Biomarker needed in Testicular Cancer

During a presentation at the ASCO GU, Lucia Nappi, MD, PhD, Medical Oncologist and Senior Research Scientist, BC Cancer Agency, British Columbia, Canada, highlighted the need to find biomarkers in testicular cancer.

Dr Nappi presented findings from a case of a 40-year-old man who presented with a left testicular mass. Orchiectomy found a 9 cm seminoma. At baseline, a CT scan showed a 13 x 15 mm periaortic lymph; a follow-up scan showed mild enlargement 10 weeks later. A biopsy was performed. Dr Nappi told the audience that a biomarker may have eliminated the need for a biopsy.

Dr Nappi discussed microRNA 371a-3p (miR371) as a potential biomarker in testicular germ cell tumor. She said that miR371 is highly expressed in 90% seminomas and non-seminomas, although not in teratomas, and its validity in germ cell tumors has been shown in numerous studies.

Dr Nappi, concluded however, that miR371 is not ready yet for primetime since its clinical utility has not been prospectively proven.

Reference

Nappi L. Presenting at: 2020 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (#GU20), February 13th-February 15th, San Francisco, CA