Organ sparing surgery for malignant germ cell tumor of the testis

Testicular Cancer Treatments and Sexuality: A Narrative Review

The incidence of testicular cancer (TC) has been rapidly increasing over the past years. Diagnosis and early treatment have shown good oncological control, guaranteeing the patient different treatment approaches according to histology and tumor stage. Currently, physicians usually prioritize oncological outcomes over sexual outcomes and quality of life, considering as a first aim the overall survival of the patients; however, differently from other neoplasms, quality of life is still strongly affected among TC patients, and sexual outcomes are frequently compromised after each TC treatment. Several studies have suggested that each treatment approach may be associated with sexual dysfunctions, including erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorders, fertility issues, and hormonal changes. Since testicular cancer patients are more frequently young men, the subject of this work is substantial and should be analyzed in detail to help specialists in the management of this disease. The aim of the current narrative review is to generally describe every treatment for TC, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, and to establish which sexual dysfunction may be specifically associated with each therapy.

SAVE Testis-sparing score: a multicenter retrospective study of a novel predictive tool for quantifying testicular tumors

BACKGROUND

Testis-sparing surgery (TSS) is a safe treatment for patients with benign testicular tumors. Presently, assessments for evaluating the suitability of TSS are poorly standardized, partially because testicular anatomical elements cannot be quantitatively described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors developed a scoring method known as the SAVE testis-sparing score based on four critical and accessible anatomical features of a testicular tumor. The SAVE score ranges from 0 to 8 and is divided into four risk classes ( low , medium , high , and extremely high ) to evaluate the feasibility of TSS, wherein low-risk indicates high feasibility and vice versa. This study included 444 testicular tumor patients from eight centers. Among them, 216 patients (model group: 151 patients, validation group: 65 patients) were included in the modeling analysis, and the other 228 patients from children's centers were included in the proportion analysis. Using retrospective data, patient characteristics associated with surgical methods were identified. Furthermore, a multivariate logistic regression model was built quantify the associations between these characteristics and the surgery method. The receiver operator characteristic curve was used to evaluate the classification efficiency of SAVE.

RESULTS

The SAVE testis-sparing score includes size (tumor size as maximal diameter), available testicular tissue volume, volume ratio of the tumor to the testis, and the exophytic / endophytic properties of the tumor. The SAVE scoring system accurately classified the suitability of TSS based on the complexity of benign testicular tumors.

CONCLUSION

The SAVE score is a reproducible and robust tool for quantitatively describing the anatomical characteristics of benign testicular tumors and guide the preoperative evaluation of TSS.

The Safe Surgical Margin for the Testis Sparing Surgery in Testicular Cancer

BACKGROUND

Testis sparing surgery (TSS) has an important role in preserving the functional capacity of testicular cancer (TC). Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) lesions in the remaining testis have a significant risk for local recurrence.

AIM

We aimed to evaluate the presence of satellite GCNIS lesions around the primary tumor and to measure the distance of the furthest GCNIS lesion to the primary tumor.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

The radical orchiectomy specimens of patients (n = 37) with a tumor size of ≤3 cm were reevaluated by the same pathologist. The satellite GCNIS lesions located around the primary tumor were detected, and the furthest GCNIS lesion distance to the primary tumor was measured under light microscopy.

RESULTS

The mean tumor size was 1,9 ± 0,6 cm. The mean furthest GCNIS distance to the primary tumor was 5,08 ± 2,77 mm. A total of 19 (51,4%) patients had the furthest GCNIS lesions <5 mm, and 28 (75,6%) patients had the furthest GCNIS lesions <7 mm away from the primary lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Leaving a 5 mm safety margin during TSS would lead to excise the satellite GCNIS lesions in half of the patients. Increasing the safety margin to 7 mm would lead to excise the satellite GCNIS lesions at 75% of the patients.

Male infertility and urological tumors: Pathogenesis and therapeutical implications

Most genitourinary tract cancers have a negative impact on male fertility. Although testicular cancers have the worst impact, other tumors such as prostate, bladder, and penis are diagnosed early and treated in relatively younger patients in which couple fertility can be an important concern. The purpose of this review is to highlight both the pathogenetic mechanisms of damage to male fertility in the context of the main urological cancers and the methods of preserving male fertility in an oncological setting, in light of the most recent scientific evidence. A systematic review of available literature was carried out on the main scientific search engines, such as PubMed, Clinicaltrials.Gov, and Google scholar. Three hundred twenty-five relevant articles on this subject were identified, 98 of which were selected being the most relevant to the purpose of this review. There is a strong evidence in literature that all of the genitourinary oncological therapies have a deep negative impact on male fertility: orchiectomy, partial orchiectomy, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RPLND), radical cystectomy, prostatectomy, penectomy, as well as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal androgen suppression. Preservation of fertility is possible and includes cryopreservation, hormonal manipulation with GnRH analogs before chemotherapy, androgen replacement. Germ cell auto transplantation is an intriguing strategy with future perspectives. Careful evaluation of male fertility must be a key point before treating genitourinary tumors, taking into account patients' age and couples' perspectives. Informed consent should provide adequate information to the patient about the current state of his fertility and about the balance between risks and benefits in oncological terms. Standard approaches to genitourinary tumors should include a multidisciplinary team with urologists, oncologists, radiotherapists, psycho-sexologists, andrologists, gynecologists, and reproductive endocrinologists.

Critical elements of pediatric testicular germ cell tumors surgery

Children, adolescents and young adults with testicular germ cell tumors require appropriate surgical care to insure excellent outcomes. This article presents the most critical elements, and their basis in evidence, for surgery in this population. Specifically, the importance of inguinal radical orchiectomy for malignant tumors, partial orchiectomy for prepubertal tumors and normal serum tumor markers, and the appropriate use of post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in those with residual retroperitoneal masses.

Organ-Sparing Surgery for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Current Perspective

Background and Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors, a procedure that seeks to strike a balance between effective cancer control and organ preservation, in the treatment of testicular tumors. We aimed to discuss the surgical technique and complications, and determine the appropriate candidate selection for this approach. Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies on organ-sparing surgery for testicular tumors. Various databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were used. Studies reporting on surgical techniques, complications, and oncologic and functional outcomes were included for analysis. Results: Current evidence suggests that organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors can be considered a safe and efficacious alternative to radical orchiectomy. The procedure is associated with adequate oncological control, as indicated by low recurrence rates and low complication rates. Endocrine testicular function can be preserved in around 80-90% of patients and paternity can be achieved in approximately half of the patients. Candidate selection for this surgery is typically based on the following criteria: pre-surgery normal levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, synchronous or metachronous bilateral tumors, tumor in a solitary testis, and tumor size less than 50% of the testis. Conclusions: Organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors offers a promising approach that balances oncological control and preservation of testicular function. Further research, including large-scale prospective studies and long-term follow-ups, is warranted to validate the effectiveness and durability of organ-sparing surgery and to identify optimal patient selection criteria.

