Management of stage I testis cancer

Over the last 5 years the management of stage I testis cancer has changed tremendously. This review focuses on the latest changes in diagnostics and treatment of clinical stage I non-seminomatous and seminomatous germ cell tumors.

A non-structured literature search (MEDLINE) was performed, including recently published papers (up to March 2006) on the subject.

Organ-sparing surgery has become an accepted approach to treat malignant and nonmalignant tumours in a solitary testis. With certain precautions and adjuvant radiotherapy, this approach has proven to be as effective as orchidectomy. Prognostic factors strongly influence the decision for or against adjuvant treatment in seminoma and non-seminoma. With the help of a risk-adapted approach, about 50% of patients with clinical stage I testis cancer will favour close surveillance instead of immediate adjuvant treatment. Several well-conducted trials have helped to substantiate the management. Surgical staging by retroperitoneal lymph node dissection became an exception. Patients with non-seminoma with high risk for occult metastatic disease will favour adjuvant chemotherapy and in patients with seminoma radiotherapy with reduced dosage will be challenged by carboplatin monotherapy.

With adequate diagnostics and treatment, 100% of patients with stage I testis cancer will survive. Future research will focus on quality control, adherence to guideline recommendations, and further reduction of treatment to diminish the risk of late sequalae for patients with adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy.