Testicular non-seminoma: ESMO Clinical Recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Abstract

incidenceThe incidence of testicular cancer in Europe is rising with doubling every 20 years. The current incidence is 63/100 000/year, with the highest rate in Northern European countries (68/100 000/year). The death rate is very low (3.8 cases/100 000/year). Of testicular tumours, 40% are seminomas and 60% non-seminomas. Invasive testicular cancer develops from carcinoma in situ (CIS)/testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN), often found in the residual nonmalignant testicular tissue. In a random biopsy, 2%–5% of testicular cancer patients have CIS in the contralateral testis. This is in accordance with a 2%–3% rate of synchronous contralateral or metachronous testicular cancer.diagnosisThe diagnosis is based on histology of testicular mass removed by inguinal orchiectomy or by testis-conserving surgery [IV, B].Biopsy or, instead, high α-fetoprotein (AFP) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) without biopsy in patients presenting with extragonadal tumour syndrome [IV, B].In advanced and rapidly progressive disease requiring urgent chemotherapy, diagnosis may be based on typical clinical picture and marker elevation alone.Germ cell tumour may present extragonadally in the retroperitoneum or mediastinum in a minority of cases.staging and risk assessmentFull blood count, creatinine, electrolytes and liver enzymes should be obtained. Tumour markers [AFP, β-HCG and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] are needed for risk assessment according to UICC/IGCCCG stage and prognostic index. Markers are determined before orchiectomy and repeated a minimum of 7 days after orchiectomy (for differentiation of stage and IGCCCG prognostic group). HCG must be followed until normalization.Testicular sonography (7.5 MHz transducer) should be conducted, also noting the size of the contralateral testis. CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis [III, B]. MRI of the central nervous system is needed only in advanced stages or with symptoms. Bone scan should be conducted in case of indicators for involvement (e.g. symptoms).PET scanning does not contribute and routine use is not recommended [I, B].If fertility is an issue, the following should be conducted: determination of total testosterone, lutenizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) before operation, semen analysis and sperm banking (before chemotherapy).In case of a borderline lymph node size in imaging (normal <1 cm) CT scan should be repeated 6 weeks later before defining definitive treatment strategy.If imaging is normal tumour marker decline should be monitored until normalization in order to discriminate stage I and disseminated disease.Early consultation of an oncologist is mandatory.Definition of stage and risk classification must be done according to the UICC/American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and IGCCCG classification (Table 1).Table 1Staging of non-seminoma according to UICC/AJCC and IGCCCG classificationClinical stageTNM (UICC/AJC)Serum tumour markers (S) to be determined after orchiectomyClinical prognostic classificationTNMSLDHaN indicates the upper limit of normal for the LDH assay.β-HCGbCave: β-HCG levels are given in mIU/ml; to convert to ng/ml divide by factor 5.AFP (ng/ml)0pTisIntratubular germ cell neoplasiaN0M0S0cS0: no raised markers./SXdSX: marker not available/not performed.NormalNormalNormalNAIAT1Limited to testis and epididymis, without vascular/lymphatic invasion; tumour may invade into the tunica albuginea but not the tunica vaginalisN0M0S0NormalNormalNormalLow risk (≤20%)IBT2Limited to testis and epididymis, with vascular/lymphatic invasion or tumour extending through the tunica albuginea with involvement of the tunica vaginalisN0M0S0NormalNormalNormalHigh risk (≥50%)IBT2Limited to testis and epididymis, with vascular/lymphatic invasion or tumour extending through the tunica albuginea with involvement of the tunica vaginalisN0M0S0NormalNormalNormalNA IGCCCG prognostic groupT3Invasion of spermatic cordT4Invasion of scrotumISTanyN0M0S1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000GoodS21.5–10 × Nor5000–50 000or1000–10 000IntermediateS3>10 × Nor>50 000or>10 000PoorIIATanyN1M0S0NormalNormalNormalNA(≤2 cm)S1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000IIBTanyN2M0S0NormalNormalNormalGood(>2–5 cm)S1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000IICTanyN3M0S0NormalNormalNormalGood(>5 cm)S1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000IIIATanyNanyM1a (non-regional nodal and/or pulmonary metastases)S0NormalNormalNormalGoodS1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000IIIBTanyN1–3M0S21.5–10 × Nor5000–50 000or1000–10 000IntermediateNanyM1aIIICTanyN1–3M0S3>10 × Nor>50 000or>10 000PoorNanyM1aS3>10 × Nor>50 000or>10 000PoorM1b (liver, bone, CNS or other visceral metastases, e.g. intestinum or skin; ± pulmonary metastases)SanyAny levelAny levelAny levelPoorIIICMediastinal primaryNanyManySanyAny levelAny levelAny levelPoorLDH, lactate dehydrogenase; HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin; CNS, central nervous system; NA, not applicable.a N indicates the upper limit of normal for the LDH assay.b Cave: β-HCG levels are given in mIU/ml; to convert to ng/ml divide by factor 5.c S0: no raised markers.d SX: marker not available/not performed. Open table in a new tab For histology, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification must be used and the report must specify the tumour localization, size, multiplicity, extension of tumour (e.g. in rete testis or other tissue), pT category (UICC), histopathological type (WHO) and presence of syncytiotrophoblasts. In pluriform tumours each individual component should be described, with percentage presence or absence of vascular invasion (venous or lymphatic) and presence of TIN.treatment of primary tumourOrchiectomy is standard of care and partial orchiectomy may be performed in specific indications [II, B].Surgery of the primary should be performed before any further treatment, unless there is life-threatening metastatic disease and clear clinical diagnosis of germ cell tumour by marker elevation which requires immediate chemotherapy.Tumour marker analysis should be performed before surgery and, if elevated, 7 days after surgery to determine the half-life kinetics. Tumour markers should be