Surgical management of prepubertal testicular tumors: A 30-year study in our institution

OBJECTIVES

The 2021 European Association of Urology-European Society for Paediatric Urology guidelines on Pediatric Urology recommended testis-sparing surgery (TSS) as the primary approach to treat prepubertal testicular tumors exhibiting favorable preoperative ultrasound diagnoses. However, prepubertal testicular tumors are rare and clinical data regarding them is limited. Here, we analyzed the surgical management of prepubertal testicular tumors based on cases observed over approximately 30 years.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively reviewed from medical records of consecutive patients aged <14 years with testicular tumors who received treatment at our institution between 1987 and 2020. We compared patients by their clinical characteristics, namely, those who underwent TSS versus radical orchiectomy (RO) and those who received surgery in 2005 onward versus prior to 2005.

RESULTS

We identified 17 patients, with a median age at surgery of 3.2 years (range 0.6-14.0) and a median tumor size of 15 mm (range 6-67). The tumor size was significantly smaller in patients who underwent TSS than in those who underwent RO (p = 0.007). Patients treated in 2005 onward were more likely to undergo TSS than those treated prior to 2005 (71% vs. 10%, respectively), without significant differences in tumor size or the rate of preoperative ultrasound. No TSS cases required conversion to RO.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent improvements in ultrasound imaging technology allow for more accurate clinical diagnosis. Therefore, the indications of TSS for prepubertal testicular tumors can be judged based not only on the tumor size but also on the diagnosis of benign tumors by preoperative ultrasound.

Testicular germ cell tumour arising 15 years after radiotherapy with 18 Gy for germ cell neoplasia in situ

PURPOSE

Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNis), the precursor of adult testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs), is found in 5-6% of contralateral testicles in patients with testicular GCT and in the tumour-surrounding tissue of > 90% of testes undergoing testis-sparing surgery (TSS) for GCT. Local radiotherapy to the testis with 18-20 Gy eradicates GCNis while preserving Leydig cells. The frequency of treatment failures is so far unknown.

METHODS

A 22-year-old patient with right-sided seminoma clinical stage I and contralateral GCNis received radiotherapy with 18 Gy to his left testicle. Fifteen years later he underwent orchiectomy of the irradiated testis for seminoma with adjacent GCNis. The patient is well 1 year postoperatively while on testosterone-replacement therapy. The literature was searched for further cases with GCTs arising despite local radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Six failures of radiotherapy have been reported previously. An estimated total number of 200 and 100 radiotherapeutic regimens with 18-20 Gy applied to cases with contralateral GCNis and with TSS, respectively, are documented in the literature.

CONCLUSION

Cumulative experience suggests that radiotherapy with 18-20 Gy to the testis may fail with an estimated frequency of around 1%. Reasons for failure are elusive. A primary radioresistant subfraction of GCNis is hypothesized as well as technical failures regarding application of the radiotherapeutic dose volume in small and mobile testes. Caregivers of patients with TSS and contralateral GCNis should be aware of local relapses occurring after intervals of > 10 years.

Small Testicular Masses: Contemporary Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies, Future Directions, and Knowledge Gaps

The incidental discovery of small masses in the testicles of young men is becoming an increasing clinical dilemma. We are learning that the malignancy rate in masses ≤ 2 cm is much lower than traditionally thought and could be as low as 13% to 21%. The challenge remains in identifying which of these patients harbor malignant tumors that need to be treated, and benign lesions that could be safely surveilled. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the current scientific evidence, diagnostic work-up, and treatment strategies for small testicular masses. We also discuss selection criteria, follow-up schedules and triggers for intervention for the surveillance of these small testis masses. Furthermore, we give a set of recommendations for assessing and treating these patients, based on the available literature and our experience at a dedicated testicular cancer clinic.

Testis-sparing Surgery in Adult Patients with Germ Cell Tumors: Systematic Search of the Literature and Focused Review

Testis-sparing surgery (TSS) is a guideline-recommended treatment option for men with synchronous or metachronous bilateral testicular germ-cell tumor (GCT) or GCT in a solitary testicle. The tumor volume should not exceed 50% of the total testicular volume and serum concentrations of both testosterone and luteinizing hormone should be within the normal ranges. After tumor enucleation, patients should undergo adjuvant radiation of the testicle in case of germ cell neoplasia in situ. The local relapse rate is approximately 4% if TSS is performed properly. Physiological serum testosterone concentrations are achieved in more than 85% of patients, and approximately 50% of men with intact spermatogenesis can achieve paternity. The risk of systemic metastases is not increased by TSS. PATIENT SUMMARY: Testis-sparing surgery is the treatment of choice for men with testicular cancer in both testes or in men who have just one testis. In more than 85% of patients this approach results in maintenance of normal testosterone levels.

What should be done in terms of fertility preservation for patients with cancer? The French 2021 guidelines

AIM

To provide practice guidelines about fertility preservation (FP) in oncology.

METHODS

We selected 400 articles after a PubMed review of the literature (1987-2019).

RECOMMENDATIONS

Any child, adolescent and adult of reproductive age should be informed about the risk of treatment gonadotoxicity. In women, systematically proposed FP counselling between 15 and 38 years of age in case of treatment including bifunctional alkylating agents, above 6 g/m2 cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED), and for radiation doses on the ovaries ≥3 Gy. For postmenarchal patients, oocyte cryopreservation after ovarian stimulation is the first-line FP technique. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation should be discussed as a first-line approach in case of treatment with a high gonadotoxic risk, when chemotherapy has already started and in urgent cases. Ovarian transposition is to be discussed prior to pelvic radiotherapy involving a high risk of premature ovarian failure. For prepubertal girls, ovarian tissue cryopreservation should be proposed in the case of treatment with a high gonadotoxic risk. In pubertal males, sperm cryopreservation must be systematically offered to any male who is to undergo cancer treatment, regardless of toxicity. Testicular tissue cryopreservation must be proposed in males unable to cryopreserve sperm who are to undergo a treatment with intermediate or severe risk of gonadotoxicity. In prepubertal boys, testicular tissue preservation is: - recommended for chemotherapy with a CED ≥7500 mg/m2 or radiotherapy ≥3 Gy on both testicles. - proposed for chemotherapy with a CED ≥5.000 mg/m2 or radiotherapy ≥2 Gy. If several possible strategies, the ultimate choice is made by the patient.

Oncological and functional outcomes after testis-sparing surgery in patients with germ cell tumors: a systematic review of 285 cases

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

In several urogenital cancers, organ-preserving surgery represents the preferred treatment approach, but in patients with testicular germ cell tumors (tGCTs), radical orchiectomy represents the standard of care. This study aimed to summarize published case series assessing oncological and functional outcomes after testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with tGCTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review and individual patient data meta-analysis were conducted of published cases with tGCT treated with TSS.

