Christian D Fankhauser1, Michelle M Nuño2, Matthew J Murray3, Lindsay Frazier4, Aditya Bagrodia5. 1. Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland. 2. Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 3. Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK. 4. Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA. 5. Department of Urology, University of California-San Diego Health, San Diego, CA, USA. Electronic address: bagrodia@health.ucsd.edu.
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs) are the most common malignancy among young men. Management of GCTs relies on the serum tumour markers α-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase, among other parameters. However, these tumour markers can only be detected at elevated levels in half of GCT patients. Circulating miR-371a-3p has emerged as a blood-based biomarker that can reliably detect macroscopic GCTs, aside from teratoma. Here we review the literature, describe the methodologies currently used to measure circulating miR-371a-3p, and discuss the following clinical scenarios in which miR-371a-3p may impact practice in the future: (1) men with an inconclusive small testicular mass; (2) response monitoring during chemotherapy; (3) postchemotherapy residual masses; and (4) follow-up after treatment with curative intent. PATIENT SUMMARY: We discuss the potential uses and promise, as well as current limitations, of a novel blood test that may improve care for men with testicular cancer.
Testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs) are the most common malignancy among young men. Management of GCTs relies on the serum tumour markers α-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase, among other parameters. However, these tumour markers can only be detected at elevated levels in half of GCT patients. Circulating miR-371a-3p has emerged as a blood-based biomarker that can reliably detect macroscopic GCTs, aside from teratoma. Here we review the literature, describe the methodologies currently used to measure circulating miR-371a-3p, and discuss the following clinical scenarios in which miR-371a-3p may impact practice in the future: (1) men with an inconclusive small testicular mass; (2) response monitoring during chemotherapy; (3) postchemotherapy residual masses; and (4) follow-up after treatment with curative intent. PATIENT SUMMARY: We discuss the potential uses and promise, as well as current limitations, of a novel blood test that may improve care for men with testicular cancer.
Authors: Ernest Kaufmann; Luca Antonelli; Peter Albers; Clint Cary; Silke Gillessen Sommer; Axel Heidenreich; Christoph Oing; Jan Oldenburg; Phillip Martin Pierorazio; Andrew J Stephenson; Christian Daniel Fankhauser Journal: Eur Urol Open Sci Date: 2022-09-07