Analysis of the Increased Incidence of Aggressive Prostate Cancer After Prior Testicular Cancer

Men with a history of testicular cancer are known to have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The objective of this study is to determine if testicular cancer survivors are predisposed to a higher incidence of aggressive prostate cancer later in life and greater risks of mortality.

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was searched for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and either no prior cancer diagnosis or a previous diagnosis (≥ 5 years ago) of either testicular cancer or another cancer with a high survival rate (5-year survival > 70%). Cox regression models were used to determine the risk of mortality.

Of the 392,238 prostate cancer patients, 423 had a history of testicular cancer, 31,428 had a history of another cancer, and 377,975 had no prior history of cancer. The mean ages of prostate cancer diagnosis were 62.53 +/- 8.23 years, 67.95 +/- 8.46 years, and 67.95 +/- 9.47, respectively (p < 0.001). Testicular cancer was associated with earlier mortality on survival analysis in multivariable analysis controlling for age of prostate cancer diagnosis, race, clinical T stage, PSA level at diagnosis, and Gleason score.

A history of testicular cancer may be associated with an increased risk of developing early prostate cancer and increased mortality. Confirmatory studies are warranted.