RESULTS

Of 2,333 reports, we included 32 reports providing data on 285 patients, including 306 testicles treated with TSS. Adjacent germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) was described in 43%. Hypogonadism and infertility after TSS were diagnosed in 27% and 18%. In patients undergoing adjuvant testicular radiotherapy, hypogonadism was diagnosed in 40%. Patients treated with adjuvant testicular radiotherapy after TSS exhibited a significantly lower incidence of local recurrence (2% vs. 50%, p < 0.001). Distant metastases after TSS were observed in 2%.

CONCLUSION

The current data questions the benefits of TSS in tGCT patients. If at all, TSS should only be offered to well-informed patients with a singular testicle, excellent compliance, a singular tumor less than 2 cm located at the lower pole of the testicle, and normal preoperative endocrine function. Unless patients plan to father a child within a short time frame, adjuvant testicular radiotherapy should be recommended after TSS. Radical orchiectomy remains the standard of care, but future studies may support the use of TSS in selected men.

Testicular Germ Cell Tumours and Proprotein Convertases

Simple Summary

Despite the high survival rate of the most common neoplasia in young Caucasian men: Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCT), the quality of life of these patients is impaired by the multiple long-term side effects of their treatment. The study of molecules that can serve both as diagnostic biomarkers for tumor development and as therapeutic targets seems necessary. Proprotein convertases (PC) are a group of proteases responsible for the maturation of inactive proproteins with very diverse functions, whose alterations in expression have been associated with various diseases, such as other types of cancer and inflammation. The study of the immune tumor microenvironment and the substrates of PCs could contribute to the development of new and necessary immunotherapies to treat this pathology.

Abstract

Testicular Germ Cell Tumours (TGCT) are widely considered a “curable cancer” due to their exceptionally high survival rate, even if it is reduced by many years after the diagnosis due to metastases and relapses. The most common therapeutic approach to TGCTs has not changed in the last 50 years despite its multiple long-term side effects, and because it is the most common malignancy in young Caucasian men, much research is needed to better the quality of life of the many survivors. Proprotein Convertases (PC) are nine serine proteases responsible for the maturation of inactive proproteins with many diverse functions. Alterations in their expression have been associated with various diseases, including cancer and inflammation. Many of their substrates are adhesion molecules, metalloproteases and proinflammatory molecules, all of which are involved in tumour development. Inhibition of certain convertases has also been shown to slow tumour formation, demonstrating their involvement in this process. Considering the very established link between PCs and inflammation-related malignancies and the recent studies carried out into the immune microenvironment of TGCTs, the study of the involvement of PCs in testicular cancer may open up avenues for being both a biomarker for diagnosis and a therapeutic target.

Fertility Preservation and Restoration Options for Pre-Pubertal Male Cancer Patients: Current Approaches

Fertility preservation for prepubertal male patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies, potentially depleting spermatogonial cells, is an expanding necessity, yet most of the feasible options are still in the experimental phase. We present our experience and a summary of current and novel possibilities regarding the different strategies to protect or restore fertility in young male patients, before proceeding with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for malignances or other diseases. Adult oncological patients should always be counselled to cryopreserve the semen before starting treatment, however this approach is not suitable for prepubertal boys, who aren't capable to produce sperm yet. Fortunately, since the survival rate of pediatric cancer patients has skyrocketed in the last decade and it's over 84%, safeguarding their future fertility is becoming a major concern for reproductive medicine. Surgical and medical approaches to personalize treatment or protect the gonads could be a valid first step to take. Testicular tissue autologous grafting or xenografting, and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation, are the main experimental options available, but spermatogenesis in vitro is becoming an intriguing alternative. All of these methods feature both strong and weak prospects. There is also relevant controversy regarding the type of testicular material to preserve and the cryopreservation methods. Since transplanted cells are bound to survive based on SSCs number, many ways to enrich their population in cultures have been proposed, as well as different sites of injection inside the testis. Testicular tissue graft has been experimented on mice, rabbits, rhesus macaques and porcine, allowing the birth of live offspring after performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), however it has never been performed on human males yet. In vitro spermatogenesis remains a mirage, although many steps in the right direction have been performed. The manufacturing of 3D scaffolds and artificial spermatogenetic niche, providing support to stem cells in cultures, seems like the best way to further advance in this field.

Incidental Findings and How to Manage Them: Testis- A WFUMB Position Paper

Testicular incidentalomas are non-palpable, asymptomatic lesions, most frequently detected on ultrasound examinations. Each incidentaloma should undergo a standardized diagnostic workup to exclude malignancy and recognize other potentially significant non-malignant conditions that may first present with an incidental finding on scrotal ultrasound. This position statement of the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) summarizes the available evidence on management of testicular incidentalomas and describes efficient management strategies with particular reference to the role of ultrasound techniques.

Incidental testicular masses and the role of organ-sparing approach

OBJECTIVES

The widespread use of ultrasonography for the investigation of common urological conditions, such as infertility or pain, has resulted in an increased incidence of incidental non-palpable testicular masses. The majority of these are expected to be benign therefore a conservative approach, either active monitoring or organsparing approach, is recommended. However, there are no clinical or radiological parameters which define the exact nature of such lesions and optimal patient selection criteria are lacking. In this comprehensive review we discuss the significance of incidental, small testicular masses (STMs) and the role of organ-sparing approach in the management of these lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A non-systematic search was performed using PubMed to identify articles that covered the following topics; clinical implications at diagnosis, role of imaging in identifying the malignant capabilities of a lesion, role of surgery and the final pathology.

RESULTS

Incidental STMs are routinely identified following ultrasound examination of infertile men. STMs usually measure a few millimeters in size and the majority of these are benign. Therefore, strict follow up or an organ-sparing approach, with utilisation of frozen section analysis (FSA), is favored for STMs. FSA has a high correlation with final pathology and prevents unnecessary orchidectomies. Advances in imaging, namely ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may provide enhanced assessment of STMs and guidance intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal approach is not well defined and there is no specific clinical parameter that can predict the nature of STMs. The increasing incidence of small, benign testicular masses has resulted in the development of organ-sparing surgery to investigate and manage these lesions. Organ-sparing surgery has been shown to be practical and carries excellent oncological outcomes.

Outcomes of organ-sparing surgery for adult testicular tumors: A systematic review of the literature

Objective

To perform a systematic review on the effects of testicular sparing surgery (TSS) on the oncological, functional, and hormonal outcomes of adults with testicular tumors.

Methods

A literature search was performed after PROSPERO registration (CRD42020200842) and reported in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methods. We conducted a systematic search of Medline (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO/ICTRP from inception to November 20, 2020. Manuscripts and published abstracts were included if they involved testis-sparing surgery (TSS) and contained data on any outcomes related to fertility, hormonal parameters, or oncological control, or if they evaluated surgical technique.

