Update on testicular germ cell tumors.
OBJECTIVE
This overview discusses several important developments in testicular germ cell tumors in the past year.


RESULTS
Genomic studies are examining gene expression as possible markers for disease relapse and chemotherapy resistance. Optimal posttreatment surveillance strategies continue to evolve. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection remains a prominent treatment modality, although the sequencing and extent of surgical intervention is controversial. Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the gold standard for treatment of systemic disease. Poor risk, platinum-refractory and late relapse disease states continue to be challenging entities in terms of optimizing therapy and outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant challenges remain for treatment of certain categories of testicular germ cell tumors. Treatment and surveillance paradigms continue to be defined and refined as research in these areas continues.
Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. hmannuel@umm.edu
Heather D
HD
Mannuel
Arif
A
Hussain
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy