Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common solid tumors in young adult men characterized by distinct biologic features and clinical behavior. Both genetic predispositions and environmental factors probably play a substantial role in their etiology. TGTCs arise from a malignant transformation of primordial germ cells in a process that starts prenatally, is often associated with a certain degree of gonadal dysgenesis, and involves the acquirement of several specific aberrations, including activation of SCF-CKIT, amplification of 12p with up-regulation of stem cell genes, and subsequent genetic and epigenetic alterations. Their embryonic and germ origin determines the unique sensitivity of TGCTs to platinum-based chemotherapy. Contrary to the vast majority of other malignancies, no molecular prognostic/predictive factors nor targeted therapy is available for patients with these tumors. This review summarizes the principal molecular characteristics of TGCTs that could represent a potential basis for development of novel diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.10.001 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Partial rejuvenation of the spermatogonial stem cell niche after gender-affirming hormone therapy in trans women.
Elife
January 2025
Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Genetics, Reproduction and Development (GRAD) Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
Although the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on spermatogenesis in trans women has already been studied, data on its precise effects on the testicular environment is poor. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize, through histological and transcriptomic analysis, the spermatogonial stem cell niche of 106 trans women who underwent standardized GAHT, comprising estrogens and cyproterone acetate. A partial dedifferentiation of Sertoli cells was observed, marked by the co-expression of androgen receptor and anti-Müllerian hormone which mirrors the situation in peripubertal boys.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEx Vivo Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy Meets Innovation and Revolutionary Technology, for "Real-Time" Histological Evaluation, in Pediatric Surgical Oncology.
Children (Basel)
November 2024
Pediatric Surgery Unit, Salesi Children's Hospital, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Filippo Corridoni, 16, 60123 Ancona, Italy.
Background And Aim: Ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) systems are innovative optical imaging tools that create virtual high-resolution histological images without any standard tissue processing, either freezing or fixing in formalin and embedding in paraffin. These systems have opened an era that would revolutionize pathological examination by providing rapid, real-time assessments across various pathology subspecialties, potentially replacing conventional methods that are tissue- and time-consuming. This study aimed to present the first utilization of FCM in pediatric surgical oncology, focusing on assessing the benefits, particularly in facilitating rapid and accurate diagnosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPredictors of Successful Testicular Sperm Extraction: A New Era for Men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia.
Biomedicines
November 2024
Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe form of male infertility characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to impaired spermatogenesis. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the primary treatment, but success rates are unpredictable, causing significant emotional and financial burdens. Traditional clinical and hormonal predictors have shown inconsistent reliability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNon-Invasive miRNA Profiling for Differential Diagnosis and Prognostic Stratification of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors.
Genes (Basel)
December 2024
Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41335 Larissa, Greece.
Background/objectives: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are common in young adult men and have high cure rates. Conventional serum tumor markers and imaging are not able to differentiate between histologic subtypes of the disease, which portend different prognoses and require distinct therapeutic strategies. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding transcripts involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, which have emerged as promising biomarkers in a variety of tumors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRole of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Genitourinary Malignancies.
Cancers (Basel)
December 2024
Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Genitourinary (GU) malignancies are common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In patients with localized GU cancers, surgical resection or definitive radiation remain the mainstays of treatment. Despite definitive treatment, many patients with high-risk localized disease experience recurrence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!