Results

Our initial search yielded 3,370 manuscripts, with 269 of these screened for full-text eligibility. After our exclusion criteria were applied, 32 studies were included in the final analysis. Oncological outcomes were obtained from 12 studies (average follow-up 57.8 months), functional data from 26 studies (average follow-up 49.6 months), fertility information from 10 studies (average follow-up 55.8 months), and data on nonpalpable tumors from 11 studies (average follow-up 32.1 months). Oncological control appears to be excellent in studies that reported these outcomes. Presence of germ cell neoplasia in situ was controlled with adjuvant radiation in nearly all cases. Functional outcomes are also promising, as development of primary and compensated hypogonadism was rare. Semen parameters are poor preoperatively among men with benign and malignant testis tumors, with occasional decline after TSS. Frozen section analysis at the time of surgery appears to be very reliable, and the majority of nonpalpable tumors appear to be benign.

Conclusions

TSS is a safe and efficacious technique with regards to oncological control and postoperative hormonal function based on retrospective, noncontrolled studies. TSS avoids unnecessary removal of benign testicular tissue, and should be given serious consideration in cases of nonpalpable, small tumors under 2 cm. In cases of malignancy, TSS can safely avoid anorchia in men with bilateral tumors and in men with solitary testicles. The use of the operating microscope, while theoretically promising, does not necessarily lead to better outcomes, however data are limited.

Synchronous bilateral testicular cancer with discordant histopathology occurring in a 20-year-old patient: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Bilateral testicular tumors are very rare, accounting for 1%-5% of all testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCTs). The vast majority of primary bilateral TGCTs are metachronous, with synchronous tumors comprising approximately 0.5%-1% of all cases. Those occurring synchronously share mostly the same histological pattern, predominantly seminoma, with synchronous bilateral TGCTs (SBTGCTs) with discordant subtypes being extremely rare.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 20-year-old male complaining of a palpable painless right testicular mass incidentally noticed during sexual intercourse. Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the scrotum demonstrated bilateral testicular lesions, while staging with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) exhibited normal findings. Right radical orchiectomy and left testis-sparing surgery (TSS) with concomitant onco-testicular sperm extraction (onco-TESE) were initially performed. Histology of the right testis revealed a mixed germ-cell tumor, consisting of seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, while that from the left testis disclosed embryonal carcinoma and intratubular germ-cell neoplasia unclassified (IGCNU) infiltrating the surgical margins. Hence, left orchiectomy was subsequently scheduled with histology unveiling IGCNU in the greatest part of the remaining testicular parenchyma. Following adjuvant chemotherapy, with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP), the patient received testosterone replacement therapy and remained free of recurrence at an 18-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights both the rarity of a bilateral testicular tumor's synchronous appearance and its extremely infrequent discordant histopathology. A comprehensive review of the major series of SBTGCTs with discordant histology cited in the literature is additionally presented.

Radiotherapy after testis-sparing surgery for seminoma in monorchid patients: safety and efficacy

PURPOSE

To evaluate local control and longitudinal endocrine data in monorchid patients treated with testicular-sparing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for seminomatous germ-cell tumors.

METHODS

We searched our database established in 2009 for patients with seminoma who received testis irradiation following partial orchiectomy up to 2018. Eleven patients were identified. All had associated germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) in surrounding parenchyma. Analysis focused on local control and testosterone levels preservation after RT. We considered age, baseline (pre-RT) testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, residual testicular volume, tumor size, and testosterone and LH levels trend over time in order to identify any association with endocrine impairment leading to hormonal replacement need.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 21 months, no local or distant relapses were observed and hormonal function was maintained in 54.5% of patients (6/11). No significant interactions were observed for the investigated covariates. Notably, we observed an association between higher baseline testosterone levels and a decreased risk of exogenous androgen replacement (hazard ratio [HR] 0.409, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.161-1.039, p = 0.060), whereas tumor size was associated with an increased risk of exogenous androgen replacement (HR 1.847, 95% CI 0.940-3.627, p = 0.075).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy after testicular sparing surgery is effective in preventing local disease relapse in presence of GCNIS in the medium term. This strategy allows a preservation of adequate endocrine function in about half of patients. More patients and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

The role of radiological surveillance in the conservative management of incidental small testicular masses: A systematic review

Objective: The increasing use of scrotal ultrasonography (US) for non-cancerous indications has led to greater detection of incidental, small testicular masses. Operative intervention is currently the mainstay of treatment for all testicular tumours; however, despite the low malignant potential of small, incidental masses, little is known about conservative management using radiological surveillance.

Methods: A systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted and studies meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed for patient outcomes.

Results: A total of 293 patients across six studies underwent radiological surveillance for an incidental small testicular mass. Infertility was the main indication for investigation and all studies used US as the surveillance modality. A total of 37 patients (12.6%) underwent surgical exploration during follow-up, with only 10 (3.4%) found to have malignant disease at histology.

Conclusions: Radiological surveillance of incidental small testicular masses is safe when used for select patient groups due to the high probability of benign disease, although optimal patient selection criteria and a well-defined protocol are lacking. This approach could be considered in patients with incidental, impalpable testicular masses of ≤5 mm in diameter displaying no significant size increase or internal vascularity on US and with negative tumour markers, as the probability of malignancy in these patients is low.

Testis-sparing Surgery: A Single Institution Experience

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in 2 specific circumstances: small, nonpalpable masses suspected to be benign and masses suspicious for germ cell tumor in a solitary or functionally solitary testicle or bilateral disease.

METHODS

Our institutional review board-approved testicular cancer registry was reviewed for men who underwent inguinal exploration with intent for TSS (2013-2020). The attempted TSS and completed TSS groups were evaluated for differences using Student's t test for normally-distributed variables, chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests for proportions, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for nonparametric variables.

RESULTS

TSS was attempted in 28 patients and completed in 14. TSS was completed only if intraoperative frozen section demonstrated benign disease, except for 1 patient with stage I seminoma and solitary testicle. Sensitivity and specificity of frozen section analysis was 100% and 93%, respectively. There were no significant differences in demographics between attempted vs completed TSS cohorts. Median tumor size was significantly smaller in the completed TSS cohort (1.0 cm vs 1.7 cm, P = .03). In patients with unilateral masses without history of testis cancer, the testis was successfully spared in 9 of 22 cases (41%). In patients with bilateral disease or germ cell tumor in solitary testis, the testis was spared in 5 of 6 cases (83%). At a median follow up of 12.2 months, all patients were alive, and 27 of 28 had no evidence of disease (96%).

CONCLUSION

TSS is safe and effective for small, benign masses and in the setting of bilateral disease or tumor in a solitary testis.

Primary pure angiosarcoma of the testis: a vanishingly rare malignancy. Case report and literature review

Background

Primary pure angiosarcoma of the testis is an exceptionally rare testicular malignancy, which is poorly understood. We present the fifth and youngest case in the current medical literature. Additionally, all cases of angiosarcoma of the testicle, both occurring with associated germ cell tumour and without, were compared in an extended tabular format.

Case presentation

A 56-year old man presented with unilateral scrotal pain, swelling and erythema. Ultrasonography revealed two testicular lesions with a high suspicion of malignancy but serum tumour markers were negative. A radical orchidectomy was performed with clear surgical margins. Diagnosis of primary pure angiosarcoma of the testis was confirmed on subsequent histopathology.

