 (2.2%) patients with histologically proven TSCSTs were identified. At the last follow-up, 7 patients survived without tumours, and 4 patients developed metastasis and received first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy, with 1 of them achieving an objective response. Their PFS times were 1.5, 2.2, 9.0, and 17.0 months, respectively. Two patients received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) after developing chemotherapy resistance and achieved a partial response up to the last follow-up; one of them experienced Grade 1 adverse events, and the other experienced Grade 2 adverse events during immunotherapy. The median OS time of the 4 patients with metastatic TSCSTs was 32 months.

Conclusions

TSCSTs are rare, and most are benign with a good prognosis. ICIs represent a promising option for improving clinical outcomes in metastatic TSCSTs.

Comparative molecular analysis of testicular Leydig cell tumors demonstrates distinct subsets of neoplasms with aggressive histopathologic features

Testicular Leydig cell tumor (LCT), the most common sex-cord stromal tumor in men, represents a small fraction of all testicular tumors (~1 to 3%). Although most testicular LCTs are indolent and cured by radical orchiectomy, 5-10% have aggressive biology and metastatic potential. In primary LCTs, large size, cytologic atypia, necrosis, increased mitotic activity, and vascular invasion have been associated with clinically aggressive tumors. From a molecular perspective, the characteristics of aggressive LCTs and the differences between aggressive and nonaggressive LCTs remain largely unexplored. This study compares the genomic landscape of aggressive and nonaggressive testicular LCTs. Twenty-six cases were analyzed using next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry. Cases were classified as aggressive LCT if they met published criteria for malignancy in primary (i.e., testicular) tumors or if they had pathology-proven metastatic disease; otherwise, cases were considered nonaggressive. This multi-institutional series included 18 aggressive LCTs (14 primary/testicular, 4 metastatic) and 8 nonaggressive LCTs. Two cases (2/26, 8%; both aggressive LCTs) failed sequencing and had negative (i.e., uninformative) FH immunohistochemistry results. One additional primary aggressive LCT failed sequencing but had informative FH immunohistochemistry results. Combined NGS and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated FH inactivation in 5/26 cases (19%). In addition, NGS demonstrated CTNNB1 mutations or biallelic APC inactivation in 9/23 cases (39%), copy number changes without recurrent mutations in 6/23 (26%) cases, and no alterations in 4/23 cases (17%). CTNNB1 mutations were present in both aggressive and nonaggressive LCTs. In contrast, FH inactivation and multiple copy number changes were only identified in aggressive LCTs. In conclusion, three distinct subgroups of aggressive LCTs were characterized by FH inactivation, Wnt pathway activation, and copy number changes without recurrent mutations, respectively. Nuclear translocation of β-catenin and Wnt pathway activation appear to be early driver events that provide an environment conducive for progression to aggressive biology in a subset of LCTs.

Re-evaluating tumors of purported specialized prostatic stromal origin reveals molecular heterogeneity, including non-recurring gene fusions characteristic of uterine and soft tissue sarcoma subtypes

Tumors of purported specialized prostatic stromal origin comprise prostatic stromal sarcomas (PSS) and stromal tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). Prior studies have described their clinicopathologic characteristics, but the molecular features remain incompletely understood. Moreover, these neoplasms are morphologically heterogeneous and the lack of specific adjunctive markers of prostatic stromal lineage make precise definition more difficult, leading some to question whether they represent a specific tumor type. In this study, we used next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing to profile 25 primary prostatic mesenchymal neoplasms of possible specialized prostatic stromal origin, including cases originally diagnosed as PSS (11) and STUMP (14). Morphologically, the series comprised 20 cases with solid architecture (11 PSS and 9 STUMP) and 5 cases with phyllodes-like growth pattern (all STUMP). Combined DNA and RNA sequencing results demonstrated that 19/22 (86%) cases that underwent successful sequencing (either DNA or RNA) harbored pathogenic somatic variants. Except for TP53 alterations (6 cases), ATRX mutations (2 cases), and a few copy number variants (-13q, -14q, -16q and +8/8p), the findings were largely nonrecurrent. Eight gene rearrangements were found, and 4 (NAB2-STAT6, JAZF1-SUZ12, TPM3-NTRK1 and BCOR-MAML3) were useful for reclassification of the cases as specific entities. The present study shows that mesenchymal neoplasms of the prostate are morphologically and molecularly heterogeneous and include neoplasms that harbor genetic aberrations seen in specific mesenchymal tumors arising in other anatomic sites, including soft tissue and the uterus. These data suggest that tumors of purported specialized prostatic stromal origin may perhaps not represent a single diagnostic entity or specific disease group and that alternative diagnoses should be carefully considered.

[Diagnosis and treatment of rare testicular tumors using the example of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis and Sertoli cell tumors]

BACKGROUND

Rare tumors of the testis not originating from germinal epithelium are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

OBJECTIVES

To present current approaches in rare tumors of the testis using the examples of Sertoli cell tumor (SCT) and malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginal testis (MMTVT).

METHODS

A literature search in PubMed and the abstract databases of ASCO and ESMO was performed. Articles and book chapters were selected based on relevance to everyday treatment.

RESULTS

The low incidence of testicular tumors not originating from the germinal epithelium makes a standardized approach difficult. Diagnosis and treatment depend on the underlying diagnosis. While most SCT are benign, malignant subtypes require extensive resection including metastatic surgery if complete resection is possible. In MMTVT, multimodality treatment concepts are followed, according to the malignant mesotheliomas of the pleura.

CONCLUSION

Systematic registration of rare testicular tumors and comprehensive molecular pathological analysis are urgently needed to improve the understanding of tumor biology and to develop new therapeutic strategies.

