Randomized Trial of 30 Versus 20 Gy in the Adjuvant Treatment of Stage I Testicular Seminoma: A Report on Medical Research Council Trial TE18, European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Trial 30942 (ISRCTN18525328)

Contemporary Role of Radiation Therapy in Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a rare but curable male malignancy. Seminoma represents the majority of germ cell tumors and is considered radiation sensitive. Radiation treatment plays a role in adjuvant therapy after orchiectomy of stage I, IIA, and IIB seminomas. Radiation dose de-escalation has been effective in preventing tumor recurrences while also limiting acute and long-term toxicities. However, long-term risks, including the prevailing concern of secondary malignancy risk, between adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy play a role in recommendations. Ongoing work continues to be performed to reduce radiation field and dose in combination with chemotherapy while still maintaining excellent outcomes.

Update on the Management of Low-stage Seminoma

The contemporary paradigm of testicular cancer management is achieving high and durable cure rates while minimizing the burden of treatment given the potential long-term toxicities associated with radiation therapy and systemic therapies. The management of low-stage seminoma has seen significant changes in recent years. Nuances of surveillance strategies for stage I seminoma exist and continue to evolve. Emerging data show retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is a viable treatment option for selected patients with clinical stage IIA and IIB seminoma.

Non-medical interventions to enhance return to work for people with cancer

BACKGROUND

People with cancer are 1.4 times more likely to be unemployed than people without a cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether programmes to enhance the return-to-work (RTW) process for people who have been diagnosed with cancer are effective. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2011 and updated in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of non-medical interventions aimed at enhancing return to work (RTW) in people with cancer compared to alternative programmes including usual care or no intervention.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and three trial registers up to 18 August 2021. We also examined the reference lists of included studies and selected reviews, and contacted authors of relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs on the effectiveness of psycho-educational, vocational, physical or multidisciplinary interventions enhancing RTW in people with cancer. The primary outcome was RTW measured as either RTW rate or sick leave duration measured at 12 months' follow-up. The secondary outcome was quality of life (QoL).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed RCTs for inclusion, extracted data and rated certainty of the evidence using GRADE. We pooled study results judged to be clinically homogeneous in different comparisons reporting risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for RTW and mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs for QoL.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 RCTs involving 1477 people with cancer with 19 evaluations because of multiple treatment groups. In this update, we added eight new RCTs and excluded seven RCTs from the previous versions of this review that were aimed at medical interventions. All included RCTs were conducted in high-income countries, and most were aimed at people with breast cancer (nine RCTs) or prostate cancer (two RCTs). Risk of bias We judged nine RCTs at low risk of bias and six at high risk of bias. The most common type of bias was a lack of blinding (9/15 RCTs). Psycho-educational interventions We found four RCTs comparing psycho-educational interventions including patient education and patient counselling versus care as usual. Psycho-educational interventions probably result in little to no difference in RTW compared to care as usual (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.24; 4 RCTs, 512 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This means that in the intervention and control groups, approximately 625 per 1000 participants may have returned to work. The psycho-educational interventions may result in little to no difference in QoL compared to care as usual (MD 1.47, 95% CI -2.38 to 5.32; 1 RCT, 124 participants; low-certainty evidence). Vocational interventions We found one RCT comparing vocational intervention versus care as usual. The evidence was very uncertain about the effect of a vocational intervention on RTW compared to care as usual (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.13; 1 RCT, 34 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not report QoL. Physical interventions Four RCTs compared a physical intervention programme versus care as usual. These physical intervention programmes included walking, yoga or physical exercise. Physical interventions likely increase RTW compared to care as usual (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.39; 4 RCTs, 434 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This means that in the intervention group probably 677 to 871 per 1000 participants RTW compared to 627 per 1000 in the control group (thus, 50 to 244 participants more RTW). Physical interventions may result in little to no difference in QoL compared to care as usual (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.32; 1 RCT, 173 participants; low-certainty evidence). The SMD translates back to a 1.8-point difference (95% CI -7.54 to 3.97) on the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Multidisciplinary interventions Six RCTs compared multidisciplinary interventions (vocational counselling, patient education, patient counselling, physical exercises) to care as usual. Multidisciplinary interventions likely increase RTW compared to care as usual (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.33; 6 RCTs, 497 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This means that in the intervention group probably 694 to 844 per 1000 participants RTW compared to 625 per 1000 in the control group (thus, 69 to 217 participants more RTW). Multidisciplinary interventions may result in little to no difference in QoL compared to care as usual (SMD 0.07, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.28; 3 RCTs, 378 participants; low-certainty evidence). The SMD translates back to a 1.4-point difference (95% CI -2.58 to 5.36) on the EORTC QLQ-C30.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Physical interventions (four RCTs) and multidisciplinary interventions (six RCTs) likely increase RTW of people with cancer. Psycho-educational interventions (four RCTs) probably result in little to no difference in RTW, while the evidence from vocational interventions (one RCT) is very uncertain. Psycho-educational, physical or multidisciplinary interventions may result in little to no difference in QoL. Future research on enhancing RTW in people with cancer involving multidisciplinary interventions encompassing a physical, psycho-educational and vocational component is needed, and be preferably tailored to the needs of the patient.

Advances in radiation therapy for testicular seminoma

PURPOSE

Novel techniques and advances in radiation therapy (RT) have been explored to treat testicular seminoma, a highly radiosensitive and curable histology. We evaluated the historical and current indications for radiation therapy (RT) in testicular seminoma.

METHODS

A narrative literature review was performed. Studies of RT for testicular seminoma were included. Additionally, recent trials testing the use of combination or surgical therapies for clinical stage (CS) II were included. Search parameters included radiation therapy, testicular seminoma, surgery, and chemoradiation. Parameters and outcomes assessed were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), acute toxicities, long-term sequelae, and rates of secondary malignancies.

RESULTS

Practice defining and changing studies in the use or omission of radiation therapy for testicular seminoma were identified along with resultant changes in National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and European guidelines. Recent trials in combined chemoradiation and upfront surgical approaches to CS II disease were reviewed.

CONCLUSION

RT has historically been used as adjuvant treatment for CS I disease and is highly effective at treating CS II (A/B) testicular seminoma. The drive to maintain therapeutic efficacy and reduce acute and long-term side effects, namely secondary malignancies, is being tested using new radiation technologies, combined modality therapy in the form of chemoradiation and with upfront surgical approaches. Also, as guidelines now "strongly prefer" surveillance instead of adjuvant RT for CS I disease, the current CS II population comprises patients presenting with CS II disease ("de novo") and those who present with CSII after relapsing post orchiectomy for CS I ("relapsed"). Emerging evidence suggests that these two groups have different outcomes with respect to RT and chemoradiation. Consequently, future trials may need to sub-stratify according to these groups.