Conclusions

Primary pure angiosarcoma is a rare testicular neoplasm. We present the fifth case in the literature. Clinical and radiological features are non-specific. The diagnosis is purely histological, with the pathologist choosing immunohistochemistry based on abnormal morphology. Local invasiveness is variable but metastatic sites are typical for extra-gonadal angiosarcomas. Primary pure testicular angiosarcoma diagnosis confers a relatively better prognosis compared to angiosarcoma arising in the context of a testicular germ cell tumour. While extra-gonadal angiosarcomas are associated with high rates of local recurrence following resection, in all cases of testicular angiosarcoma there were no local recurrences following radical orchidectomy. Surgical resection remains the most effective treatment for both subtypes of testicular angiosarcoma.

Partial orchiectomy vs. radical orchiectomy for pediatric testis tumors

While radical orchiectomy remains the gold standard for testicular cancer, partial orchiectomy has become a well-accepted organ-sparing approach for benign testicular tumors in pre-pubertal patients. The aims of testicular-sparing surgery include prevention of over-treatment, preservation of future hormonal and reproductive function, and provision of a durable cure. For pre-pubertal patients, who have a high likelihood of benign lesions, partial orchiectomy provides effective treatment, owing to the high reliability of scrotal ultrasound (US) and intraoperative frozen section. In adolescent and young adult patients, who are more likely to harbor malignant pathology, the role of partial orchiectomy is less clear. Testis-sparing surgery is being reported with greater frequency in the adult literature for small testicular masses and for situations in which radical orchiectomy would result in an anorchia. More recently, a testis-sparing approach has also been described for carefully-selected post-pubertal pediatric patients. This review will highlight the role of partial orchiectomy in pediatric patients (<18 years old).

The role of partial orchidectomy in the management of small testicular tumours: Fertility and endocrine function

BACKGROUND

Radical orchidectomy in patients who are subsequently diagnosed with benign testicular tumours represents an overtreatment due to the deleterious effects on endogenous testosterone, fertility and body image. For these reasons, the option of partial orchidectomy (PO) should be considered in certain groups of patients. Patients with bilateral tumours (synchronous or metachronous) or a solitary testis where the lesion is no greater than 30% of the volume of the testis could be considered for a PO. Evidence has shown that PO is effective for small testicular masses with excellent survival and recurrence rates.

OBJECTIVES

Highlight the feasibility of maintaining post-operative fertility or normal semen parameters and endocrine function following PO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data for this review were obtained through a search of the PubMed database. Papers were required to be in English and focus on adult human males.

RESULTS

Eligible and relevant papers were assessed for data regarding fertility, semen parameters and endocrine function following PO for a small testicular mass (STM).

CONCLUSION

It is possible to preserve both fertility and endocrine function after PO. Although patients may still require adjuvant radiotherapy for concomitant intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) which results in subfertility, endocrine function is still conserved. However, it is possible to postpone radiotherapy and continue with clinical surveillance for the purposes of fertility preservation.

Partial orchiectomy: The Princess Margaret cancer centre experience

INTRODUCTION

Radical orchiectomy (RO) is the standard treatment for a testis cancer. Organ sparing surgery can be considered in the setting of a solitary functioning testis or bilateral tumors. It has also been suggested as an alternative to RO for small lesions. In this study we report our partial orchiectomy (PO) experience.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review using our prospectively maintained database analyzing PO.

RESULTS

Between 1983 and 2018, 77 patients underwent PO. Mean age was 31.3 years (range 17-56). A lesion was palpable in 70 (90.9%) and median lesion size 14.1 mm (range 3-35 mm). Reasons for PO included ``small lesion" in 39 (50.6%); solitary functioning testis in 30 (39%); bilateral lesions in 6 (7.8%); or assumed benign lesion in 1 (1.3%). Median follow-up was 43.5 months (range 1-258). Lesion histology was benign in 25 (32.5%). A positive surgical margin was noted in 6 (7.8%) with none developing local or distant recurrence. Sixteen (20.8%) patients underwent salvage ipsilateral RO at a median of 3 months (range 0-46). Reasons for salvage RO included a radiologically detected lesion in 7, palpable lesion in 4, positive surgical margin in 3 and adverse pathology in 2 patients. Malignant histology was present in 12 (75%) of the salvage RO specimens. There were no reported Clavien-Dindo Grade 3 to 5 complications.

CONCLUSION

Organ sparing surgery is a safe and feasible approach to small testis lesions. For the third with benign disease, and even those with malignant histology, a RO can be avoided in carefully selected patients.

Testis-sparing surgery and scrotal violation for testicular masses suspicious for malignancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Radical inguinal orchiectomy is the standard of care for men diagnosed with a testicular mass suspicious for germ cell tumor (TGCT). Nontraditional approaches to management, including testis-sparing surgery (TSS) and scrotal orchiectomy, occur in clinical practice. We systematically reviewed studies evaluating outcomes after TSS and scrotal violation for the management of a suspected TGCT. We used PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (January 1980-December 2018) to search for studies addressing morbidity and oncologic outcomes after TSS or scrotal violation for testicular masses concerning for TGCT. Paired reviewers independently screened abstracts for inclusion, sequentially extracted data, and assessed study quality. Twenty-one studies were included (10 TSS, 11 scrotal violation). Risk of local recurrence after TSS on meta-analysis was 7.5% after 3 to 5 years (absolute proportion reported in studies: 10.9%). Aggregated rates of positive margins (1.4%) and testicular atrophy (2.8%) across studies were low with 7.1% of patients requiring subsequent androgen therapy. Scrotal violation led to a higher aggregate risk of local recurrence compared to no scrotal violation (2.5% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.001) but did not appear to impact subsequent metastasis and survival in the short term (3-5 years). Most patients received adjuvant therapy after scrotal violation with 9.3% found to harbor residual primary tumor after scrotal scar excision. TSS carries a quantifiable risk of local recurrence after 3 to 5 years despite the majority receiving adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy. Scrotal violation carries a risk of local recurrence but does not appear to impact subsequent metastasis and survival in the short term.

Testis-preserving strategies in testicular germ cell tumors and germ cell neoplasia in situ

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are rare malignancies which affect young adults and adolescents between the ages of 15 and 40 years. In suspected malignant TGCT, the treatment of choice is radical orchiectomy. However, in specific cases this routine surgical approach has been challenged in favor of an organ-preserving approach with comparable oncological outcome. Thus, testis-preserving strategies should be considered in unilateral or bilateral synchronous or metachronous TGCT as well as incidentally found small testicular masses, which are mostly benign lesions including Sertoli cell tumors, Leydig cell tumors, adenomatoid tumors or epidermoid cysts. In case of a testis-preserving surgery, adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy (20 Gy) is recommended. The rational for this approach is that the remaining parenchyma harbors germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), which might lead to locally recurrent TGCT in 50% in the next following 5 years. However, testicular radiotherapy might result in infertility and 'Sertoli-cell only' syndrome because of radiation-induced destruction of germ cells as well as Leydig cell insufficiency in 20% of all patients leading to life-long androgen substitution. Therefore, radiation therapy should be delay or sperm banking be should performed in fertile patients wish to have children. This review provides an overview on literature regarding testis-preserving strategies in TGCT as well as GCNIS.

