Randomized phase III trial comparing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with one course of bleomycin and etoposide plus cisplatin chemotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of clinical stage I Nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors: AUO trial AH 01/94 by the German Testicular Cancer Study Group

Regionalization of Testis Cancer Care-Is It Necessary?

Testicular germ cell tumors are rare genitourinary malignancies, but they represent the most common malignancies in men aged 15 to 30 years. Whereas the initial steps of management such as staging imaging studies, inguinal orchiectomy, and tumor marker can be performed elsewhere, the surgical and cytotoxic therapy needs to be done at reference centers. Regionalization of testis care has been shown to result in superior oncological outcome.

SEOM-GG clinical guidelines for the management of germ-cell testicular cancer (2023)

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common tumors in adolescent and young men. They are curable malignancies that should be treated with curative intent, minimizing acute and long-term side effects. Inguinal orchiectomy is the main diagnostic procedure, and is also curative for most localized tumors, while patients with unfavorable risk factors for recurrence, or those who are unable or unwilling to undergo close follow-up, may require adjuvant treatment. Patients with persistent markers after orchiectomy or advanced disease at diagnosis should be staged and classified according to the IGCCCG prognostic classification. BEP is the most recommended chemotherapy, but other schedules such as EP or VIP may be used to avoid bleomycin in some patients. Efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary delays and dose reductions wherever possible. Insufficient marker decline after each cycle is associated with poor prognosis. Management of residual masses after chemotherapy differs between patients with seminoma and non-seminoma tumors. Patients at high risk of relapse, those with refractory tumors, or those who relapse after chemotherapy should be managed by multidisciplinary teams in experienced centers. Salvage treatment for these patients includes conventional-dose chemotherapy (TIP) and/or high-dose chemotherapy, although the best regimen and strategy for each subgroup of patients is not yet well established. In late recurrences, early complete surgical resection should be performed when feasible. Given the high cure rate of TGCT, oncologists should work with patients to prevent and identify potential long-term side effects of the treatment. The above recommendations also apply to extragonadal retroperitoneal and mediastinal tumors.

Malignant ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors: Common characteristics but different prognoses

Both ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) arise from the primordial germ cell and share many similarities. Both malignancies affect mainly young patients, show remarkable responsiveness to cisplatin-based therapy, and have an excellent prognosis, which also highlights the importance of minimizing long-term side effects. However, certain differences can be noted: The spreading of the disease differs, and the staging system and treatment recommendations are dissimilar. Moreover, the prognosis for ovarian GCTs is significantly inferior to that for testicular cancer, as exemplified in this review comparing the survival in Swedish patients diagnosed with testicular (1995-2022) and ovarian (1990-2018) GCTs. The 5-year overall survival in ovarian GCTs was 85.2%, versus 98.2% for testicular GCTs. How can this be explained? One reason may be the difference in knowledge, experience, and evidence because the incidence rate of testicular cancer is more than 15 times that of ovarian GCTs. Given the rarity of the disease in women and the lack of established guidelines, a comprehensive understanding of the disease and treatment decisions is challenging. The main objective of this review is to derive insights from testicular GCTs (seminoma and non-seminoma) by reviewing etiological, tumor biological, and clinical knowledge, and to thereafter suggest actions for ovarian GCTs based on this. We hypothesize that by adopting specific treatment strategies from testicular GCTs-including de-escalating adjuvant chemotherapy for low-risk patients and implementing more standardized and intensive treatment protocols in cases of relapse-we can improve the prognosis and minimize long-term side effects in ovarian GCT patients.

Evaluation of a miRNA-371a-3p Assay for Predicting Final Histopathology in Patients Undergoing Primary Nerve-sparing Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy for Stage IIA/B Seminoma or Nonseminoma

Patients with marker-negative clinical stage IIA/B seminoma or nonseminoma represent a therapeutic challenge, as 20-30% might harbor nonmalignant histologies. MicroRNA 371a-3p (miR371) may represent a biomarker with diagnostic and predictive properties in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). We evaluated the predictive accuracy of this biomarker in identifying the presence or absence of lymph node metastases (LNMs) in clinical stage IIA/B TGCT. In a cohort of 24 consecutive patients with marker-negative clinical stage IIA/B TGCT (n = 15 seminoma, n = 9 nonseminoma) serum miR371 was assessed 1 d before nerve-sparing retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Histology revealed metastatic TGCT in 22/24 patients (91.7%), with positive miR371a findings for 20 of these 22 patients with metastases (90.9%). Histology revealed no malignancy in one patient and lymphoma in another, both of whom had negative miR371a findings. One additional patient with pure teratoma and one with a microscopic seminomatous LNM had false-negative miR371a findings. The miR371 assay had sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 50%. The positive predictive value was 100.0% and the negative predictive value was 75.0%. According to the data available, miR371a represents a highly reliable, personalized tumor marker for predicting the presence of low-volume retroperitoneal LNMs in marker-negative TGCT. miR371 has potential for inclusion in the diagnostic armamentarium for men with equivocal lymph nodes to facilitate avoidance of unnecessary treatment and the associated toxicity. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our study demonstrates that blood tests for the biomarker miR371 are highly reliable in predicting the presence of lymph node metastases in patients with stage IIA/B testicular cancer. For patients with equivocal findings, use of this test may help in avoiding unnecessary treatment.

Prognostic Differences Between Surveillance and Active Treatment After Initial Orchiectomy in Patients With Stage I Mixed Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The prognosis and optimal treatment approach for stage I mixed germ cell cancers of the testis are not well-established. This study aimed to assess contemporary treatment rates and their correlation with the cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM) in patients with stage I testicular mixed germ cell tumors (TMGCT) who underwent orchiectomy, comparing surveillance with active treatment, including chemotherapy (CHT) and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of clinical data from stage I TMGCT patients who underwent orchiectomy was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2019. The annual percentage change (APC) in the use of surveillance, postoperative CHT, and RPLND was examined. Propensity score matching (PSM) and cumulative incidence, analyses were employed to compare differences in CSM and OCM between surveillance and active treatment, as well as between CHT and RPLND. Multivariate competing-risks regression models were utilized to investigate independent factors affecting CSM and OCM among stage I TMGCT patients.