Cancer Control, Toxicity, and Secondary Malignancy Risks of Proton Radiation Therapy for Stage I-IIB Testicular Seminoma

Purpose

This study's objective was to report cancer control and toxicity outcomes after proton radiation therapy (RT) in testicular seminoma and to compare secondary malignancy (SMN) risks with photon-based treatment alternatives.

Methods and Materials

Consecutive patients with stage I-IIB testicular seminoma treated with proton RT at a single institution were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier estimates for disease-free and overall survival were computed. Toxicities were scored using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Photon comparison plans, including 3-dimensional conformal RT (3D-CRT) and intensity modulated RT (IMRT)/volumetric arc therapy (VMAT), were created for each patient. Dosimetric parameters and SMN risk predictions for different in-field organs-at-risk were compared between the techniques. Excess absolute SMN risks were estimated with organ equivalent dose modeling.

Results

Twenty-four patients were included (median age, 38.5 years). The majority of patients had stage II disease (IIA, 12 [50.0%]; IIB, 11 [45.8%]; IA, 1 [4.2%]). Seven (29.2%) and 17 (70.8%) patients had de novo and recurrent disease, respectively (de novo/recurrent: IA, 1/0; IIA, 4/8; IIB, 2/9). Most acute toxicities were mild (grade 1 [G1], 79.2%; G2, 12.5%) with G1 nausea being most common (70.8%). No serious events (G3-5) occurred. With a median follow-up time of 3 years (interquartile range, 2.1-3.6 years), 3-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 90.9% (95% confidence interval, 68.1%-97.6%) and 100% (95% confidence interval, 100%-100%), respectively. There were no documented late toxicities in the follow-up period, including worsening serial creatinine levels suggestive of early nephrotoxicity. Proton RT had significant reductions in mean organ-at-risk doses to the kidneys, stomach, colon, liver, bladder, and body compared with both 3D-CRT and IMRT/VMAT. Proton RT had significantly lower SMN risk predictions compared with 3D-CRT and IMRT/VMAT.

Conclusions

Cancer control and toxicity outcomes using proton RT in stage I-IIB testicular seminoma are consistent with existing photon-based RT literature. However, proton RT may be associated with significantly lower SMN risks.

Testicular Radiotherapy: A Challenging Irradiation Site

Testicular radiation therapy is a crucial component of the overall treatment of certain neoplasms. Yet, it remains challenging due to the unique anatomic location of the testicles, their specific radiation tolerance, and the lack of a standardized treatment workflow. In this article, we present the case of a 78-year-old patient with primary testicular lymphoma and describe the technical aspects of his radiation therapy. The challenge was to achieve a comfortable, reproducible, and effective treatment position while protecting the penis and covering the superficial layers of the scrotum. We used a total body restraint system and performed a second simulated CT scan with a bolus. The entire scrotum was delineated as the clinical target volume, with an additional 1 cm margin to obtain the planning target volume. This case highlights the importance of careful planning and personalized treatment approaches in testicular irradiation and underscores the need for further research and standardization in this complex irradiation site.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a curable cancer. The success of physicians in curing the disease is underpinned by multidisciplinary advances. Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy and the refinement of post-chemotherapy surgical procedures and diagnostic strategies have greatly improved long term survival in most patients. Despite such excellent outcomes, several controversial dilemmas exist in the approaches to clinical stage I disease, salvage chemotherapy, post-chemotherapy surgical procedures, and implementing innovative imaging studies. Relapse after salvage chemotherapy has a poor prognosis and the optimal treatment is not apparent. Recent research has provided insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance. Phase 2 studies with targeted agents have failed to show adequate efficacy; however, our understanding of cisplatin resistant disease is rapidly expanding. This review summarizes recent advances and discusses relevant issues in the biology and management of testicular cancer.

Patterns of Disease Progression and Outcome of Patients With Testicular Seminoma Who Relapse After Adjuvant or Curative Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

Radiation therapy is a possible treatment strategy for patients with testicular seminoma after orchiectomy in clinical stage I or II disease. Little is known about the outcome of patients who experience a relapse after radiation therapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Data from 61 patients who relapsed after adjuvant or curative radiation therapy from 17 centers in 11 countries were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were disease-free and overall survival. Secondary outcomes were time to relapse, stage at relapse, treatment for relapse, and rate of febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy for relapse.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 9.9 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.5-10.9), we found a 5-year disease-free survival of 90% (95% CI, 79-95) and a 5-year overall survival of 98% (95% CI, 89-100). Sixty-six percent of patients had stage III disease at time of relapse and 93% of patients fell into the good prognosis group per the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group classification. The median time to relapse after radiation therapy was 15.6 months (95% CI, 12-23). Twenty-two (36%) patients relapsed more than 2 years after radiation therapy and 7 (11.5%) patients relapsed more than 5 years after radiation therapy. One-third of relapses was detected owing to patients' symptoms, whereas two-thirds of relapses were detected during routine follow-up. The majority (93%) of cases were treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The rate of febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy was 35%. Five patients experienced a second relapse. At last follow-up, 55 patients (90%) were alive without disease. Only 1 patient died owing to disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy for patients with seminoma who have relapsed after treatment with radiation therapy alone leads to excellent outcomes. Patients and physicians should be aware of possible late relapses after radiation therapy.

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.

Increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer among testicular cancer survivors

Introduction

Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) have an increased risk of additional cancers, including prostate cancer. Our understanding of the natural history of prostate cancer in testicular cancer survivors is very limited due to its rare incidence.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Registry from 1978 to 2011, we identified 282 TCS with subsequent prostate cancer and examined the tumor grade and clinical outcomes in contrast to men with primary prostate cancer in the general population.

Results

TCS with a subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis were more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age than men with primary prostate cancer (65.2% vs. 37.6% for age ≤65, 34.8% vs. 62.4% for age >65, p<0.001) and were more likely to have grade III/IV tumors (46.2% vs. 37.0%, p<0.002). Longer latency between testicular and prostate cancer diagnoses was associated with a higher risk of grade III/IV (p<0.001) cancer. Despite the increased risk for high-grade tumors, 10-year prostate cancer-specific survival and overall survival were not significantly different between TCS and men with primary prostate cancer. Based on the available information in SEER, we found that prior history of radiotherapy for testicular cancer had no impact on tumor grade or survival outcomes.

