From the Guidelines
Seminoma is a type of testicular cancer that originates in the germ cells of the testicles, characterized by its slow growth and high responsiveness to treatment, with cure rates exceeding 95%. According to the study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, seminoma is a specific type of testicular cancer that can be effectively managed with various treatment options, including surveillance, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. The disease-specific survival for stage I disease is 99%, irrespective of the management strategy used, as reported in the study 1.
Key Characteristics of Seminoma
- Develops in the germ cells of the testicles
- Slow-growing compared to other testicular cancers
- Tends to remain localized to the testicle for longer periods before spreading
- Highly responsive to treatment, with cure rates exceeding 95%
- Typically affects men between the ages of 15 and 35
Treatment Options for Seminoma
- Surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy, with 1 or 2 cycles of carboplatin AUC × 7 as a category 1 recommendation for patients with stages IA and IB pure seminoma, as suggested by the study 1
- Active surveillance, which is listed as the preferred option (category 1) for patients with pT1 and pT2 disease, according to the study 1
Importance of Early Detection
Regular testicular self-examinations are crucial for early detection, as finding seminoma in its early stages significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the need for more aggressive therapies. The study 1 highlights the importance of discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment approach with patients and their families to determine the best course of action on a case-by-case basis.
From the Research
Definition and Overview of Seminoma
- Seminoma is a type of testicular cancer that accounts for approximately 50% of all cases of testicular cancer 2.
- It is a highly curable disease, and its management and treatment vary widely compared to nonseminomatous testicular cancer 2.
- Seminomas are exquisitely sensitive to radiation therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy 3.
Classification and Staging
- Testicular cancer can be broadly classified as either seminomatous or nonseminomatous 2.
- Seminoma comprises a little over half of all testicular germ cell neoplasms 3.
- The management of seminoma is dictated by tumor stage and risk stratification 3.
Treatment Options
- Treatment alternatives for stage I seminoma include adjuvant radiotherapy, surveillance, and chemotherapy, which yield similar efficacy results and definitive cure 4.
- For patients with early stage (clinical stage I) seminoma, surveillance is supported by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines as the preferred management strategy 3.
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy with three cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP) or four cycles of etoposide and cisplatin (EP) are well-established options for patients with early disseminated seminoma (clinical stage IIA and IIB) 3.