[Molecular biology in testicular cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To review the advancements in basic molecular biology and current insight into the pathogenesis of germ cell tumors of the testis, as well as the utility of the different genetic and molecular markers in the management of these tumors.


METHODS
The literature on this subject was reviewed. The epidemiological data related to the pathogenesis of this tumor type, the cytogenetic and molecular alterations that could serve as a prognostic factor in these tumors were analyzed.


CONCLUSIONS
The prenatal estrogenic effect together with the pubertal hypergonadotrophism could be responsible for the pathogenesis of germ cell testicular tumors. The cytogenetic changes of chromosome 12, although typical of the phenotype of these tumors, do not appear to be useful as a prognostic factor. However, cell proliferation, particularly of Ki-67, appears to be useful as a prognostic factor, although further studies are warranted.
Rubio Briones
J
J
Servicio de Urología, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, España.
Iborra Juan
I
I
Solsona Narbón
E
E
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D018237:Germinoma / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008967:Molecular Biology; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor