Organ preservation for the treatment of contralateral testicular seminoma

• Published in: Radiotherapy and oncology Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 45 - 47
• Main Authors: Kazem, Ismail, Danella, John F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.10.1999
• Subjects: Adult; Contralateral seminoma; Germ-cell tumors; Humans; Male; Orchiectomy; Seminoma - radiotherapy; Seminoma - surgery; Testicular irradiation; Testicular Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Testicular Neoplasms - surgery; Testicular preservation; Testis - radiation effects; Testicular preservation; Contralateral seminoma; Testicular irradiation; Germ-cell tumors
• ISSN: 0167-8140; 1879-0887
• DOI: 10.1016/S0167-8140(99)00112-7

Purpose: Local excision of germ cell tumor in the remaining testicle followed by a modest dose of irradiation is an alternative to orchiectomy. This organ sparing technique provides superior quality of life and reduces the need for lifelong hormone replacement. Materials and methods: We treated two patients with contralateral seminomas with organ preservation. Both patients received post-operative irradiation to the remaining testicle to a dose of 20 Gy in 10 fractions and 19.8 Gy in 11 fractions. Results: Both patients are alive with no evidence of disease more than 3 years since the completion of their treatments. They both have reduced but preserved androgen production and retained their virility. They both are azospermic. Conclusion: We conclude that organ preservation for the treatment of contralateral testicular seminoma is a superior alternative to orchiectomy of the remaining testicle. It preserves male hormone production with equal survival outcome expectations.