Testicular germ cell tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Preclinical and clinical developments in germ cell tumors over the past year are summarized. RECENT FINDINGS: Attenuations in the rising incidence of testicular germ cell tumors are beginning to be observed in certain European populations. Additional data on predisposing factors related to race, estrogenic exposure, cryptorchidism, and infertility are becoming available. Significant work on the genetic and molecular alterations in tissue specimens and cell culture models of germ cell tumors continues. Additional treatment strategies for advanced stages of the disease are being evaluated. Cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of therapies in long-term testicular germ cell tumor survivors are being further clarified. Late relapses of successfully treated patients are also being increasingly recognized. SUMMARY: More effective treatments for intermediate risk, poor risk, and recurrent germ cell tumors need to be developed, while long-term toxicities of therapies need to be further modified. Given these challenges, active research on these fronts continues and remains a priority.