RESULTS

The study included 5743 individuals with stage I TMGCT that underwent surveillance (61.6%), CHT(27.2%), or RPLND (11.2%). Among them, 82 deaths were attributed to TMGCT, and 82 deaths resulted from other causes. Surveillance rates increased over time (APC: 0.635%, P = 0.008), as did CHT rates (APC: 0.863%, P < 0.001), while RPLND rates declined (APC: -0.96%, P < 0.001). After PSM, multivariate competing-risks regression analysis showed that, active treatment, compared to surveillance, was not an independent factor for CSM and OCM. In contrast, when compared to CHT, RPLND was an independent factor associated with lower CSM (hazard ratio = 0.247, 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.761; P = 0.015), but not OCM (hazard ratio = 0.946, 95% confidence interval: 0.377-2.37; P = 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Surveillance and CHT rates have increased over time for patients with stage I TMGCT following initial orchiectomy, while RPLND utilization has decreased. There was no significant difference in CSM between surveillance and active treatment groups, but RPLND demonstrated significantly lower CSM than CHT in active treatment. Our findings suggest that the usage of RPLND in patients with stage I TMGCT should be reconsidered.

Testicular Tumors

BACKGROUND

Germ-cell tumors of the testes are the most common type of malignant tumor in men aged 20 to 40. Their incidence in Germany is 10 per 100 000 men per year, with an estimated 4200 new cases annually.

METHODS

This selective review is based on the recommendations of the German clinical practice guideline on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of testicular germ-cell tumors, as well as on pertinent original articles and reviews.

RESULTS

The treatment of germ-cell tumors requires an interdisciplinary approach comprising resection of the affected testis followed by further steps that depend on the histological type and stage of the tumor, which may include active surveillance, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, further surgery, or some combination of these measures. Two-thirds of germ-cell tumors are diagnosed in clinical stage I, when they are still confined to the testis; one-third are already metastatic when diagnosed, with organ metastases in 10-15%. Stage-based multimodal treatment approaches are associated with cure rates of more than 99% for stage I tumors and 67-95% for advanced metastatic disease, depending on the degree of progression.

CONCLUSION

For patients with early-stage tumors, overtreatment should be avoided in order to minimize long-term sequelae. For those whose tumors are in advanced stages, it must be decided which patients should receive intensified treatment to optimize the outcome. Multimodal treatment approaches are associated with high cure rates even for patients with metastatic disease.

Outcomes of relapsed clinical stage I versus de novo metastatic testicular cancer patients: an analysis of the IGCCCG Update database

BACKGROUND

Active surveillance after orchiectomy is the preferred management in clinical stage I (CSI) germ-cell tumours (GCT) associated with a 15 to 30% relapse rate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the IGCCCG Update database, we compared the outcomes of gonadal disseminated GCT relapsing from initial CSI to outcomes of patients with de novo metastatic GCT.

RESULTS

A total of 1014 seminoma (Sem) [298 (29.4%) relapsed from CSI, 716 (70.6%) de novo] and 3103 non-seminoma (NSem) [626 (20.2%) relapsed from CSI, 2477 (79.8%) de novo] were identified. Among Sem, no statistically significant differences in PFS and OS were found between patients relapsing from CSI and de novo metastatic disease [5-year progression-free survival (5y-PFS) 87.6% versus 88.5%; 5-year overall survival (5y-OS) 93.2% versus 96.1%). Among NSem, PFS and OS were higher overall in relapsing CSI patients (5y-PFS 84.6% versus 80.0%; 5y-OS 93.3% versus 88.7%), but there were no differences within the same IGCCCG prognostic groups (HR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.70-1.12). Relapses in the intermediate or poor prognostic groups occurred in 11/298 (4%) Sem and 112/626 (18%) NSem.

CONCLUSION

Relapsing CSI GCT patients expect similar survival compared to de novo metastatic patients of the same ICCCCG prognostic group. Intermediate and poor prognosis relapses from initial CSI expose patients to unnecessary toxicity from more intensive treatments.

Post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for metastatic germ cell tumors: safety and perioperative outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and early oncologic outcomes after post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RARPLND) for metastatic germ cell tumors (mGCT).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients from four tertiary centers who underwent PC-RARPLND for mGCT, from 2011 to 2021. Previous treatment of mGCT, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and early oncologic outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 66 patients were included. The majority of patients had non-seminoma mTGCT (89%). Median size of retroperitoneal lymph node (RLN) before surgery was 26 mm. Templates of PC-RARPLND were left modified, right modified, and full bilateral in 56%, 27%, and 14%, respectively. Median estimated blood loss and length of stay were 50 mL [50-150] and 2 [1-3] days. Four patients (6.1%) had a vascular injury, only one with significant blood loss and conversion to open surgery (OS). Two other patients had a conversion to OS for difficulty of dissection. No patient had transfusion, most frequent complications were ileus (10.6%) and symptomatic lymphorrea (7.6%) and no complications grade IIIb or more occurred. With a median follow-up of 16 months, two patients had a relapse, all outside of the surgical template (one in the retrocrural space with reascending markers, one in lungs).

CONCLUSION

PC-RARPLND is a challenging surgery. In expert centers and for selected patients, it seemed safe and feasible, with a low morbidity. Further prospective evaluation of this procedure and long-term oncologic results are needed.

The role of primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in the treatment of stage II seminoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Stage II seminoma is responsive to chemo- or radiotherapy with a progression-free survival of 87-95% at 5 years but at the cost of short- and long-term toxicity. After evidence about these long-term morbidities emerged, four surgical cohorts investigating the role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) as a treatment option for stage II disease were initiated.

RECENT FINDINGS

Currently, two RPLND series have been published as a complete report, while data from other series have only been published as congress abstracts. In series without adjuvant chemotherapy, recurrence rates ranged from 13% to 30% after follow-ups of 21-32 months. In those receiving RPLND and adjuvant chemotherapy, the recurrence rate was 6% after a mean follow-up of 51 months. Across all trials, recurrent disease was treated with systemic chemotherapy (22/25), surgery (2/25), and radiotherapy (1/25). The rate of pN0 disease after RPLND varied between 4% and 19%. Postoperative complications were reported in 2-12%, while antegrade ejaculation was maintained in 88-95% of patients. Median length of stay ranged from 1 to 6 days.

SUMMARY

In men with clinical stage II seminoma, RPLND is a safe and promising treatment option. Further research is needed to determine the risk of relapse and to personalize treatment options based on patient-specific risk factors.

