ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience on testicular cancer (TC) management, underlining the clinical/pathological scope, administered treatments, outcomes, and challenges. TC incidence is rising globally. The predominant histology is germ cell tumour (GCT). In most patients, orchiectomy is curative. Still, a significant proportion of patients will need further tailored treatment. Specialist Reference Centres have proven themselves successful in this setting. Published data regarding TC in Northern Portugal is lacking. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutive TC patients at a specialist tertiary referral academic centre between January 2010 and December 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA® version 13.1 software. Multivariate logistic and survival analyses were performed. RESULTS: 125 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age is 35 (28-40) years; 19% of patients had risk factors for TC - infertility being the most common (11%); 50% of patients wanted sperm cryopreservation prior to treatment; 68% of patients had stage I GCT, 16% stage II, and 17% stage III. Compared to seminoma, non-seminomatous GCT were associated with younger age (p < .001) and higher stages at diagnosis (p = .02); 24% of stage IA/B GCT underwent adjuvant chemotherapy; 47% of patients with metastatic GCT at presentation had refractory disease, requiring tailored treatment. The median follow-up time is 33 (13-65) months. There was no late relapse. The 5-year OS rate is 98.0%. The 5-year survival of metastatic disease is 95.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite contemporary excellent cure rates, the challenges of testicular cancer management still endure, especially in advanced stages. Therefore, public awareness is recommended, in order to avoid late presentations - special attention should be given to those who have known risk factors. The existence of Reference Centres is of paramount importance in order to achieve the best outcomes possible.
