Molecular biologic investigations of proto-oncogenes and growth factors in human testicular tumors.

Molecular genetic alterations of known protoncogenes and growth factors, e.g. c-kit and its ligand SCF as well as hst1 and c-myc, are likely to play a role in the development of testicular cancer. In addition, identification and analysis of genes located on the frequently altered chromosome 12 represent an important focus of research. Genetic alterations may occur in a stepwise fashion, as described in other human tumors, leading to the development of the various histologic subtypes of testicular germ cell tumors. The characterization of these alterations are most likely to extend the traditional histopathologic tumor classifications.