A Systematic Review Investigating the Difference between 1 Cycle versus 2 Cycles of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage I Testicular Germ Cell Cancers

Standard care for stage I testicular germ cell cancers (seminomatous-STC or non-seminomatous-NSTC) is orchiectomy followed by active surveillance, 1 or 2 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy. The decision on the adjuvant therapeutic approach is guided by the associated risk factors of the patient and the potential related toxicity of the treatment. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the optimal number of adjuvant chemotherapy cycles. Although in terms of overall survival, there is no proven inconsistency regarding the number of cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, and the rate of relapse may vary.

Balancing efficacy with long-term side-effects: can we safely de-escalate therapy for germ cell tumors?

INTRODUCTION

The success in the management of germ cell tumors has encouraged researchers to pay more attention on long-term side effects and other survivorship issues. The de-escalation of treatment is intended to reduce side effects but must be balanced against any compromise of efficacy. Cisplatin-based therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for germ cell tumors. However, they can result in acute and long-term side effects, including ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and increased risk of second malignancies.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses approaches of de-escalation including biomarker-directed treatment using microRNAs, surveillance for immature teratoma, the use of carboplatin monotherapy for seminoma, and the option of non-cisplatin-based approaches in relapsed germ cell tumors.

EXPERT OPINION

While the results with the current standard options in terms of cancer control are very good, the price being paid in terms of long-term side effects is considerable.

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.

Biomarkers of disease recurrence in stage I testicular germ cell tumours

Stage I testicular cancer is a disease restricted to the testicle. After orchiectomy, patients are considered to be without disease; however, the tumour is prone to relapse in ~4-50% of patients. Current predictive markers of relapse, which are tumour size and invasion to rete testis (in seminoma) or lymphovascular invasion (in non-seminoma), have limited clinical utility and are unable to correctly predict relapse in a substantial proportion of patients. Adjuvant therapeutic strategies based on available biomarkers can lead to overtreatment of 50-85% of patients. Discovery and implementation of novel biomarkers into treatment decision making will help to reduce the burden of adjuvant treatments and improve patient selection for adjuvant therapy.

Update on pediatric testicular germ cell tumors

BACKGROUND

Testicular germ cell tumors are uncommon tumors that are encountered by pediatric surgeons and urologists and require a knowledge of appropriate contemporary evaluation and surgical and medical management.

METHOD

A review of the recommended diagnostic evaluation and current surgical and medical management of children and adolescents with testicular germ cell tumors based upon recently completed clinical trials was performed and summarized in this article.

RESULTS

In this summary of childhood and adolescent testicular germ cell tumors, we review the initial clinical evaluation, surgical and medical management, risk stratification, results from recent prospective cooperative group studies, and clinical outcomes. A summary of recently completed clinical trials by pediatric oncology cooperative groups is provided, and best surgical practices are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Testicular germ cell tumors in children are rare tumors. International collaborations, data-sharing, and enrollment of patients at all stages and risk classifications into active clinical trials will enhance our knowledge of these rare tumors and most importantly improve outcomes of patients with testicular germ cell tumors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This is a review article of previously published and referenced level 1 and 2 studies, but also includes expert opinion level 5, represented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association Cancer Committee.

Single-course bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (1xBEP) as adjuvant treatment in testicular nonseminoma clinical stage 1: outcome, safety, and risk factors for relapse in a population-based study

Introduction:

Clinical stage 1 (CS1) nonseminomatous (NS) germ cell tumors involve a 30% probability of relapse upon surveillance. Adjuvant chemotherapy with one course of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (1xBEP) can reduce this risk to <5%. However, 1xBEP results are based solely on five controlled trials from high-volume centers. We analyzed the outcome in a real-life population.

Patients and Methods:

In a multicentric international study, 423 NS CS1 patients receiving 1xBEP were retrospectively evaluated. Median follow-up was 37 (range, 6–89) months. Primary end points were relapse-free and overall survival evaluated after 5 years. We also looked at associations of relapse with clinico-pathological factors using stratified Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox regression models. Treatment modality and outcome of recurrences were analyzed descriptively.

Results:

The 5-year relapse-free survival rate was 96.2%. Thirteen patients (3.1%; 95% confidence interval, 1.65–5.04%) relapsed after a median time of 13 months, of which 10 were salvaged (77%). Relapses were mostly confined to retroperitoneal nodes. Three patients succumbed, two to disease progression and one to toxicity of chemotherapy. Pathological stage >pT2 was significantly associated with relapse rate.

Conclusion:

The relapse rate of 3.1% found in this population of NS CS1 patients treated with 1xBEP at the routine care level was not inferior to the median rate of 2.3% reported from a meta-analysis of controlled trials. Also, the cure rate of relapses of 77% is consistent with the previously reported rate of 80%. This study clearly shows that the 1xBEP regimen represents a safe treatment for NS CS1 patients.

Effective Penetration of a Liposomal Formulation of Bleomycin through Ex-Vivo Skin Explants from Two Different Species

Bleomycin is a chemotherapy agent that, when administered systemically, can cause severe pulmonary toxicity. Bleosome is a novel formulation of bleomycin encapsulated in ultra-deformable (UD) liposomes that may be applicable as a topical chemotherapy for diseases such as non-melanoma skin cancer. To date, the ability of Bleosome to effectively penetrate through the skin has not been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the ability of Bleosome to penetrate through ex vivo skin explants from dogs and horses. We visualized the penetration of UD liposomes through the skin by transmission electron microscopy. However, to effectively image the drug itself we fluorescently labeled bleomycin prior to encapsulation within liposomes and utilized multiphoton microscopy. We showed that UD liposomes do not penetrate beyond the stratum corneum, whereas bleomycin is released from UD liposomes and can penetrate to the deeper layers of the epidermis. This is the first study to show that Bleosome can effectively penetrate through the skin. We speculate that UD liposomes are penetration enhancers in that UD liposomes carry bleomycin through the outer skin to the stratum corneum and then release the drug, allowing diffusion into the deeper layers. Our results are comparative in dogs and horses and warrant further studies on the efficacy of Bleosome as topical treatment.