Fertility considerations in men with testicular cancer

The modern approach to cancer management has evolved into a multidisciplinary initiative focused not only on cancer specific and overall survival, but also patient quality of life and survivorship. Future fertility is often a major concern for young patients undergoing cancer therapy. Fertility preservation has emerged as a viable but significantly underutilized option. Patients and families should be aware of the varying effects of antineoplastic therapy on their future fertility to allow for an informed decision regarding their fertility preservation options. In this review we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of fertility in the setting of testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Successful treatment of metachronous contralateral intratubular germ cell neoplasia with partial orchiectomy and low-dose radiation in a patient previously treated for testicular carcinoma

Intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) of the testis is a precursor to testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT), which can lead to the development of invasive cancer. In patients with a history of previously treated unilateral TGCT, treatment for ITGCN of the contralateral testis needs to be balanced with the risks of subsequent infertility. Here, we present a 17- year- old patient with ITGCN diagnosed after treatment of contralateral nonseminomatous TGCT who was successfully treated with a partial orchiectomy followed by low-dose radiation with preservation of his testosterone production.

Testicular-sparing surgery in the pediatric population: multicenter review of practice with review of the literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pediatric testicular tumors have predominantly favorable histology, which may permit testicular sparing surgery (TSS). Limited guidance exists for TSS in adults and is absent in pediatric practice.The international survey and retrospective case series evaluated the current use of TSS in pediatric testicular tumors. Alongside the complementary literature review, the aim of this work was to provide evidence that could be used to produce a guideline document.

RECENT FINDINGS

Published evidence advocates small mass size as an indicator for TSS, this was not supported in the pediatric literature. Frozen section examination at TSS was not always performed by surgeons and yet the literature reports close to 100% specificity. Tumor markers and ultrasound findings are also used as indicators for TSS, a finding reflected in our survey results.

SUMMARY

Multiple case series are reported but no large data series exists, which will require international collaboration rather than a drive to publish the results of individual centers. Common indicators for TSS use; such as tumor markers and imaging are known but further work needs to evaluate the role of on-table histology and the risks of this not being available.

Step-by-step loupes-mTESE in non-obstructive azoospermic men, a retrospective study

Background

Men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) may have sperm in their testes and a procedure of sperm retrieval and assisted reproduction is required in them to allow fertility. Standard procedures such as fine needle aspiration (FNA) and conventional testicular sperm extraction (cTESE) harvest random samples with a sperm retrieval rate (SRR) of 45%. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) is nowadays considered to be the most accurate technique to retrieve sperm in men with NOA. This procedure can identify dilated tubules that are more likely to contain viable sperm with a SRR of 60%.

Results

In our center, testicular biopsy was conducted in a standard fashion in 321 patients with NOA until March 2003. From then to December 2017, due to the lack of an operating microscope, we used 6 fold magnifying loupes to perform a step-by-step macro- mTESE in 1050 patients. Sperm was found in the first testis in 61% of the cases, leading to stop the procedure with less testicular damage. We increased our SRR from 43 to 51.8% in an acceptable operating time of 75mn for both sides.

Conclusions

In institutions where surgeons cannot afford an operating microscope, this modified mTESE technique using × 6 magnifying loupes is reliable, especially in patients with low testicular volumes and high FSH, in whom dilated tubules can be easily identified from the surrounding tissue.

Organ-sparing procedures in GU cancer: part 2-organ-sparing procedures in testicular and penile tumors

PURPOSE

Organ-sparing surgery (OSS) is recommended in selected patients with testicular tumors and penile cancer (PC). The functional and psychological impacts of organ excision for these genital tumors are profound. In this review, we summarize the indications, techniques and outcomes of OSS for these two tumors.

METHODS

PubMed^® was searched for relevant articles up to December 2018. For Testicular sparing surgery (TSS) search, keywords used were; testicular tumors alone and in combination with "testicular sparing surgery", "partial orchiectomy" and outcomes. For penile conserving surgery (PCS), keywords used were: penile cancer alone and in combination with "penile conserving surgery", "partial penectomy" and outcomes. Because of the low quality of available evidence, a narrative rather that systematic review has been performed.

RESULTS

Indications of TSS are tumors ≤ 2 cm in solitary testis or bilateral tumors and no rete testis invasion. Prerequisites include normal testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels and patient compliance with follow-up. Indications for PCS are distal penile lesions with clinical stage ≤ T1. Adequate penile stump (3 cm) is required after surgery to maintain forward urine stream. Frozen section helps to reduce the risk of recurrence. Local recurrence after PCS is not associated with reduced survival and can be managed with another PCS in selected patients. The reported oncological and functional outcomes following TSS and PCS are adequate.

CONCLUSIONS

In properly selected patient OSS in testicular and penile tumors has a comparable oncological outcome to total organ excision with added advantages of preserving organ function and psychological well-being.

Radical and testis-sparing surgery for primary testicular tumors: A single-center experience

The aim of the present study was to assess the oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) for testicular tumors compared with radical orchiectomy (RO) in a single center. A retrospective comparative cohort study was conducted in Changzheng Hospital. Patients were identified using the hospital information system from January 1999 to December 2016, collecting all of the data regarding clinical, treatment and prognostic profiles. Patient follow-up was also executed to obtain information on patients' survival status, serum markers profiles, disease progression, androgen substitution requirement and paternity status. In total 158 patients were enrolled into the cohort study, including 23 TSS cases. The TSS procedure was primarily conducted in younger patients (average age, 31.9 vs. 47.7 years) or those with smaller tumors (average tumor diameter, 26.0 vs. 51.5 mm). The overall survival and recurrence free survival revealed no differences in the two groups, suggesting similar oncological outcomes. Kaplan-Maier analysis demonstrated a higher cumulative paternity rate in the TSS group than in RO group, indicating a possible advantage of preserving patients' fertility in TSS over RO. TSS with proper adjuvant therapies proved to be a promising alternative in the avoidance of emasculation, infertility, life-long androgen substitution and other psychosexual difficulties, as the oncological outcomes were not inferior to RO in the selected cases. However, further investigation is required in order to assess its oncological and functional values.

Appropriateness for testis-sparing surgery based on the testicular tumor size in a pediatric and adolescent population

INTRODUCTION

In children, most small testicular tumors are benign, and testicular-sparing surgery (TSS) is a viable treatment option.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess for correlation between the tumor size and final pathologic diagnoses appropriate for TSS for pediatric and adolescent patients with an intratesticular mass and negative serum tumor markers (STMs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 24 patients (aged 0-18 years) who underwent radical or partial orchiectomy between 2003 and 2015. Patients with unifocal, unilateral intratesticular tumors and negative STMs were included. Tumors with benign and non-germ cell histology were considered appropriate for TSS, and active germ cell tumor elements on final histology were categorized as inappropriate for TSS. Baseline characteristics, tumor size, and frozen section results were evaluated for association, for the entire cohort and then for a subset of pubertal and postpubertal patients (defined as ≥10 years old).