Conclusions

Prostate cancer in TCS was more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and with higher grades. Risks of grade III/IV disease increased with longer latency between testicular and prostate cancer diagnoses. Radiotherapy for testicular cancer did not appear to have a significant impact on the outcome of subsequent prostate cancer.

Paternity After Treatment for Testicular Germ Cell Cancer: A Danish Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Testicular germ cell cancer (TC) incidence peaks in the reproductive age but knowledge on fertility after treatment is insufficient. The aim was to evaluate paternity after today's testicular cancer (TC) treatment.

METHODS

Clinical data were extracted from the Danish Testicular Cancer database and patients were divided into four groups: 1) Surveillance; 2) Bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP); 3) BEP + post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal surgery (BEP + surgery); and 4) Abdominal radiotherapy. For each patient, 10 men matched on date of birth were randomly sampled from the normal population. Paternity was defined as date of birth of first child after TC treatment with or without the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and was assessed by linkage to the Danish Medical Birth Register and the Danish in vitro fertilization (IVF)-register.

RESULTS

We included 4,846 unilateral TC patients and 48,456 men from the normal population. The 20 years predicted chance of obtaining fatherhood for a 30-year-old man was 39.7% in TC patients compared to 42.5 % in the normal population. The chance of obtaining fatherhood was statistically significantly decreased after BEP (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.78-0.97) and BEP + surgery (HR = 0.74 95% CI = 0.63-0.87), but not after radiotherapy (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.75-1.06) or surveillance (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.89-1.02). The risk of needing ART to obtain fatherhood was increased after all treatment modalities.

CONCLUSION

The chance of obtaining fatherhood after TC treatment was substantially higher than previously reported. Patients followed on a surveillance program had a similar chance of obtaining fatherhood as non-cancerous men.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Associated with Treatments for Testicular Cancer: A Systematic Review

Background

Testicular cancer and its treatment can have major short- and long-term effects on the health-related quality of life of those affected. This systematic review aims to summarise patient-reported outcome (PRO) data concerning health-related quality of life, functional impacts and common side-effects of treatments for testicular cancer.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline OVID, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Over Time In Oncology (PROMOTION) databases from inception to 25 March 2020, using "testicular cancer" and "PRO" search terms developed in conjunction with a medical librarian. Two authors screened abstracts and full-text articles for studies that reported primary PRO data related to the treatment of testicular cancer including at least 50 participants. We excluded psychosocial data as this was included in our companion review. Data were extracted by three reviewers, and quality was assessed by two reviewers using QUAL-SYST. Studies with a quality of score over 65% were included in our narrative synthesis.

Results

A total of 1831 records were identified via our database searches and 41 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 35 included participants who had chemotherapy. Twenty-eight different PRO measures were used across the 41 studies. Of the 41 studies, 29 had quality scores over 65% and were included in our narrative synthesis. We found that chemotherapy was generally associated with a higher side-effect burden than other treatments, and higher burden was associated with higher doses of chemotherapy. Hearing problems, peripheral neuropathy, and Raynaud's phenomena were particularly common side-effects. Problems with sexual functioning were associated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Discussion

While many studies found that between-treatment differences resolved within the first 12 months since diagnosis, there were many long-term and dose-dependent impacts associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy across PRO domains. Offering information about these aspects, and information about expected survival outcomes, will help inform, prepare, and empower patients to make decisions about treatment aligned with their preferences and personal situations.

Current State of Personalized Genitourinary Cancer Radiotherapy in the Era of Precision Medicine

Radiation therapy plays a crucial role for the management of genitourinary malignancies, with technological advancements that have led to improvements in outcomes and decrease in treatment toxicities. However, better risk-stratification and identification of patients for appropriate treatments is necessary. Recent advancements in imaging and novel genomic techniques can provide additional individualized tumor and patient information to further inform and guide treatment decisions for genitourinary cancer patients. In addition, the development and use of targeted molecular therapies based on tumor biology can result in individualized treatment recommendations. In this review, we discuss the advances in precision oncology techniques along with current applications for personalized genitourinary cancer management. We also highlight the opportunities and challenges when applying precision medicine principles to the field of radiation oncology. The identification, development and validation of biomarkers has the potential to personalize radiation therapy for genitourinary malignancies so that we may improve treatment outcomes, decrease radiation-specific toxicities, and lead to better long-term quality of life for GU cancer survivors.

A 25-year review of advances in testicular cancer: Perspectives on evaluation, treatment, and future directions/challenges

The year 2020 will be remembered for a number of different events, both good and bad. For the journal Urologic Oncology, Seminars and Original Investigations, this year represents the 25th anniversary of its inception and 1st publication. Under the encouragement of Editor-in-Chief Dr. Michael Droller, the collective editorial board has put together a reflection of the progresses made among the spectrum of genitourinary cancers across the entirety of therapeutic disciplines. In this review, we discuss the advances achieved in our knowledge and understanding of testicular germ cell tumors since 1995, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Late adverse effects and quality of life in survivors of testicular germ cell tumour

Currently, ~95% of patients with testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) are cured, resulting in an increasing number of TGCT survivors. Although cured, these men face potential late adverse effects and reduced quality of life. Survivors face a twofold increased risk of second malignant neoplasms after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with evidence of dose-dependent associations. For survivors managed with surveillance or treated with radiotherapy, the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is comparable to the risk in the general population, whereas treatment with chemotherapy increases the risk of life-threatening CVD, especially during treatment and after 10 years of follow-up. Other adverse effects are organ-related toxicities such as neuropathy and ototoxicity. Pulmonary and renal impairment in patients with TGCT treated with chemotherapy is limited. Survivors of TGCT might experience psychosocial distress including anxiety disorders, fear of cancer recurrence and TGCT-specific issues, such as sexual dysfunction. Late adverse effects can be avoided in most patients with stage I disease if followed on a surveillance programme. However, patients with disseminated disease can experience toxicities associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and/or adverse effects related to surgery for residual disease. The severity of adverse effects increases with dose of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This Review discusses the most recent data concerning the late adverse effects of today's standard treatments for TGCT.