First-line salvage treatment options for germ cell tumor patients failing stage-adapted primary treatment : A comprehensive review compiled by the German Testicular Cancer Study Group

PURPOSE

In this review, we summarize and discuss contemporary treatment standards and possible selection criteria for decision making after failure of adjuvant or first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy for primarily localized or metastatic germ cell tumors.

METHODS

This work is based on a systematic literature search conducted for the elaboration of the first German clinical practice guideline to identify prospective clinical trials and retrospective comparative studies published between Jan 2010 and Feb 2021. Study end points of interest were progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), relapse rate (RR), and/or safety.

RESULTS

Relapses of clinical stage I (CS I) patients irrespective of prior adjuvant treatment after orchiectomy are treated stage adapted in accordance for primary metastatic patients. Surgical approaches for sole retroperitoneal relapses are investigated in ongoing clinical trials. The appropriate salvage chemotherapy for metastatic patients progressing or relapsing after first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy is still a matter of controversy. Conventional cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the international guideline-endorsed standard of care, but based on retrospective data high-dose chemotherapy and subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation may offer a 10-15% survival benefit for all patients. Secondary complete surgical resection of all visible residual masses irrespective of size is paramount for treatment success.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients relapsing after definite treatment of locoregional disease are to be treated by stage-adapted first-line standard therapy for metastatic disease. Patients with primary advanced/metastatic disease failing one line of cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy should be referred to GCT expert centers. Dose intensity is a matter of ongoing debate, but sequential high-dose chemotherapy seems to improve patients' survival.

Nerve-sparing Robot-assisted Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection: The Monoblock Technique

Background

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a treatment option for men with stage 1 or 2 testis cancer and the standard of care for men with postchemotherapy retroperitoneal residual disease. Given the morbidity of RPLND, four important surgical modifications have been proposed: minimally invasive access, nerve-sparing resection, template resection, and en-bloc resection.

Objective

To describe the surgical steps and perioperative outcomes of robotic nerve-sparing unilateral template RPLND with en-bloc resection (roboRPLND-NS+).

Design, setting, and participants

From 2017 to 2019, five patients with suspicion of retroperitoneal metastatic testicular cancer on abdominopelvic computed tomography underwent roboRPLND-NS+ at a single referral center. All surgeries were carried out by a single surgeon who has performed more than 500 extended and more than 50 super-extended robot-assisted lymph node dissections.

Surgical procedure

A lateral transperitoneal robotic approach with a da Vinci Xi Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) in six-arm configuration was used. The sympathetic chains, postganglionic sympathetic fibers, and hypogastric plexus were preserved as much as possible to ensure a nerve-sparing procedure. The template borders consisted of the renal vein cranially, the ureter laterally, the interaortocaval space medially, the common iliac artery caudally, and the psoas muscle dorsally for the right and left modified RPLND templates. Lymph nodes and the surrounding fatty tissue were progressively resected from the common iliac vessels and the abdominal aorta using the split-and-roll technique, and all of the template tissue was resected as a single specimen. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded.

Measurements

Lymph node yield and perioperative and postoperative oncological and functional outcomes were measured.

Results and limitations

The median patient age was 38 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 32–41) and the median operative time was 274 min (IQR 238–280). Node metastases were pathologically confirmed in three patients. The median number of lymph nodes removed was 19 (IQR 18–21), and the median number of positive lymph nodes was 2 (IQR 1–3). No patient experienced intraoperative or postoperative complications. The postoperative hospital stay was either 3 or 4 d. Maintenance of antegrade ejaculation was achieved in all patients. After median follow-up of 15 mo (IQR 14–30), all patients were alive and no recurrence was observed. Limitations include the low number of patients and the single surgeon experience.

Conclusions

RoboRPLND-NS+ is a safe and feasible technique that allows removal of a high number of lymph nodes with good functional outcomes. Short-term survival outcomes were excellent, with no recurrences or deaths recorded.

Patient summary

We describe a feasible and safe robot-assisted surgical procedure for removal of lymph nodes in patients with testicular cancer. Our technique has potential to decrease the medical problems arising as side effects of the surgery while achieving good cancer control.

[Trends in uro-oncological surgery in Germany-comparative analyses from population-based data]

Obwohl urologische maligne Erkrankungen mit etwa 100.000 Neuerkrankungen pro Jahr eine relevante gesundheitsökonomische Aufgabe darstellen, existieren kaum Erkenntnisse über die Struktur und Entwicklung der entsprechenden tumorchirurgischen Eingriffe an den mehr als 400 urologisch-chirurgisch tätigen Kliniken in Deutschland. Somit erfassten wir mittels Datenbankabfrage der DRG-Datenbank („diagnosis related groups“) des statistischen Bundesamtes sämtliche Fälle von 5 großen tumorchirurgischen Eingriffen in Deutschland (Prostatektomie, Zystektomie, Nierentumoroperation, retroperitoneale Lymphadenektomie, penischirurgische Eingriffe) von 2006 bis 2013 (bzw. 2016) und untersuchten die Einflüsse von technischen Neuerungen sowie Leitlinienänderungen auf die Entwicklungen der Fallzahlen. Zudem analysierten wir die Zusammenhänge zwischen jährlicher Fallzahl und perioperativem Ergebnis. Die Ergebnisse zeigten eine deutliche Korrelation zwischen Fallzahlvolumen (und damit Expertise) einer Klinik und einem verbesserten perioperativen Ergebnis. Dennoch existiert kaum Tendenz zur Zentralisierung bei diesen uroonkologischen Eingriffen. Die Fallzahlentwicklungen scheinen vielmehr vom Werbeeffekt durch technische Innovationen oder auch vom regionalen Bezug der Patienten zu einer bestimmten Klinik abhängig zu sein. Zentral gesteuerte Versuche mittels Einführung von Mindestfallzahlen oder der freiwilligen Zertifizierung von Zentren hatten in der Vergangenheit nur geringen Einfluss auf die Fallzahlverteilungen.

Late toxicities and recurrences in patients with clinical stage I non-seminomatous germ cell tumours after 1 cycle of adjuvant bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin versus primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection - A 13-year follow-up analysis of a phase III trial cohort

BACKGROUND

One cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP) has shown superiority in recurrence-free survival over retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in patients with clinical stage (CS) I non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs) of the testis in the setting of a phase III trial. We report the recurrences and late toxicities of this study after 13 years of follow-up.