RESULTS

Patients with testicular tumor pathology inappropriate for TSS were significantly older (median age 17.1 years, P = 0.03). A 2-cm size cutoff did not accurately predict pathology for the entire cohort, or for just pubertal and postpubertal patients (P = 0.132, P = 0.154, respectively). Frozen section and final pathology demonstrated good agreement (κ = 0.826, P < 0.001) as did pre-operative and final pathologic size measurement (κ = 0.703, P < 0.001). Frozen section analysis did not miss a TSS inappropriate pathology.

DISCUSSION

The present data refute the finding in adults that a 2-cm cutoff accurately predicts pathology in pediatric patients with an intratesticular mass and normal STMs. These data suggest that TSS should still be offered, regardless of the tumor size alone, but frozen section appears to more accurately predict pathology than the tumor size, and its use should, thus, be emphasized. There are several limitations of this study to mention. First, this is a retrospective review of a small cohort of patients with a rare clinical scenario, which necessitated the combination of pediatric and adolescent patients. The study did not evaluate oncologic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with an intratesticular tumor and normal STMs, a tumor size cutoff of 2 cm does not appear to accurately predict the final pathology. However, the data presented support the continued use intra-operative frozen section analysis in both children and adolescents undergoing TSS.

Germ Cell Neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) in Testis-Sparing Surgery (TSS) for Small Testicular Masses (STMs)

Purpose: The testis-sparing surgery (TSS) is surgical technique accepted for small testicular masses (STMs). Frozen section examination (FSE) is an essential assessment at the time of TSS. The aim of this study is to measure the maximum distance of the foci of ITGCN from STMs. Methods: In our hospital between June 2010 and October 2017 a total of 68 patients with STM underwent a TSS. All the testis specimens were totally embedded and processed via the whole-mount method and a diagnosis of germ cell tumor with GCNIS were made. The distance between STMs and GCNIS were calculated by two pathologists directly on the slides considering for the third dimension the number of the paraffin blocks in which the foci of GCNIS were found. Results: The STMs were classic seminoma in 62 out 68 cases, embryonal carcinoma in 4 cases, while in 2 case a diagnose of mixed germ cell tumor were made. The size of the STMs was between 0.5 and 2 cm and the foci of GCNIS were observed in seminiferous tubules very closed to SMTs or as skip lesions in the surrounding testicular parenchyma, dispersed in normal testis. In 48 out of 68 cases (70.5%) foci of GCNIS were at the distance from SMTS of 1.5 cm or below and in 60 out of 68 cases (88%) at the distance of 2 cm or below The distance of GCNIS from the STMs was not related to the histological subtype of the germ cell tumor, while there is a linear correlation between size of the STMs and the distance of foci of GCNIS (p = 0.0105; r = 0.9167). Conclusion: Our data showed that foci of ITGCN were not observed beyond 2.5 cm from the STM. In particular we demonstrated that exist a linear correlation between size of STMs and distance of the foci of GCNIS from STMs (p = 0.0105; r = 0.9167). In conclusion mapping the tissue around the tumor not randomly but in targeted areas could reduce the false negative biopsies of the testis with GCNIS, increasing the radicality of the TSS procedure.

Germ Cell Testicular Tumors-Contemporary Diagnosis, Staging and Management of Localized and Advanced disease

Germ cell testicular tumors are the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men, with cure rates exceeding 95%. Clinical stage 1 disease is the most common manifestation, with radical orchiectomy curing the majority of Clinical stage 1 patients, making active surveillance the treatment of choice, with a cancer specific survival nearing 100% and low relapse rates. However, in metastatic disease, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are curative options. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of therapy for advanced disease with surgical management of residual disease. Patients with advanced disease should be treated in high volume experienced academic centers with multidisciplinary teams. Research exploring refinement of diagnosis and treatment, and lowering treatment burden is underway.

Testicular Cancer on the Web-an Appropriate Source of Patient Information in Concordance with the European Association of Urology Guidelines?

Despite the continuous growth of the internet, little is known about the quality of online information on testicular cancer, the most common solid malignancy in young men. In our study, we analysed the quality, readability and popularity of the most popular websites on testicular cancer. Therefore, we performed a web search for the term "testicular cancer" using www.google.com . Fifty-one websites were evaluated for HONcode quality certification, Alexa Popularity Rank and readability levels. Furthermore, the websites' content on eight major topics of the current European Association of Urology Guidelines on testicular cancer was assessed. Fourteen (28%) had a HONcode quality certificate and the mean Alexa Popularity Rank of all 51 websites was 54,040 (interquartile range 6648-282,797). Websites were difficult to read requiring 9 years of US school education to properly understand the information. The websites mentioned 80% of the guideline topics on average, revealing "prognosis" (59%) and "follow-up" (57%) as underrepresented subtopics. Furthermore, 12% of all topics were displayed incorrectly, particularly due to wrong information concerning "aetiology" (42%). Sixty percent of the topics were mentioned in an incomplete fashion, with less than half of the websites displaying complete information on "staging" (47%), "diagnostic evaluation" (49%) or "disease management" (45%). In general, online health information concerning testicular cancer is mentioned correctly on most websites. However, improvement regarding readability and completeness of the given information is needed. Nevertheless, highly selected websites on testicular cancer can serve as an appropriate source of patient information.

Testis sparing surgery for small testicular masses and frozen section assessment

Introduction

We present our experience with patients who had suspected testicular masses, managed by a frozen section assessment and testicular sparing surgery.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective review of all patients over the last 5 years, who underwent a frozen section assessment and testicular sparing surgery for small testicular lesions. The frozen section assessment was compared with the final histology.

Results

Twelve patients were identified. The mean age of patients was 40 years (22–58 years). The mean lesion size was 9.8 mm (3–18 mm). Presentations varied: a testicular lump was palpable in 7 patients and 3 patients were referred due to infertility with a subsequent ultrasound, which showed incidental testicular lesions. Two patients presented with testicular pain. Tumour marker levels were within the normal limits in all patients.

The frozen section assessment correctly determined 10 out of 12 (83%) lesions, showing 1 (8%) lymphoma, 2 (17%) seminomas, 3 (25%) fibrosis, 3 (25%) low-grade Leydig cell tumours and 1 (8%) adenomatous tumour. The frozen section reported a benign epidermal cyst in 1 case, whilst the final histology showed a pre-pubertal type teratoma, a rare and low risk tumour. One patient (8%) had an indeterminate lesion, which proved to be a benign adenomatous tumour on final histology. All malignant cases were correctly identified.

There was no malignancy in 9 out of 12 (75%) patients therefore they had testicular sparing surgery. Three patients had orchidectomy, two due to a seminoma and one due to an indeterminate lesion. One patient developed a postoperative haematoma requiring antibiotics but there were no other complications.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that partial orchidectomy with a frozen section assessment is useful in small testicular masses and testicular sparing surgery can be considered in order to prevent a radical orchidectomy in selected patients.

