A national programme for testis cancer, the Irish Testis Tumor Registry (ITTR)

The fundamental aims of the ITTR are to perform research into testis cancer and maximize nationwide disease control. Authors compare regional trends: Ireland, England and Wales. In Ireland, between 1961 and 1984 in the 25 to 34 years age group, the mortality rate increased 123%. In contrast, in England and Wales, the number of deaths has decreased by 17%. The highest mortality rates of all, occurred in those Irish aged over 75 years old. The Irish incidence of testis cancer is 2.4 per 100,000 males per year. Seven countries have lower levels than Ireland, while ten countries have higher levels. Incidence was highest in young adults (5.8 per 100,000) with a moderate level seen in the elderly (1.8 per 100,000). Cases of testis cancer, in Ireland, were grouped as seminomas (45%, n = 101) or non seminomas (55%, n = 131). In seminomas, overall three year actuarial survival was 80%, stage I = 94%, stage II = 72% and stages III and IV = 23%. A variety of treatments were utilized and the results are presented. In non-seminomas, overall three year actuarial survival was 65%, with stage I = 95%, stage II = 54% and stages III and IV = 24%; a variety of treatments were used. A further study was designed ot establish whether personnel and the manner of management can influence the outcome in testis cancer. Survival in patients not receiving full dose cytotoxics was significantly lower than those receiving standard doses. Survival was reduced from 72% to 64% when marker assays were omitted and infrequent monitoring with CT scan was associated with reduced survival.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)