Adverse health behaviours in long-term testicular cancer survivors: a Danish nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Treatment for disseminated testicular cancer increases the risk of secondary malignancy and cardiovascular disease. The risk of developing these serious adverse effects may be positively affected by healthy living. The purpose of this study was to identify health behaviours with possible influence on late effects that could be targets for intervention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, testicular cancer survivors diagnosed in the period 1984-2007 from the Danish Testicular Cancer database completed a questionnaire on health behaviours (2014-2016). We estimated prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle and overweight. Prevalence ratios described with 95% confidence intervals of adverse health behaviours were stratified by treatment modalities and compared to a reference population by means of logistic regression with adjustment for sociodemographic confounders.

RESULTS

In total, 2395 testicular cancer survivors (surveillance, 1175; chemotherapy, 897; radiotherapy, 323), median time since diagnosis 19 years, and 65,289 noncancer males were included, questionnaire response rates were 60% and 54%, respectively. There were more current smokers (prevalence ratio; 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.26) and patients with body mass index above 25 kg/m² (prevalence ratio; 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20) among testicular cancer survivors than in the reference population. Testicular cancer survivors reported less sedentary lifestyle (prevalence ratio; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.64-0.85) and everyday drinkers were fewer (prevalence ratio; 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68-0.92) than in the reference population.

CONCLUSION

We identified smoking cessation as primary target for intervention studies in testicular cancer survivors. The effect of smoking cessation interventions as part of treatment should be investigated. Whether drug-based intervention is effective in minimising the risk of exposure to conventional risk factors for cardiovascular disease is also of interest.

Contemporary trends in management of stage 1 seminoma

PURPOSE

Surveillance is now the preferred treatment strategy for patients with stage 1A/1B seminoma as reflected by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. In this study, we aimed to describe trends in adjuvant management strategy for stage 1A/B seminoma from 2004 to 2016 using the National Cancer Database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The database was queried for patients diagnosed with stage 1A/1B seminoma between 2004 and 2016. Staging was determined using the American Joint Committee on Cancer guidelines. Surveillance was defined as no treatment with chemotherapy or radiation within 60 days of diagnosis. Proportions of cancer patients utilizing surveillance, radiation, and single-agent chemotherapy were summarized annually. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare overall survival between groups.

RESULTS

8,686 patients with stage 1A/1B seminoma met inclusion criteria over the course of the study period. Overall, 3,004 (34.6%) patients began adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation within 60 days. Utilization of surveillance increased from 39.8% in 2004 to 86.8% in 2016 while utilization of radiation decreased from 59.7% to 4.6%. High-volume centers adopted surveillance earlier than low-volume centers.

CONCLUSION

This study describes trends in utilization of surveillance, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for stage 1A/1B seminoma over 12 years. A major shift from utilization of adjuvant treatment to surveillance in patients with stage 1A/B seminoma is observed in this large national cancer database; a minority of patients now receive adjuvant treatment and risk-related toxicities. Survival analysis reveals similar survival at a median 5-year follow-up. The results provide insight into the time needed for clinical practice to adopt the preferred approach of surveillance over the time period studied.

[French ccAFU guidelines - update 2020-2022: testicular germ cell tumors]

OBJECTIVE

- To update French guidelines concerning testicular germ cell cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

- Comprehensive Medline search between 2018 and 2020 upon diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of testicular germ cell cancer and treatments toxicities. Level of evidence was evaluated.

RESULTS

- Testicular Germ cell tumor diagnosis is based on physical examination, biology tests (serum tumor markers AFP, hCGt, LDH) and radiological assessment (scrotal ultrasound and chest, abdomen and pelvis computerized tomography). Total inguinal orchiectomy is the first-line treatment allowing characterization of the histological type, local staging and identification of risk factors for micrometastases. In case of several therapeutic options, one must inform his patient balancing risks and benefits. Surveillance is usually chosen in stage I seminoma compliant patients as the evolution rate is low between 15 to 20%. Carboplatin AUC7 is an alternative option. Radiotherapy indication should be avoided. In stage I non seminomatous patients, either surveillance or risk-adapted strategy can be applied. Staging retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy has restricted indications. Metastatic germ cell tumors are usually treated by PEB chemotherapy according to IGCCCG prognostic classification. Lombo-aortic radiotherapy is still a standard treatment for stage IIA. Residual masses should be evaluated by biological and radiological assessment 3 to 4 weeks after the end of chemotherapy. Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is advocated for every non seminomatous residual mass more than one cm. 18FDG uptake should be evaluated for each seminoma residual mass more than 3 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

- A rigorous use of classifications is mandatory to define staging since initial diagnosis. Applying treatments based on these classifications leads to excellent survival rates (99% in CSI, 85% in CSII+).

Origin of Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms in Patients with History of Testicular Germ Cell Tumor

Simple Summary

Although testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) carries a high cure rate, some patients still die from it. We investigated the genetic landscape and cellular origins of cancers that develop later in life after treatment for TGCT and found evidence that a common progenitor cell might be responsible for both. This study shows the possible importance of stem-like cells in the development of cancer.

Abstract

Although genetic changes may be pivotal in the origin of cancer, cellular context is paramount. This is particularly relevant in a progenitor germ cell tumor and its differentiated mature teratoma counterpart when it concerns tumor heterogeneity and cancer dormancy in subsequent second malignancies (subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs)). From our tumor registry database, we identified 655 testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients who developed SMNs between January 1990 and September 2018. Of the 113 solid organ SMNs, 42 had sufficient tumor tissue available for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of isochromosome 12p [i(12p)]. We identified seven additional patients for targeted DNA and RNA sequencing of teratomas and adjacent somatic transformation. Finally, we established cell lines from freshly resected post-chemotherapy teratomas and evaluated the cells for stemness expression by flow cytometry and by the formation of teratomas in a xenograft model. In our cohort, SMNs comprising non-germ cell tumors occurred about 18 years after a diagnosis of TGCT. Of the 42 SMNs examined, 5 (12%) contained i(12p) and 16 (38%) had 12p gain. When comparing a teratoma and adjacent somatic transformation, targeted DNA and RNA sequencing demonstrated high concordance. Studies of post-chemotherapy teratoma-derived cell lines revealed cancer-initiating cells expressing multipotency as well as early differentiation markers. For the first time, we demonstrated the prevalence of i(12p) in SMNs and the presence of progenitor cells embedded within mature teratomas after chemotherapy. Our findings suggest a progenitor stem-like cell of origin in SMN and TGCT and highlight the importance of cellular context in this disease.

Outcomes and Toxicities of Proton and Photon Radiation Therapy for Testicular Seminoma

Purpose

To determine the clinical outcomes and toxicities of proton beam therapy (PBT) versus 3D-conformal photon radiation therapy (XRT) in patients with testicular seminoma.