Testis-sparing surgery: Experience in 13 patients with oncological and functional outcomes

INTRODUCTION

We present oncological and functional outcomes of patients who underwent testis-sparing surgery (TSS).

METHODS

Overall, 13 patients were included. Mean patient age was 29.9±12.5 years. In five patients, TSS was performed for sequential bilateral testicular tumours. One patient underwent concurrent left radical orchiectomy and right TSS. In eight patients with normal contralateral testis, seven underwent left and one underwent right TSS.

RESULTS

Mean pathological tumour size was 14.6±12.5 mm. Intraoperative frozen section evaluation of the mass was performed in eight patients that revealed benign lesions. No intraoperative tumour bed biopsies were taken in this patient group. Regarding the remaining five patients, intraoperative tumour bed biopsies were taken and testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN) was reported in two (40%) patients; no local testicular radiotherapy was given postoperatively. Tumour pathology was malignant in all but one lesion, including Leydig cell tumour (n=1), seminoma(n=2), embryonal carcinoma (n=1), and adenomatoid tumour (n=1). During 47.2±22.5 months of followup, local recurrence was detected in one patient who underwent radical orchiectomy. No additional local recurrence or systemic metastasis was identified in other patients with malignant lesions. For patients with malignant tumours, of the three patients with a normal preoperative testosterone levels, testosterone level was normal in one patient (with no erectile dysfunction [ED]) and was decreased in two patients (with ED) following TSS. No ED was reported in the nine patients with benign lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

In carefully selected cases, TSS appears to be a safe, feasible procedure with adequate cancer control that could preserve sexual function.

Testis Sparing Surgery for Benign Testicular Masses: Diagnostics and Therapeutic Approaches

PURPOSE

Small benign testicular masses are often misinterpreted as germ cell tumors and immediate inguinal orchiectomy is performed. We analyzed the diagnostic and therapeutic workup of testicular masses to improve preoperative stratification algorithms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective, single center analysis of the records of 522 patients diagnosed with primary testicular masses of unknown malignant potential.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients (5%) showed a primary benign tumor after resection, including Leydig cell tumors in 9 (32%), epidermoid cysts in 9 (32%), adenomatoid tumors in 8 (29%) and Sertoli cell tumors in 2 (7%). The median volume of benign tumors was significantly less than that of malignant tumors (0.75 cm³, range 0.1 to 2.1 vs 15, range 4.5-39.9, p ≤0.001). At a cutoff of 2.8 cm³ tumor volume most accurately differentiated between benign and malignant disease, and it was a predictor of malignancy with 83% sensitivity and 89% specificity (OR 1.389, 95% CI 1.035-1.864, p = 0.029). Symptom duration in patients with benign tumors was significantly longer (365 days, range 25.5 to 365 vs 20, range 7 to 42, p ≤0.001). Also, tumor markers were unaltered in benign lesions. In patients with benign tumors significantly more fertility disorders or cryptorchidism were found (p ≤0.001) as well as a tendency toward lower testosterone (3.9 μg/l, range 0.9 to 4.9 vs 5.3, range 3.5 to 6.8, p = 0.084). Testis sparing surgery was performed in 22 of all patients (79%) with benign tumors. There was no case of relapse during followup.

CONCLUSIONS

Nongerm cell tumors should be considered when small testicular masses have a volume of less than 2.8 cm³ and there are hormone disorders or normal tumor markers. Immediate orchiectomy should be avoided, favoring testis sparing surgery.

IGG* Practice Guidelines on Germ Cell Tumor in Adult Male Patients

Germ cell tumors are rare neoplasms that affect young males. Nearly 99% of patients with localized stage I disease and nearly 80% of patients with metastatic disease can be cured. Even patients who relapse following chemotherapy can achieve a long-term survival in approximately 30–40% of cases. The main objective in early stages and in good prognosis patients has changed in recent years, and it has become of major importance to reduce treatment-related morbidity without compromising the excellent long-term survival rate. In poor prognosis patients, there is a correlation between the experience of the treating institution and the long-term clinical outcome of the patients, particularly when the most sophisticated therapies are needed. So far, of utmost importance is the information from updated practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of germ cell tumors. The Italian Germ cell cancer Group (IGG) has developed the following clinical recommendations, which identify the current standards in diagnosis and treatment of germ cell tumors in adult males.

Testicle-sparing surgery versus radical orchiectomy in the management of Leydig cell tumors: results from a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the oncological outcomes of testicle-sparing surgery (TSS) and radical orchiectomy (RO) in patients with Leydig cell tumor (LCT) of the testis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter retrospective clinical study was conducted in 12 centers in France. All the patients with histologically proven LCT were included and analyzed according to treatment (organ-sparing surgery or radical orchiectomy). Patients underwent preoperative clinical, biological and imaging assessment. Demographic, clinical, and pathological variables were collected at baseline and compared between groups according to surgical treatment. Follow-up was calculated using the reverse Kaplan-Meier estimation and was updated at the end of 2015.

RESULTS

Between 1986 and 2014, 56 patients presented with LCT were identified and included in the study. Twenty-one patients (37.5%) underwent TSS and 35 (62.5%) RO. Demographics and tumor characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. Median follow-up was 62 months after TSS, but only 35 months after RO. Two patients (9.5%) developed local recurrence 15 and 34 months after TSS and underwent secondary RO. No local recurrence or metastasis was observed after complementary treatment. No recurrence was observed after RO. Disease-free survival did not differ between the groups (95.2% in TSS versus 77.1% in the RO group, p = 0.23). No patient died in the TSS group, but three patients (8.6%) in the RO group died from other diseases without evidence of relapse. One patient (4.8%) in the TSS group versus five (14.3%) in the RO group were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up suggests that testicle-sparing surgery does not compromise relapse-free survival in the treatment of Leydig cell tumor of the testis.

Intratesticular calcified nodule

Since calcified nodule of the testis is seen very rarely, its etiology and diagnostic approach are not fully known. There have been a few cases reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to review the literature and report the case of a 30-year-old patient, who applied to our clinic due to a suspicious stiffness in his testis and underwent partial orchiectomy.

[Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of testicular cancer]

BACKGROUND

Testicular cancer is a disease of young adult men, and it is curable in most cases. Even in advanced disease, cure rates reach 80 % nowadays. This was achieved by consistently performing studies concerning the different stages of disease.

TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP CARE

The concept of treatment is interdisciplinary. After removal of the affected testis, histology and stage determine further therapy, which can be active surveillance, polychemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or a combination of these. Curability also has consequences for the long-term follow-up. We speak about long-term survivorship. Besides looking for recurrences, it is also necessary to observe and treat long-term toxicities caused by the different therapeutic procedures.

CONCLUSION

Because testicular cancer is rare with about 4500 cases annually, treatment-especially for advanced disease-should be performed at centers. In addition, it is possible to obtain a second opinion using the Interdisciplinary German Testicular Study Group website.