Abstract
ABSTRACTTesticular cancer is considered a rare disease affecting approximately 1% to 2% of the male population. This neoplasm has a cure rate of over 95%; as a result, a major concern is the future of fertility of carriers from this disease. There are several histological subtypes of testicular tumors; however, the Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCTs), comprising both seminoma and non-seminoma tumors, are considered the main subtypes of testicular neoplasms. TGCT are characterized by being a solid tumor that mostly affects young men aged between 15 and 40 years old. While TGCT subtypes may have an invasive potential, seminoma subtype does not affect other cells rather than germ cells, while non-seminomas have more invasive properties and can achieve somatic cells; thus, having a more aggressive nature. This research intends to review the literature regarding information about sperm parameters, correlating the data found in those studies to the subfertility and infertility of patients with TCGTs. Furthermore, it will also correlate the data to the non-seminoma and seminoma histological subtypes from pre- and post-cancer therapy. PubMed databases were used. Searched keywords included: seminoma AND non-seminoma; male infertility; germ cell tumor; chemotherapy AND radiotherapy. Only articles published in English were considered. Current studies demonstrate that both TGCT subtypes promote deleterious effects on semen quality resulting in decreased sperm concentration, declined sperm total motility and an increase in the morphology alterations. However, findings suggest that the non-seminoma subtype effects are more pronounced and deleterious. More studies will be necessary to clarify the behavior of seminoma and non-seminoma tumors implicating the reproductive health of male patients.
Highlights
Testicular cancer is considered a rare disease that affects approximately 1% to 2% of the male population [1]
testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) and fertility potential Spermatogenesis is the process through which sperm is produced, so any interference in this process can impair cell division and maturation, affecting or not male fertility potential [25]
TGCTs arise from a failure in the maturation of gonocytes, which are primary embryonic cells that give rise to germ cells; it is essential to understand the mechanisms related to spermatogenesis to broaden information on the emergence and distinctions of this malignancy [26]
Summary
Testicular cancer is considered a rare disease that affects approximately 1% to 2% of the male population [1]. There are several histological subtypes of tumors which may affect the testis including: germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), previously known as carcinoma in situ, stromal tumors (Leydig cell and Sertoli cell tumors), and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), with seminoma and non-seminoma tumors (Figure-1) considered the main subtypes of testicular neoplasms [3]. Both are derived from a common precursor, the in situ germ cell neoplasia of the testis [4, 5]. The worldwide incidence of this disease is 1.5 cases per 100.000 men; it can differ between countries and breeds, presenting a higher incidence in Scandinavian countries, Switzerland and Germany; yet, in African countries, Asians and Latin populations, it has demonstrated a very low incidence [3, 6, 7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