Materials and Methods

This observational study evaluated consecutive patients with testicular seminoma who were treated with inguinal orchiectomy and radiation therapy at a single, tertiary, high-volume center in 2008-19. Acute toxicity was scored with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V 4.0. Organs at risk were contoured retrospectively by 2 investigators. Recurrences and secondary malignancies were based on routine follow-up imaging, either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Fifty-five patients were treated with radiation therapy, 11 in the PBT-arm and 44 in the XRT-arm, with a median follow-up interval of 61 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 32-79 months). Acute treatment-related diarrhea, grade 1 to 2, was more common among XRT-treated patients (0% vs 29.5%, P = .039), and dermatitis, grade 1, was more likely among PBT-treated patients (27.3% vs 2.3%, P = .004). Dosimetrically, PBT-treated patients, relative to XRT-treated patients, had lower dose to organs at risk including the kidney, bladder, femoral head, spinal cord, bowel, pancreas, and stomach. The 5-year overall survival rate was 100% and disease-free survival rate was 96.4% for all patients. Two patients, all in the XRT-arm, had disease recurrence: 1 in the pelvis and 1 in the lung. Three patients, all in the XRT-arm, were diagnosed with a secondary malignancy: 1 in-field pancreaticoblastoma, 1 in-field colon adenocarcinoma, and a stage IV T-cell lymphoma.

Conclusion

Proton beam therapy for testicular seminoma resulted in excellent clinical outcomes and was associated with lower rates of acute diarrhea but higher rates of acute dermatitis. Proton beam therapy resulted in no in-field secondary malignancies and a more favorable dosimetric profile for organs at risk relative to XRT. Reduced dose to organs at risk, such as the kidneys, may result in long-term improvement in function.

Testicular Cancer Survivorship

Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common cancer among men aged 18 to 39 years. It is highly curable, with a 10-year relative survival approaching 95% due to effective cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Given the increasing incidence of TC and improved survival, TC survivors (TCS) now account for approximately 4% of all US male cancer survivors. They have also become a valuable cohort for adult-onset cancer survivorship research, given their prolonged survival. Commensurately, long-term treatment-related complications have emerged as important survivorship issues. These late effects include life-threatening conditions, such as second malignant neoplasms and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, TCS can also experience hearing loss, tinnitus, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, hypogonadism, infertility, anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, and chronic cancer-related fatigue. Characterization of the number and severity of long-term adverse health outcomes among TCS remains critical to develop risk-stratified, evidence-based follow-up guidelines and to inform the development of preventive measures and interventions. In addition, an improved understanding of the long-term effects of TC treatment on mortality due to noncancer causes and second malignant neoplasms remains paramount. Future research should focus on the continued development of large, well-characterized clinical cohorts of TCS for lifelong follow-up. These systematic, comprehensive approaches can provide the needed infrastructure for further investigation of long-term latency patterns of various medical and psychosocial morbidities and for more in-depth studies investigating associated etiopathogenetic pathways. Studies examining premature physiologic aging may also serve as new frontiers in TC survivorship research.

Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection as Primary Treatment for Men With Testicular Seminoma: Utilization and Survival Analysis Using the National Cancer Data Base, 2004-2014

BACKGROUND

The role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) as first-line treatment for testicular seminoma is less well defined than for testicular nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors. We describe utilization of primary RPLND in the United States and report on overall survival (OS) after surgery for these men.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using 2004-2014 data from the National Cancer Data Base, we identified 62,727 men with primary testicular cancer, 31,068 of whom were diagnosed as having seminoma. After excluding men with benign, non-germ cell, and nonseminomatous germ-cell tumor histologies, those who did not undergo RPLND, those where clinical stage and survival data were unavailable, and those with testicular seminoma who underwent RPLND in the postchemotherapy setting (n = 47), 365 men comprised our final cohort. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize clinical and demographic factors. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine OS.

RESULTS

A total of 365 men with testicular seminoma underwent primary RPLND. At a median follow-up of 4.1 years, there were 16 deaths in the entire cohort. Five-year OS was 94.2%. Subset analysis of men with stage I and IIA/B disease who underwent primary RPLND revealed 5-year OS rates of 97.3% and 92.0%, respectively (P = .035). OS did not significantly differ in patients with stage IIA versus IIB disease (91.8% vs. 92.3%, respectively, P = .907).

CONCLUSION

Although RPLND is rarely used as primary therapy in testicular seminoma, OS rates appear to be comparable to rates reported in the literature for primary chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Ongoing prospective trials will clarify the role of RPLND in the management of testicular seminoma.

Solid and Hematologic Neoplasms After Testicular Cancer: A US Population-Based Study of 24 900 Survivors

Background

No large US population-based study focusing on recent decades, to our knowledge, has comprehensively examined risks of second malignant solid and hematological neoplasms (solid-SMN and heme-SMN) after testicular cancer (TC), taking into account initial therapy and histological type.

Methods

Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) vs the general population and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for solid-SMN and heme-SMN were calculated for 24 900 TC survivors (TCS) reported to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries (1973–2014). All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

The median age at TC diagnosis was 33 years. Initial management comprised chemotherapy (n = 6340), radiotherapy (n = 9058), or surgery alone (n = 8995). During 372 709 person-years of follow-up (mean = 15 years), 1625 TCS developed solid-SMN and 228 (107 lymphomas, 92 leukemias, 29 plasma cell dyscrasias) developed heme-SMN. Solid-SMN risk was increased 1.06-fold (95% CI = 1.01 to 1.12), with elevated risks following radiotherapy (SIR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.21) and chemotherapy (SIR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.41) but not surgery alone (SIR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.92). Corresponding risks for seminoma were 1.13 (95% CI = 1.06 to 1.21), 1.28 (95% CI = 1.02 to 1.58), and 0.87 (95% CI = 0.74 to 1.01) and for nonseminoma were 1.05 (95% CI = 0.67 to 1.56), 1.25 (95% CI = 1.08 to 1.43), and 0.80 (95% CI = 0.70 to 0.92), respectively. Thirty-year cumulative incidences of solid-SMN after radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery alone were 16.9% (95% CI = 15.7% to 18.1%), 10.1% (95% CI = 8.8% to 11.5%), and 8.8% (95% CI = 7.8% to 9.9%), respectively (P < .0001). Increased leukemia risks after chemotherapy (SIR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.70 to 4.01) were driven by statistically significant sevenfold excesses of acute myeloid leukemia 1 to 10 years after TC diagnosis. Risks for lymphoma and plasma cell dyscrasias were not elevated.

