By Admin at 20 Nov 2015, 16:30 PM

Only about 8,430 new cases of testicular cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2015, making it one of the more uncommon cancers among men. However, testicular cancer is among the most common cancers diagnosed among young and middle-aged men.

Fortunately, testicular cancer can often be successfully treated and causes fewer than 400 deaths a year. This number may be slated to decrease further with the release of a new study – the largest to date on this topic -- from researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London.

The team analyzed DNA from more than 25,000 men and uncovered four new genetic variants (or genetic markers) associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer. Testing for these four variants combined with the 21 previously identified genetic variants identified men at a 10-fold higher risk of developing testicular cancer.

While genetic variants don’t always lead to a sizeable effect when it comes to cancer identification and diagnosis, this wasn’t the case for the testicular cancer genes. Men in the top 1 percent for genetic risk had a 5 percent lifetime risk of developing the disease, which is more than 10 times higher than average. This is still a relatively low risk (one in 20), but it’s a sizeable increase compared with the average.

While there are currently no treatments that specifically target these genetic mutations, the study may help further the understanding of the disease, which could ultimately lead to the development of new targeted therapies, including those that may one day target testicular cancer that is resistant to chemotherapy.

In the future, genetic screening may be used to help identify men at risk of developing testicular cancer, especially among men with a first-degree relative with the disease.

One day, it may be possible to even prevent the cancer from developing among those at high risk. As Dr. Clare Turnbull, Senior Researcher at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Honorary Consultant at The Royal Marsden, told Science Daily:

"In the future, if we can identify more of the genetic variation underlying testicular cancer, this sort of testing might be used clinically to help identify those at most risk of testicular cancer before they develop the disease, such that we can offer measures to help stop them from developing testicular cancer."

Fortunately, in the meantime most testicular cancer can be found at an early stage, often by detecting a lump on the testicle or a swollen testicle. While no definitive research has shown that regular testicular self-exams reduce death rates from testicular cancer, some physicians recommend men examine their testicles monthly starting after puberty. If you notice a lump, swelling or changes in size, discuss it with your doctor right away.

Sources:
Nature Communications October 27, 2015
Science Daily October 27, 2015
American Cancer Society, Testicular Cancer

Post a comment

Make me anonymous

CAPTCHA
Below question is to prevent automated spam submissions.

* Math Question:

2 + 1 =

Solve this math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1 + 3, enter 4.

You must provide a response to the reCaptcha challenge.