METHODS

Questionnaires from 382 patients with CS I NSGCT treated with 1 cycle of adjuvant BEP (arm A) or RPLND + two cycles of adjuvant BEP in cases of pathological stage II disease (arm B) were evaluated regarding recurrences and late toxicity. Overall, information on recurrence status was available in 337 patients, and 170 questionnaires were evaluable for toxicity (arm A: 95; arm B: 75).

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 13.8 years (0-22), 3 patients (1.6%) in arm A and 16 patients (8.4%) in arm B experienced recurrence. The 15-year PFS in arm A/B was 99% (CI 96-100%)/92% (CI 89-99%) (p = 0.0049). The 15-year OS in arm A/B was 93% (CI 87-97%)/93% (CI 86-97%) (p = 0.83). Eight patients (4.2%) in arm A and four patients (2.1%) in arm B showed metachronous secondary testicular cancer (p = 0.26). Five patients (2.6%) in arm A and four patients (2.1%) in arm B developed other malignancies. Toxicities were not significantly different apart from retrograde ejaculation, which occurred more frequently after RPLND (10% versus 24%, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

With long-term observation, one cycle of BEP remains superior to RPLND in preventing recurrence and was tolerated without any clinically relevant long-term toxicities.

Treatment of clinical stage I non-seminoma

Germ cell cancers are the most common solid tumors among men between 15 and 40 years. Non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) represent a unique and exclusive cohort of germ cell tumor patients. Non-seminoma can harbor different histologic components. The most commonly found histologies are embryonal cell cancer, teratoma, yolk sack tumor and choriocarcinoma, as well as teratocarcinoma and seminoma, in combination with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors histologic types. The clinical definition of stage I non-seminoma is the absence of metastatic lesions on imaging and normal tumor markers. The cure rate for clinical stage I NSGCT is 99% and this can be achieved by three therapeutic strategies: Active surveillance with treatment at the time of relapse, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection or adjuvant chemotherapy. The balancing of these various strategies should always be based on an individual risk profile of NGSCG patient depending on the lymphovascular invasion of the tumor.

Management of Germ Cell Tumours of the Testis in Adult Patients. German Clinical Practice Guideline Part I: Epidemiology, Classification, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Fertility Preservation, and Treatment Recommendations for Localized Stages

INTRODUCTION

This is the first German evidence- and consensus-based clinical guideline on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up on germ cell tumours (GCTs) of the testis in adult patients. We present the guideline content in two publications. Part I covers the topic's background, methods, epidemiology, classification systems, diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment recommendations for the localized stages.

METHODS

An interdisciplinary panel of 42 experts including 1 patient representative developed the guideline content. Clinical recommendations and statements were based on scientific evidence and expert consensus. For this purpose, evidence tables for several review questions, which were based on systematic literature searches (last search was in March 2018) were provided. Thirty-one experts entitled to vote, rated the final clinical recommendations and statements.

RESULTS

We provide 161 clinical recommendations and statements. We present information on the quality of cancer care and epidemiology and give recommendations for staging and classification as well as for diagnostic procedures. The diagnostic recommendations encompass measures for assessing the primary tumour as well as procedures for the detection of metastases. One chapter addresses prognostic factors. In part I, we separately present the treatment recommendations for germ cell neoplasia in situ, and the organ-confined stages (clinical stage I) of both seminoma and nonseminoma.

CONCLUSION

Although GCT is a rare tumour entity with excellent survival rates for the localized stages, its management requires an interdisciplinary approach, including several clinical experts. Quality of care is highly related to institutional expertise and can be reassured by established online-based second-opinion boards. There are very few studies on diagnostics with good level of evidence. Treatment of metastatic GCTs must be tailored to the risk according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaboration Group classification after careful diagnostic evaluation. An interdisciplinary approach as well as the referral of selected patients to centres with proven experience can help achieve favourable clinical outcomes.

The impact of a supranetwork multidisciplinary team (SMDT) on decision-making in testicular cancers: a 10-year overview of the Anglian Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (AGCCCG)

BACKGROUND

The germ cell supranetwork multidisciplinary team (SMDT) for the Anglian Network covers a population of 7.5 million.

METHODS

We reviewed 10 years of SMDT discussion and categorised them into five domains ((1) overall outcome, (2) chemotherapy regimens-untreated disease and salvage therapy, (3) radiology, (4) pathology and (5) complex cases) to assess the impact of the SMDT.

RESULTS

A total of 2892 new cases were reviewed. In the first 5 years, patients with good prognosis disease had poorer survival in low-volume vs high-volume centres (87.8 vs 95.3, p = 0.02), but the difference was no longer significant in the last 5 years (93.3 vs 95.1, p = 0.30). Radiology review of 3206 scans led to rejection of the diagnosis of progression in 26 cases and a further 10 cases were down-staged. There were 790 pathology reviews by two specialised uropathologists, which lead to changes in 75 cases. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) PET-CT was undertaken during this time period but did not help to predict who would have viable cancer. A total of 26 patients with significant mental health issues who were unable to give informed consent were discussed.

CONCLUSION

SMDT working has led to an improvement in outcomes and refining of treatment in patients with germ cell tumours.

[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+).

Risk-adapted treatment reduced chemotherapy exposure for clinical stage I pediatric testicular cancer

BACKGROUND

Different from adult clinical stage I (CS1) testicular cancer, surveillance has been recommended for CS1 pediatric testicular cancer. However, among high-risk children, more than 50% suffer a relapse and progression during surveillance, and adjuvant chemotherapy needs to be administered. Risk-adapted treatment might reduce chemotherapy exposure among these children.

METHODS

A decision model was designed and calculated using TreeAge Pro 2011 software. Clinical utilities such as the relapse rates of different groups during surveillance or after chemotherapy were collected from the literature. A survey of urologists was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of first-line and second-line chemotherapy. Using the decision analysis model, chemotherapy exposure of the risk-adapted treatment and surveillance strategies were compared based on this series of clinical utilities. One-way and two-way tests were applied to check the feasibility.

RESULTS

In the base case decision analysis of CS1 pediatric testicular cancer, risk-adapted treatment resulted in a lower exposure to chemotherapy than surveillance (average: 0.7965 cycles verse 1.3419 cycles). The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that when the relapse rate after primary chemotherapy was ≤ 0.10 and the relapse rate of the high-risk group was ≥ 0.40, risk-adapted treatment would result in a lower exposure to chemotherapy, without any association with the proportion of low-risk patients, the relapse rate of the low-risk group, the relapse rate after salvage chemotherapy or the toxicity utility of second-line chemotherapy compared to first-line chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the decision analysis, risk-adapted treatment might decrease chemotherapy exposure for these high-risk patients, and an evaluation after orchiectomy was critical to this process. Additional clinical studies are needed to validate this statement.

Clinical stage I synchronous bilateral testicular germ cell tumor with different histopathology: a case report

Bilateral testicular germ cell tumors (BTGCT) occur in 1 to 4% of patients with testicular cancer and of these, 10-15% are synchronous. Overall, BTGCT represents less than 0.5% of all new cases of testicular cancer. There are few reports in the literature of synchronous BTGCT with different histology. We present the case of a 30-year-old man who presented to our genitourinary tumor unit with a bilateral increase of testicular volume. After initial assessment, a testicular ultrasound showed the presence of solid tumors in both testes. Staging studies were negative for metastatic disease. The patient was referred to the fertility clinic for sperm banking and later underwent a bilateral radical orchiectomy. The histopathology evaluation revealed a 5.5 cm right-sided mixed germ cell tumor and a 1.5 cm left-sided testicular seminoma. Because patient's poor compliance for surveillance was identified as a risk factor for relapse and poor outcome, adjuvant chemotherapy was favored. The patient underwent one cycle of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP). After four years of follow up, the patient shows no evidence of relapse, either clinically or radiologically. In men unlikely to carry out successful surveillance; active treatment is the preferred option for preventing disease recurrence, even in patients with no risk factors. The physician must consider all available therapeutic measures in this scenario to achieve the best possible therapeutic result.

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for germ cell tumour

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is an infrequently used, but important part of the management of men with metastatic germ cell tumours. The surgery aims to remove the lymph nodes from the primary retroperitoneal landing site from testicular tumours, usually accomplished by removing tissue surrounding the great vessels using a split-and-roll technique. RPLND may be carried out as a primary surgical procedure for staging or treatment of metastases. More frequently it is undertaken as a follow-up after chemotherapy for a residual mass that may contain viable tumour or teratoma. RPLND is recognised as a major surgery with significant risks of morbidity and complications, particularly loss of ejaculation secondary to damage to hypogastric nerves. In select cases, especially during primary RPLND, nerve-sparing surgery may help preserve ejaculation, which maybe of importance to the young men usually treated for germ cell tumours. In recent years, the development of minimally invasive approaches have also offered a means for potential improvement in the pain and post-operative recovery from RPLND. We conducted a narrative review of the literature to assess indications for RPLND, along with operative approaches and techniques and related outcomes. The majority of available literature is in the form of relatively small retrospective case series, hence additional research in this area is desirable.

Impact of circulating microRNA test (miRNA-371a-3p) on appropriateness of treatment and cost outcomes in patients with Stage I non-seminomatous germ cell tumours

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether utilisation of a serum microRNA (miRNA) test could improve treatment appropriateness and cost-effectiveness for patients with Stage I non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A decision tree model was built to investigate treatment course, clinical and cost outcomes for patients with Stage IA (T1N0M0S0) and IB (T2-4N0M0S0) NSGCT. The model compared outcomes and cost of standard approach using histopathology, conventional serum tumour markers and radiographic staging (standard model) to a miRNA-based approach using the standard model + post-orchidectomy serum miR-371a-3p (marker model). Probabilities of expected treatment and outcomes were based on presence/absence of cancer upon entering into the model. Overtreatment was defined as adjuvant chemotherapy or primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in a patient without cancer. Undertreatment was defined as initial surveillance for a patient with cancer.

RESULTS

Utilising the miRNA marker-based approach, 26% of patients avoid overtreatment and 8% avoid undertreatment in Stage IA NSGCT; 27% avoid overtreatment and 23% avoid undertreatment in Stage IB disease. Appropriate treatment decision-making increased from 65% to 94% and 50% to 92% for Stage IA and IB, respectively. The miRNA-based approach remained cost-effective over a wide range of performance characteristics with savings of ~$1400 (American dollars)/patient for both Stage IA and IB disease.

CONCLUSION

A miRNA-based approach may potentially select patients with Stage I NSGCT for correct treatment in a cost-effective manner. Identification of residual teratoma-only remains an issue. Prospective studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy: The state of art

Objective

To perform a narrative review about the role of robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (R-RPLND) in the management of testicular cancer.

Methods

A PubMed search for all relevant publications regarding the R-RPLND series up until August 2019 was performed. The largest series were identified, and weighted means calculated for outcomes using the number of patients included in each study as the weighting factor.

Results

Fifty-six articles of R-RPLND were identified and eight series with more than 10 patients in each were included. The weighted mean age was 31.12 years; primary and post chemotherapy R-RPLND were performed in 50.59% and 49.41% of patients. The clinical stage was I, II and III in 47.20%, 39.57% and 13.23% of patients. A modified R-RPLND template was used in 78.02% of patients, while 21.98% underwent bilateral full template. The weighted mean node yield, operative time and estimated blood loss were, respectively, 22.15 nodes, 277.35 min and 131.94 mL. The weighted mean length of hospital stay was 2 days and antegrade ejaculation was preserved in 92.12% of patients. Major post-operative complications (Clavien III or IV) occurred in 5.34%. Positive pathological nodes were detected in 24.54%, while the recurrence free survival was 95.77% with a follow-up of 21.81 months.

Conclusion

R-RPLND has proven to be a reproducible and safe approach in experienced centers; short-term oncologic outcomes are similar to the open approach with less morbidity and shorter convalescence related to its minimal invasiveness. However, longer follow-up and new trials comparing head-to-head both techniques are expected.