Conclusions

We report statistically significant excesses of solid-SMN affecting 1 in 6 TCS 30 years after radiotherapy, and 2.7-fold risks of leukemias after chemotherapy, mostly acute myeloid leukemia. Efforts to minimize chemotherapy and radiotherapy exposures for TC should continue. TCS should be counseled about cancer prevention and screening.

Contemporary management of early stage testicular seminoma

Therapy for early stage testicular seminoma has changed radically over the past several decades. Given high cure rates and clinical trials supporting less active therapy in most cases, close observation after radical orchiectomy is now considered standard of care for clinical stage (CS) IA/IB seminoma, with either radiation therapy (RT) or chemotherapy salvage options possible. For CS IIA/IIB seminoma characterized by non-bulky retroperitoneal lymph node involvement (≤5 cm in greatest dimension), RT or combination chemotherapy are the standard of care. Given high comparable survival rates, preventing treatment-related toxicity and second malignancy, and limiting quality of life deficits associated with intense treatment has gained much greater importance. Clinical trials are currently testing the feasibility of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for low volume CS IIA/IIB metastatic testicular seminoma to this end. Likewise, one cycle of chemotherapy is being evaluated as an adjuvant approach to reduce recurrence rates in CS I disease with unfavorable risk factors. Moreover, recent genomic and molecular studies have recently identified novel signatures and a potential biomarker for testicular seminoma. In this review, we first summarize the evolution of early stage seminoma management and discuss the effectiveness and drawbacks of contemporary treatment strategies. We further outline future perspectives and potential challenges in management of early stage testicular seminoma.

ESMO Consensus Conference on testicular germ cell cancer: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) consensus conference on testicular cancer was held on 3-5 November 2016 in Paris, France. The conference included a multidisciplinary panel of 36 leading experts in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer (34 panel members attended the conference; an additional two panel members [CB and K-PD] participated in all preparatory work and subsequent manuscript development). The aim of the conference was to develop detailed recommendations on topics relating to testicular cancer that are not covered in detail in the current ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and where the available level of evidence is insufficient. The main topics identified for discussion related to: (1) diagnostic work-up and patient assessment; (2) stage I disease; (3) stage II-III disease; (4) post-chemotherapy surgery, salvage chemotherapy, salvage and desperation surgery and special topics; and (5) survivorship and follow-up schemes. The experts addressed questions relating to one of the five topics within five working groups. Relevant scientific literature was reviewed in advance. Recommendations were developed by the working groups and then presented to the entire panel. A consensus vote was obtained following whole-panel discussions, and the consensus recommendations were then further developed in post-meeting discussions in written form. This manuscript presents the results of the expert panel discussions, including the consensus recommendations and a summary of evidence supporting each recommendation. All participants approved the final manuscript.

[French ccAFU guidelines - Update 2018-2020: Testicular germ cell tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To update French guidelines concerning testicular germ cell cancer.

METHODS

Comprehensive Medline search between 2016 and 2018 upon diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of testicular germ cell cancer and treatments toxicities. Level of evidence was evaluated.

RESULTS

Testicular Germ cell tumor diagnosis is based on physical examination, biology tests (serum tumor markers AFP, hCGt, LDH) and radiological assessment (scrotal ultrasound and chest, abdomen and pelvis computerized tomography). Total inguinal orchiectomy is the first- line treatment allowing characterization of the histological type, local staging and identification of risk factors for micrometastases. In case of several therapeutic options, one must inform his patient balancing risks and benefits. Surveillance is usually chosen in stage I seminoma compliant patients as the evolution rate is low between 15 to 20 %. Carboplatin AUC7 is an alternative option. Radiotherapy indication should be avoided. In stage I non-seminomatous patients, either surveillance or risk-adapted strategy can be applied. Staging retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy has restricted indications. Metastatic germ cell tumors are usually treated by PEB chemotherapy according to IGCCCG prognostic classification. Lombo-aortic radiotherapy is still a standard treatment for stage IIA. Residual masses should be evaluated by biological and radiological assessment 3 to 4 weeks after the end of chemotherapy. Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is advocated for every non-seminomatous residual mass more than one cm. 18FDG uptake should be evaluated for each seminoma residual mass more than 3cm.

CONCLUSIONS

A rigorous use of classifications is mandatory to define staging since initial diagnosis. Applying treatments based on these classifications leads to excellent survival rates (99 % in CSI, 85 % in CSII+).

Management of Stage II Germ Cell Tumors

There are several treatment approaches for stage II germ cell tumors (GCTs), and a thorough understanding of the staging classification and histologic differences in tumor biology and therapeutic responsiveness is critical to determine an effective, multimodal management strategy that involves urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. This article discusses contemporary management strategies for stage II GCTs, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), and surveillance. Patient selection, histology, and extent of lymphadenopathy drive management, and, as both treatment and detection strategies continue to emerge and be refined, the management of patients with stage II GCT continues to evolve.

Management of Clinical Stage I Germ Cell Tumors

Experience demonstrates multiple paths to cure for patients with clinical stage I testicular cancer. Because all options should provide a long-term disease-free rate near 100%, overall survival is no longer relevant in decision making, allowing practitioners to factor in quality of life, toxicity, cost, and impact on compliance. Surveillance for clinical stage I seminoma and clinical stage I nonseminoma has become the preferred option. The contrarian view is that a risk-adapted approach should persist, with surveillance for low-risk individuals and active therapy high-risk individuals. However, results obtained in unselected patients provide a strong argument against the need for such an approach.

[Stage 1 germ-cell tumour]

Stage I germ-cell tumors are rare and highly curable diseases. As such, management of these tumours should carefully follow guidelines. Initial management is based on orchiectomy and several options as adjuvant therapy. Pro's and con's should be discussed with the patient for a personalized management. Patients with stage 1 germ-cell tumours should be addressed to expert centers.

Current pharmacotherapy for testicular germ cell cancer

INTRODUCTION

With the implementation of platinum-based chemotherapy, germ cell tumors (GCTs) became a model for a curable solid tumor, with survival rates of 95% in all patients with >80% survival in metastatic stages.