[SERTOLI CELL TUMOR OF TESTIS: CASE REPORT]

A 36-year-old male with right scrotal induration visited a local physician and ultrasonography showed a mass in the right testicle. He was referred to our hospital, where an additional ultrasonography examination revealed a 1×1-cm mass with clear borders, a heterogeneous interior, slight hyperintensity, and abundant blood flow in the upper part of the right testis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography results indicated a massive lesion with an uneven contrast effect in the right testis and no evidence of metastasis, while magnetic resonance imaging showed the tumor with bleeding and internal heterogeneity. All tumor markers were negative. Under a diagnosis of primary germ cell tumor of the testis without metastasis, a high orchiectomy was performed. The pathological diagnosis was sertoli cell tumor. Histopathologically, the tumor was benign and no additional treatment was performed. Three years after the operation, the patient was well and without complications.

The Leydig cell tumour Scaled Score (LeSS): a method to distinguish benign from malignant cases, with additional correlation with MDM2 and CDK4 amplification

AIMS

To investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) of the testis for the identification of cases that may metastasise.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Six parameters for a predictive model of the metastatic risk were evaluated in 37 benign and 14 malignant LCTs of the testis [LCT Scaled Score (LeSS)]. The tumour size (benign LCTs, mean 13.3 mm; malignant LCTs, mean 44 mm) (P < 0.001) and five other parameters (infiltrative margins, necrosis, vascular invasion, mitotic count, and nuclear atypia) showed significant differences (Wilcoxon's test, P < 0.001). Eight metastatic LCTs and one benign LCT had infiltrative margins. Foci of coagulative necrosis occurred in 10 metastatic LCTs, whereas vascular invasion was identified in nine of 14 metastatic LCTs and none of 37 benign LCTs. Benign LCTs showed <2 mitoses/10 high-power fields (HPFs), whereas a high mitotic count (range, 3-50 mitoses/10 HPFs) was a feature of malignant LCTs. These parameters were selected by use of an inferential analysis based on univariate logistic regression models to develop a score. A LeSS of <4 correctly identified all histologically and clinically benign LCTs. A LeSS of ≥4 correctly identified all malignant LCTs. MDM2 and CDK4 immunostains were applied in all 51 cases: benign LCTs were negative; three of 11 malignant LCTs (27%) showed strong and diffuse immunopositivity and high levels of MDM2 and CDK4 amplification as determined with fluorescence in-situ hybridisation analysis and next-generation sequencing.

CONCLUSION

We provide a new tool, the LeSS, for the prediction of malignant behaviour in LCTs.

A comparison of stage-specific all-cause mortality between testicular sex cord stromal tumors and germ cell tumors: results from the National Cancer Database

Background

Testicular sex cord stromal tumors (SCSTs) are managed similarly to germ cell tumors (GCTs); however, few studies have directly compared outcomes between these tumor types. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we sought to compare overall and stage-specific all-cause mortality (ACM) between SCSTs versus GCTs.

Methods

NCDB was queried for patients diagnosed with SCSTs and GCTs between 2004 and 2013. Descriptive statistics were used to compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between groups. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to assess associations with ACM.

Results

We identified 42,192 patients diagnosed with testicular cancer between 2004 and 2013, with 280 having SCSTs and 41,912 patients having GCTs. Median age for SCSTs and GCTs was 45 (interquartile range [IQR] 34–59) and 34 (IQR 27–43), respectively (p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 39 and 52 months, respectively. Overall, patients with SCSTs had greater risk of ACM compared to those with GCTs (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.14–2.50). Private insurance, greater education, and fewer comorbidities were associated with reduced risk of ACM (p < 0.05 for all). Among those with stage I disease, tumor type was not associated with ACM on multivariable analysis. Among those with stage II/III disease, patients with SCSTs had increased risk of ACM compared to patients with GCTs (HR 3.29, 95% CI 1.89–5.72).

Conclusions

Patients with advanced SCSTs had worse survival outcomes compared to those with advanced GCTs. These data suggest a need for further investigation to ascertain effective management recommendations for SCSTs.

Sertoli Cell Tumors of the Testes: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Outcomes in 435 Patients

BACKGROUND

Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) of the testes are rare, and the literature provides only weak evidence concerning their clinical course and management. The objective of this study was to summarize evidence on SCTs' clinical presentation, clinicopathological risk factors for malignancy, treatment options, and oncological outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data sources included Medline, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science. Published case reports, case series, and cohorts were included. Data on clinicopathological variables, treatment of local or metastatic disease, site of metastasis, or survival were extracted from each study considered in this paper, and associations between clinicopathological variables and metastatic disease were analyzed. Whenever feasible, data on individual patients were collected.

RESULTS

Of the 435 patients included, only one (<1%) showed local recurrence after testis-sparing surgery (TSS). Three patients underwent adjuvant retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Fifty patients presented with metastases, located in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes (76%), lungs (36%), and bones (16%); median time to recurrence was 12 months. Risk factors for metastatic disease included age, tumor size, necrosis, tumor extension to the spermatic cord, angiolymphatic invasion, and mitotic index. Patients with metastases had a median life expectancy of 20 months. In six patients, metastasectomy resulted in complete remission.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that few local recurrences result after TSS, and no adjuvant therapy can be regarded as a standard of care. Several risk factors are predictive of metastatic disease. Surgery leads to remission in metastatic disease, whereas systemic treatment alone does not result in long-term remission.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Testicular Sertoli cell tumors usually present without metastatic disease and show low local recurrence rates after testis-sparing surgery; no adjuvant therapy option can be regarded as a standard of care. Patients with risk factors should undergo staging investigations. Those with metastatic disease have poor prognoses, and metastasectomy may be offered in selected cases.