Primary Robot-assisted Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Men with Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor: Experience from a Multi-institutional Cohort

BACKGROUND

Primary robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RA-RPLND) for men with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) is an alternative to open RPLND for stage I and select stage II patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report the complication rates and oncologic outcomes from a multi-institutional series, and to estimate reduction in chemotherapy by using upfront minimally invasive surgery.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective chart review of men undergoing primary robot-assisted RPLND between 2014 and 2019 in five institutions by eight urologists experienced in testis cancer and robotic surgery.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Variables such as demographic and clinicopathologic information, operative parameters and complication rates, oncologic outcomes, sexual recovery, and hospital length of stay were collected. Descriptive statistics are presented.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Forty-nine patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 15.0 mo (interquartile range 6.5-29.1 mo). Median operative time was 288 min, estimated blood loss was 100 ml, and lymph node yield was 32. Median length of stay was 1 d. There were nine postoperative complications, 44% (4/9) of which were Clavien grade 1. There were no Clavien grade IV complications. Twenty-one patients had metastatic NSGCT (42.8%), of whom nine (18.4%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Four patients experienced recurrence (three out-of-field and one in-field recurrence). Limitations include the retrospective study design and various surgical techniques among surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary robot-assisted RPLND for NSGCT can be performed safely, with low complication rates and acceptable oncologic outcomes reducing the need for chemotherapy. For a population in which compliance with surveillance is typically challenging, robot-assisted RPLND may improve quality of care and outcomes for patients with NSGCT.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In experienced centers, robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection can be performed safely with similar oncologic outcomes to an open approach, while providing an option that may reduce the need for chemotherapy.

[Treatment of testicular germ cell tumors relapse]

Seminomatous (SGCT) and non-seminomatous (NSGCT) germ cell tumors (GCT) are rare but their incidence are increasing. We will discuss different therapeutic strategies in relapse disease: patients with stage I germ cell tumor have an excellent prognosis with a cure rate approaching 98-99 %, whatever the histology and the chosen treatment (surveillance strategy or adjuvant treatment). Relapses are observed among 20% of patients with stage I SGCT or low risk NSGCT and 50 % of patients with high risk NSGCT. Patients are treated according to the international prognosis group (IGCCCG) for SGCT and low risk NSGCT, naïve of chemotherapy. After an adjuvant treatment, the protocol must be adapted to the number of previous cycles (1 or 2 BEP) and to the prognosis group. Five to 50% of patients relapse after a first line of metastatic chemotherapy according to initial prognosis group. Dose-dense chemotherapy according to the GETUG13 protocol reduces the risk of relapse for the patients with poor-risk group NSGCT and unfavorable tumor marker decline. The prognosis of patients with relapsed or refractory GCT after a first line is more negative since only half of them will be cured by salvage standard chemotherapy. An international therapeutic trial (TIGER) is ongoing in first line salvage treatment evaluating high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Finally, developing biomarkers for predicting clinical relapse, the management in expert centers of these patients and participation in therapeutic innovation are important perspectives for a better understanding and treatment of these patients with a poorer prognosis.

Controversies in the management of clinical stage 1 testis cancer

In November 2018, The Canadian Testis Cancer Workshop was convened.  The two-day workshop involved urologists, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, physician’s assistants, residents and fellows, nurses, patients and patient advocacy groups.   One of the goals of the workshop was to discuss the challenging areas of testis cancer care where guidelines may not be specific.  The objective was to distill through discussion around cases, expert approach to working through these challenges. Herein we present a summary of discussion from the workshop around controversies in the management of clinical stage 1 (CS1) disease. CS1 represents organ confined non-metastatic testis cancer that represents approximately 70-80% of men at presentation. Regardless of management, CS1 has an excellent prognosis. However, without adjuvant treatment, approximately 30% of CS1 nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) and 15% of CS1 seminoma relapse. The workshop reviewed that while surveillance has become the standard for the majority of patients with CS1 disease there remains debate in the management of patients at high-risk of relapse. The controversy in the management of CS1 testis cancer surrounds the optimal balance between the morbidity of overtreatment and the identification of patients who may derive most benefit from adjuvant treatment. The challenge lies in a shared decision process where discussion of options extends beyond the simple risk of relapse but to include the long-term toxicities of adjuvant treatments and the favorable cancer-specific survival.    

Surgical treatment of metastatic germ cell cancer

Among young men between the ages of 15 and 40 years, germ cell cancer is the most common solid tumor [1]. The worldwide incidence of germ cell cancer is 70 000 cases. Compared to all solid tumors of men, germ cell cancer accounts for 1% of all male tumors. Nevertheless, the mortality of this rare tumor entity is about 13% since 9507 patients died worldwide of germ cell cancer. The improvement in survival of germ cell cancer patients is due to a multimodal treatment of germ cell cancer including cisplatin-based chemotherapy and surgery leading to higher cure-rates even in advanced stages [1], whereas the increasing incidence of germ cell cancers cannot be thoroughly explained. In this article we review the current indications for surgery in metastatic germ cell cancers, highlight the strength and weaknesses of techniques and indications and raise the question how to improve surgical treatment in metastatic germ cell cancer.

Primary and post-chemotherapy robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer: a review

Open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is the gold standard for surgical management of the retroperitoneum in patients with testicular cancer, and is associated with excellent oncologic outcomes and significant morbidity including length of stay. Minimally invasive RPLND, starting with laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in 1992 and now robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in 2006, endeavor to decrease the morbidity of open RPLND while maintaining excellent oncologic outcomes. This review surveys the literature regarding both primary and post-chemotherapy robotic RPLND, emphasizing that while early outcomes are promising, much work needs to be done before widespread use of this technique is implemented.

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.

The 111 Study: A Single-arm, Phase 3 Trial Evaluating One Cycle of Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin as Adjuvant Chemotherapy in High-risk, Stage 1 Nonseminomatous or Combined Germ Cell Tumours of the Testis

BACKGROUND

Standard management in the UK for high-risk stage 1 nonseminoma germ cell tumours of the testis (NSGCTT) is two cycles of adjuvant bleomycin, etoposide (360 mg/m2), and cisplatin (BE360P) chemotherapy, or surveillance.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether one cycle of BE500P achieves similar recurrence rates to two cycles of BE360P.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 246 patients with vascular invasion-positive stage 1 NSGCTT or combined seminoma + NSGCTT were centrally registered in a single-arm prospective study.