AREAS COVERED

Herein, the authors review the current standards of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage I GCTs as well as first-line and salvage treatments for metastatic disease. Novel approaches for refractory disease are also reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Active surveillance should be considered for all stage I patients and is the preferred approach for stage I seminoma. In stage I non-seminomas with vascular invasion, one cycle of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) substantially reduces the relapse risk. For most advanced GCTs, BEP remains the first-line standard of care. For poor prognosis disease treatment, stratification according to tumor marker decline is recommended. The role of primary high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) for selected very high-risk patients remains to be prospectively evaluated. Salvage HDCT at relapse seems superior to conventional chemotherapy, retrospectively. The treatment of multiply relapsed disease remains challenging. The gemcitabine/oxaliplatin/paclitaxel (GOP) protocol is considered the standard for refractory disease. However, overall, outcomes are poor and new treatment approaches are urgently needed with targeted therapies so far failing to yield relevant clinical activity.

RETRACTED: Recommandations françaises du Comité de Cancérologie de l’AFU — Actualisation 2018—2020 : tumeurs germinales du testicule French ccAFU guidelines — Update 2018—2020: Testicular germ cell tumors

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). Cet article est retiré de la publication à la demande des auteurs car ils ont apporté des modifications significatives sur des points scientifiques après la publication de la première version des recommandations. Le nouvel article est disponible à cette adresse: doi:10.1016/j.purol.2019.01.009. C’est cette nouvelle version qui doit être utilisée pour citer l’article. This article has been retracted at the request of the authors, as it is not based on the definitive version of the text because some scientific data has been corrected since the first issue was published. The replacement has been published at the doi:10.1016/j.purol.2019.01.009. That newer version of the text should be used when citing the article.

On thin ice: barriers to adoption of surveillance for patients with stage I testicular seminoma. Survey of US radiation oncologists

Purpose:

Most men with stage I testicular seminoma are cured with surgery alone, which is a preferred strategy per national guidelines. The current pattern of practice among US radiation oncologists (ROs) is unknown.

Materials and Methods:

We surveyed practicing US ROs via an online questionnaire. Respondent's characteristics, self-rated knowledge, perceived patient compliance rates with observation were analyzed for association with treatment recommendations.

Results:

We received 353 responses from ROs, of whom 23% considered themselves experts. A vast majority (84%) recommend observation as a default strategy, however this rate drops to 3% if the patient is believed to be noncompliant. 33% of respondents believe that survival is jeopardized in case of disease recurrence, and among these respondents only 5% support observation. 22% of respondents over-estimate the likelihood of noncompliance with observation to be in the 50-80% range. Responders with a higher perceived noncompliance rate are more likely to recommend adjuvant therapy (Fisher's exact p<0.01). Only 7% of respondents recommend observation for stage IS seminoma and 45% administer adjuvant RT in patients with elevated pre-orchiectomy alpha-fetal protein levels.

Conclusions:

Many US ROs over-estimate the likelihood that stage I testicular seminoma patients will be noncompliant with surveillance and incorrectly believe that overall survival is jeopardized if disease recurs on surveillance. Observation is quickly dismissed for patients who are not deemed to be compliant with observation, and is generally not accepted for patients with stage IS disease. There is clearly an opportunity for improved physician education on evidence-based management of stage I testicular seminoma.

Testicular Cancer: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management

There were an estimated 8720 new cases of testicular cancer (TC) in the United States in 2016. The cause of the disease is complex, with several environmental and genetic risk factors. Although rare, the incidence has been steadily increasing. Fortunately, substantial advances in treatment have occurred over the last few decades, making TC one of the most curable malignancies. However, because TC typically occurs in younger men, considerations of the treatment impact on fertility, quality of life, and long-term toxicity are paramount; an individualized approach must be taken with patients based on their clinical and pathologic findings.

Risk stratification for febrile neutropenia in patients with testicular germ cell tumors

The aim of this study was to detect risk factors for febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). In this retrospective cohort study at the Medical University of Graz, we included 413 consecutive TGCT patients who received adjuvant or curative treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. FN occurred in 70 (16.9%) of 413 patients. In univariable logistic regression, higher age (odds ratio (OR) per 5 years = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02-1.35, P = 0.022), reduced performance status (PS) (OR = 2.73, 1.47-5.06, P = 0.001), seminomatous histology (OR = 2.19, 1.26-3.78, P = 0.005), poor IGCCCG risk class (OR = 4.20, 1.71-10.33, P = 0.002), and prior radiotherapy (pRTX) (OR = 8.98, 2.09-38.61, P = 0.003) were associated with a higher risk of FN. In multivariable analysis adjusting for age and risk classification, only poor PS (OR = 2.06, 1.05-4.03, P = 0.035), seminomatous histology (OR = 2.08, 1.01-4.26, P = 0.047), and pRTX (OR = 7.31, 1.61-33.17, P = 0.010) prevailed. In the subgroup of seminoma patients (n = 104), only pRTX predicted for FN risk (OR = 5.60, 1.24-25.34, P = 0.025). Five of eight seminoma patients with pRTX developed FN (63%), as compared to 22 FN cases (23%) in the 96 seminoma patients without pRTX (P = 0.027). The eight seminoma patients who received pRTX had significantly lower pre-chemo white blood counts (4.7 vs. 6.5 G/L), neutrophil counts (3.2 vs. 4.3 G/L), and platelet counts (185 vs. 272 G/L) than patients without pRTX (all P < 0.0001). TGCT patients with a reduced performance status or who had been previously treated with radiotherapy have an increased risk for neutropenic fever during chemotherapy.

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.

Current Practice Patterns Surrounding Fertility Concerns in Stage I Seminoma Patients: Survey of United States Radiation Oncologists

PURPOSE

Patients with testicular seminoma may face fertility issues because of their underlying disease as well as treatments they undergo. The current patterns of practice among U.S. radiation oncologists aimed at assessing and preserving fertility in patients with Stage I seminoma are unknown.

METHODS

We surveyed practicing U.S. radiation oncologists via an Institutional Review Board-approved online questionnaire. Respondents' characteristics and perceived patient infertility rates were analyzed for association with treatment recommendations.

RESULTS

We received 353 responses, of whom one quarter (23%) consider themselves experts. A vast majority (84%) recommend observation as a default strategy. Fifty-two percent routinely advise fertility assessment for patients before observation or chemotherapy, and 74% routinely do so before adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). Forty-one percent and 43% believe that 10% and 30% of patients are infertile following orchiectomy, respectively. Thirty-seven percent and 22% believe infertility rates following para-aortic RT to be 30% and 50%, respectively. Eighty percent routinely use clamshell scrotal shielding. Responders with higher perceived infertility rates are more likely to recommend fertility assessment/sperm banking (Fisher's exact p < 0.0001). Responders who routinely advised fertility assessment were more likely to use clamshell shielding (Cochran-Armitage trend test p = 0.0007). Clamshell use was positively correlated with higher perceived infertility rates following para-aortic RT (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a clear knowledge of fertility issues in men diagnosed with seminoma, there is no universal adoption of fertility assessment among U.S. radiation oncologists.

Modern Management of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a rare urological malignancy with high cure rate. The development of highly effective systemic treatment regimens along with advances in surgical treatment of advanced disease has led to continued improvement in outcomes. Patients with testicular cancer who are treated following the treatment guideline mostly achieved high quality of life and long-term survival. However, patients who were identified as having non-guideline directed care were at significantly higher risk of relapse. In this book chapter, we introduce in depth the modern management of testicular cancer, including diagnosis, staging and risk stratification, treatment strategies of seminoma and non-seminoma germ cell tumors, follow-up protocols, and salvage treatment for disease relapse. We also review new studies and updates on medical and surgical management of advanced testicular cancer.

[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.

Radiotherapy in testicular germ cell tumours - a literature review

Testicular germ cell tumours (GCT) represent about 1-2% of malignant in men. The essential therapeutic option for early-stage GCT is radical orchiectomy (RO), except in situations that require immediate chemotherapy in patients with a massive dissemination and unequivocally elevated levels of tumour markers. Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with testicular seminoma in Clinical Stage I (CS I) is one of the treatment options next to active surveillance (AS) and chemotherapy (CHTH). Regardless of the procedure, five-year survival in this group of patients ranges between 97% and 100%. In the article, we present the literature review pertinent to therapeutic options, with a focus on radiotherapy. We have searched MEDLINE (PubMed) for all studies on patients with GCT treated with radiation therapy during the last 20 years, and the current therapeutic recommendations. We used the following keywords: germ cell tumours, testis, seminoma, non-seminoma, radiotherapy, outcome.

Long-term cardiovascular complications in stage I seminoma patients

PURPOSE

The cure rate of stage I seminoma patients is close to 100% and so the recent focus of clinical research has shifted onto the prevention of treatment-related complications. We assessed long-term cardiovascular complications and identified risk factors for cardiovascular events (CVEs) in stage I seminoma patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 406 consecutive stage I seminoma patients. Primary endpoint was CVE rate.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 8.6 years, we observed 23 CVEs in 406 patients [10-year CVE risk 5.6% (95% CI 3.2 to 8.8)]. In univariable competing risk analysis, higher age, positive smoking status, history of diabetes and hypertension were significantly associated with the occurrence of CVE. In multi-state analysis, new onset of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia during follow-up predicted for an excessively increased CVE risk. In multivariable analysis adjusting for age and smoking, the development of hypertension and hyperlipidemia after tumor-specific treatment prevailed as risk factors for CVE. Regarding adjuvant treatment modalities, patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy had a significantly higher probability of CVE than patients receiving adjuvant carboplatin [16% vs. 0%; risk difference (RD) = 16%, 95% CI 6 to 25%, p = 0.001]. This difference prevailed after adjusting for age, follow-up-time, diabetes, hypertension and smoking (RD = 11%, 95% CI 1 to 20%, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

We identified a panel of baseline risk factors and dynamically, occurring predictors of CVE in stage I seminoma patients. This information may be used for targeting comorbidity management in these patients. The observed association of adjuvant radiotherapy with higher CVE risk warrants further investigation.

Fertility preservation of patients with testicular cancer

Background

Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most common malignancies in young men of reproductive age. Although TC is a curable malignancy with a high survival rate, its treatment requires various cytotoxic modalities and negatively impacts spermatogenesis; therefore, the fertility preservation of patients with TC has been studied.

Methods

In order to give an overview of fertility preservation in patients with TC, the literature was reviewed. Original and review articles were identified and examined on the basis of PubMed database searches.

Results

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy damage spermatogenesis and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection negatively impacts ejaculatory function. Testicular sperm extraction facilitates successful sperm retrieval in patients with TC with postchemotherapy azoospermia. Although preserved sperm is used with a very low frequency (8%), the conception rates in those who have used sperm are not inferior.

Conclusion

The number of studies is limited, and because numerous treatment factors affect fertility, outstanding questions remain about preserving the fertility of patients with TC. Further studies are necessary in order to determine the best means of preventing and treating infertility in patients with TC.

[Role of radiotherapy in stage I testicular seminomas: about 25 cases]

Notre travail se proposait de rapporter les résultats d’une étude rétrospective, descriptive, portant sur 25 séminomes testiculaires de stade I et de préciser la place de la radiothérapie dans la prise en charge de cette entité. Entre janvier 2001 et décembre 2009, 25 patients atteints d'un séminome testiculaire de stade I ont été pris en charge au service de radiothérapie de l’institut national d’oncologie de Rabat. L’orchidectomie première a été réalisée par voie inguinale. Le bilan d’extension initial comportait un dosage de bHCG totale, d’alphafoetoprotéine, et une exploration des aires ganglionnaires sus- et sous-diaphragmatiques par une tomodensitométrie. L’irradiation adjuvante a été délivrée au moyen d’un accélérateur linéaire. L'âge médian est de 33 ans (18-52 ans). La tumeur testiculaire siégeait à droite chez 16 malades et à gauche chez les 9 autres. La radiothérapie était délivrée dans les aires ganglionnaires lomboaortiques pour 18 patients, lomboaortiques et iliaques homolatérales pour les 7 autres et ceci par deux faisceaux antéropostérieurs, délivrant une dose de 20 à 25 Gy en 10 à 14 fractions. La tolérance immédiate était excellente. La durée médiane de surveillance était de 73 mois. Vingt trois patients sont actuellement vivants, en situation de rémission complète. Un patient a rechuté au niveau pulmonaire 22 mois après la fin de sa radiothérapie. Un patient a été perdu de vue. Il n’a pas été observé de toxicité à long terme, en particulier gastro-intestinale. Aucune tumeur ou pathologie hématologique secondaire n’a été rapportée. La radiothérapie prophylactique reste le traitement adjuvant de référence des séminomes de stade I. La tolérance immédiate est satisfaisante et l’augmentation du risque de cancer secondaire est négligeable par rapport au bénéfice thérapeutique. Toutefois une surveillance armée ainsi qu’une chimiothérapie adjuvante avec un cycle de carboplatine sont aussi efficaces.