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MicroRNAs in testicular cancer: implications for pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy

Angelika Bezan1, Armin Gerger1, Martin Pichler2

  • 1Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Graz, Austria.

Anticancer Research
|June 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are common in young men. Current blood tumor markers are not always elevated in TGCT patients, limiting their diagnostic utility.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid tumors in men aged 15-40.
  • TGCT incidence is rising in developed nations.
  • TGCTs are categorized into seminomas and non-seminomatous tumors, with the latter further classified by histology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of blood-based tumor markers in TGCT management.
  • To address the limitations of current tumor markers in diagnosing TGCTs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical classification of TGCTs.
  • Discussion of commonly used blood tumor markers: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Main Results:

  • Current tumor markers (LDH, AFP, hCG) are crucial for TGCT diagnosis, risk assessment, and prognosis.
  • Approximately 40% of TGCT patients do not exhibit elevated serum levels of these markers.
  • AFP and hCG levels are specifically linked to yolk sac tumors and choriocarcinomas, respectively, showing lower detection rates in seminomas and pure embryonal carcinomas.

Conclusions:

  • The limited sensitivity of current tumor markers necessitates further research for improved diagnostic tools in TGCTs.
  • Understanding marker specificities is vital for accurate interpretation in TGCT sub-types.
Keywords:
Testicular cancerdiagnosismicroRNAspathophysiologyprognosisreview

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