INTERVENTION

One cycle comprising bleomycin 30000 IU on days 1, 8, and 15, etoposide 165 mg/m2 on days 1-3, and cisplatin 50 mg/m2 on days 1-2, plus antibacterial and granulocyte colony stimulating factor prophylaxis.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint was 2-yr malignant recurrence (MR); the aim was to exclude a rate of ≥5%. Participants had regular imaging and tumour marker (TM) assessment for 5 yr.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The median follow-up was 49 mo (interquartile range 37-60). Ten patients with rising TMs at baseline were excluded. Four patients had MR at 6, 7, 13, and 27 mo; all received second-line chemotherapy and surgery and three remained recurrence-free at 5 yr. The 2-yr MR rate was 1.3% (95% confidence interval 0.3-3.7%). Three patients developed nonmalignant recurrences with localised teratoma differentiated, rendered disease-free after surgery. Grade 3-4 febrile neutropenia occurred in 6.8% of participants.

CONCLUSIONS

BE500P is safe and the 2-yr MR rate is consistent with that seen following two BE360P cycles. The 111 study is the largest prospective trial investigating one cycle of adjuvant BE500P in high-risk stage 1 NSGCTT. Adoption of one cycle of BE500P as standard would reduce overall exposure to chemotherapy in this young population.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Removing the testicle fails to cure many patients with high-risk primary testicular cancer since undetectable cancers are often present elsewhere. A standard additional treatment in Europe is two cycles of chemotherapy to eradicate these. This trial shows one cycle has few adverse effects and comparable outcomes to those seen with two cycles.

Current management and management controversies in early- and intermediate-stage of nonseminoma germ cell tumors

Early stage nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) remains a treatable disease, with stage I cancer specific survival exceeding 95%. Using a risk-adapted approach; active surveillance (AS), adjuvant chemotherapy, and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) all options for treatment; with surveillance being increasingly used. With persistently elevated markers (stage IS), chemotherapy remains the hallmark of treatment. Management of stage II NSGCT varies based on status of tumor markers. With negative markers, both induction chemotherapy and upfront RPLND remain options. Management of a residual mass <1 cm after chemotherapy remains controversial, with AS and nerve-sparing RPLND considered options. The development of miR-371a-3p microRNA shows promise a novel biomarker for testicular cancer (GCT). Despite controversies in management, cures for NSGCT are achievable in 95-99% of patients.

Systemic therapy for primary and extragonadal germ cell tumors: prognosis and nuances of treatment

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common solid tumors in young men. These cancers represent a success story of modern medicine in our ability to cure young patients and offer decades of life, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 95%. This review outlines the staging and risk classification of testicular cancers, and reviews the current state of knowledge and standard of care for the systemic treatment of testicular germ cell tumors with chemotherapy, focusing on the relevant clinical data supporting each treatment regimen. This review also briefly highlights current areas of active investigation, notably in the relapsed and refractory setting, including ongoing clinical trials.

Outcome of Men With Relapses After Adjuvant Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin for Clinical Stage I Nonseminoma

PURPOSE

Clinical stage I (CSI) nonseminoma (NS) is a disease limited to the testis without metastases. One treatment strategy after orchiectomy is adjuvant chemotherapy. Little is known about the outcome of patients who experience relapse after such treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 51 patients with CSI NS who experienced a relapse after adjuvant bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) from 18 centers/11 countries were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were overall and progression-free survivals calculated from day 1 of treatment at first relapse. Secondary outcomes were time to, stage at, and treatment of relapse and rate of subsequent relapses.

RESULTS

Median time to relapse was 13 months, with the earliest relapse 2 months after start of adjuvant treatment and the latest after 25 years. With a median follow-up of 96 months, the 5-year PFS was 67% (95% CI, 54% to 82%) and the 5-year OS was 81% (95% CI, 70% to 94%). Overall, 19 (37%) of 51 relapses occurred later than 2 years. Late relapses were associated with a significantly higher risk of death from NS (hazard ratio, 1.10 per year; P = .01). Treatment upon relapse was diverse: the majority of patients received a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Twenty-nine percent of patients experienced a subsequent relapse. At last follow-up, 41 patients (80%) were alive and disease-free, eight (16%) had died of progressive disease, and one patient (2%) each had died from therapy-related or other causes.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes of patients with relapse after adjuvant BEP seem better compared with patients who experience relapse after treatment of metastatic disease but worse compared with those who have de-novo metastatic disease. We found a substantial rate of late and subsequent relapses. There seem to be three patterns of relapse with different outcomes: pure teratoma, early viable NS relapse (< 2 years), and late viable NS relapse (> 2 years).

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+).

Centralization tendencies of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer in Germany? A total population-based analysis from 2006 to 2015

INTRODUCTION

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a standard treatment in the management of metastatic testicular cancer. Due to modified treatment algorithms, it is becoming less frequent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed data from the nationwide German hospital billing database covering 2006-2015. Cases with a testicular cancer diagnosis combined with RPLND were included. We assessed the length of hospital stay (LOS), blood transfusion, and in-hospital mortality stratified for surgical approach, hospital characteristics, and annual caseload. Annual hospital caseload categories were defined as low (< 4), medium (4-10), and high (> 10). We supplemented tumor incidence and staging data from the German cancer registry (60% of population).

RESULTS

4926 cases were included with decreasing annual caseload numbers from 623 in 2006 to 382 in 2015. The incidence of testicular cancer and higher tumor stages remained stable. High-volume hospitals performed 19.4%, medium-volume hospitals 43.7%, and low-volume hospitals 36.8% RPLNDs. Low- abd medium-volume hospitals declined, while high-volume hospitals (n = 5) maintained their annual caseload. Overall in-hospital mortality was 0.47%. Blood transfusion rates were higher in high-volume centers assumedly due to selection of more complex cases. However, high-volume hospitals showed a shorter LOS with 10.5 vs. 11.2 (medium volume), and 12.7 days (low volume).

CONCLUSION

Total numbers of RPLND have declined from 2006 to 2015, while tumor incidences and stages remained fairly stable. Constant reduction of indication in guidelines contributes to this finding. High-volume hospitals achieve shorter hospital stays in spite of assumedly more complex and extensive cases. There is a modest trend towards unregulated centralization.

Optimal Management of High-risk Stage I Nonseminoma Germ Cell Tumor: Active Intervention is the Preferred Option

While there is still debate and uncertainty regarding the best management strategy for clinical stage IB nonseminoma germ cell tumor, adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy or surgery is associated with a markedly lower risk of recurrence for men with high-risk features and provides more definitive disease control and lower overall exposure to chemotherapy for patients who do experience recurrence.