monitored until normalization. Markers should be taken after surgery, even if normal.radical orchiectomyRadical orchiectomy is performed through an inguinal incision [II, A]. Any scrotal violation for biopsy or open surgery should be avoided strongly. Tumour-bearing testis is resected with the spermatic cord at the level of the internal inguinal ring.A frozen section is recommended in doubtful cases (of small tumours) before definitive surgery [II, B], to allow organ-sparing surgery.organ-preserving surgery/partial orchiectomyRadical orchiectomy may be avoided and replaced by organ-preserving surgery; however, only in highly experienced centres and, in particular, in case of synchronous bilateral testicular tumours, metachronous contralateral (second) testicular tumour, tumour in a solitary testis and sufficient endocrine function, and contralateral atrophic testis.After local resection the spared testicular tissue always contains TIN, which can be destroyed by adjuvant radiotherapy. This can and should be delayed in patients who wish to father children, but for a period as short as possible.contralateral biopsy for diagnosis of TINSome 3%–5% of testicular cancer patients have TIN in the contralateral testis with the highest risk (≥34%) with testicular atrophy (volume <12 ml) and age <40 years, and in patients with extragonadal germ cell tumour prior chemotherapy (≥33%), but only in 10% post-chemotherapy. If untreated, invasive testicular tumour develops in 70% of the TIN-positive testis within 7 years.The sensitivity and specificity of one random biopsy for the detection of TIN is very high. Therefore, patients should be informed about the potential risk of TIN and a contralateral biopsy should be offered. However, patients themselves should be given the opportunity to decide whether a biopsy should be done or only monitoring performed—assuming the same high level of survival (nearly 100%) whatever strategy is chosen.If the patient has had chemotherapy a biopsy should not be taken <2 years from treatment.treatment of TINIf TIN has been diagnosed the options include immediate definitive treatment, surveillance with delayed active treatment or no treatment. The strategy should be chosen by the patient depending on the individual needs, in particular if fertility is an issue. However, fertility potential per se is often very low in this group of patients. If fertility has to be maintained, definitive treatment should be delayed and substituted by active surveillance until conception followed by either active treatment or further surveillance. If fertility is not relevant, irradiation with 16–20 Gy (2 Gy fraction, 5×/week) [III] should be performed (the strongest evidence is for 20 Gy).In patients with TIN and no gonadal tumour (incidental diagnosis, e.g. by biopsy for infertility or extragonadal germ cell tumours) orchiectomy is preferred over irradiation, because of potential damage to the contralateral, non-affected testis by scattered radiation.For TIN in patients receiving chemotherapy, chemotherapy eradicates TIN in two-thirds of patients. Therefore, treatment for TIN is only indicated if re-biopsy after chemotherapy is considered; however, not earlier than 2 years after chemotherapy. Instead of definitive treatment for TIN, it is strongly suggested to follow up the patient by monitoring alone, including the possibility of a (re)biopsy.post-operative treatmentPatients should be treated by oncologists with experience in the management of testicular cancer. In early stage non-seminoma there are several treatment options with different treatment burden and toxicities. The patient must be well informed about the different treatment modalities, their acute and late toxicities, and the overall outcome.If treatment is performed correctly, the cure rate of patients with non-seminoma in stage I is ∼99%, in stage IIA/B 98% and in advanced disease with good prognosis 90%, intermediate prognosis 80% and poor prognosis 60%.treatment of non-seminoma stage IStage I patients are divided into low risk (20% relapse rate) or high risk (40%–50% relapse rate) according to absence or presence of vascular (lymphatic or venous) invasion. The prognosis is excellent (98%–100%), whichever management option is used. The choice should be made on the basis of acute and late toxicities, overall treatment burden and personal preferences, including fertility issues associated with family planning. Sperm banking should be offered if active treatment is chosen. However, two or even four cycles of PEB are associated with a high level of residual fertility after recovery from chemotherapy-associated damage.The number of cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy is a current research topic. The option of one cycle of PEB is prospectively compared with the current standard of two cycles of PEB, with preliminary data indicating that one cycle of PEB might be sufficient [IIA].treatment of low-risk non-seminoma stage IThe standard option for low risk without vascular invasion is surveillance (Table 2). If surveillance is not applicable (e.g. no possibility to follow up by markers and imaging), adjuvant chemotherapy with two cycles of PEB is recommended.Table 2Treatment algorithm for non-seminoma stage I Open table in a new tab treatment of high-risk non-seminoma stage IThere are two treatment options: surveillance or adjuvant chemotherapy (two cycles of PEB).risks and benefits. Both options should be discussed, including detailed information about risks and benefits. The survival is the same (99%) whichever option is used.surveillance: Relapse rate ∼40%–50%; therefore chemotherapy (three cycles of PEB) eventually required for only 50% of the patients.adjuvant chemotherapy: Relapse rate ∼3%–4%, but chemotherapy (two cycles of PEB) used for 100% of the patients.role of RPLND in stage I low-/high-risk patientsFor very restricted cases, only if surveillance or adjuvant chemotherapy is declined by the patient due to very specific or personal reasons, a nerve-sparing RPLND may be considered. This treatment has the highest treatment burden with the lowest efficacy and should be performed by specialized surgeons only, in order to minimize complications including loss of ejaculation. The risk of relapse is reduced but not eliminated (e.g. lung metastases).treatment of non-seminoma stage IIA/BThese stages belong to the IGCCCG good prognosis category.Stage IIA, marker-negativeThere are two equivalent strategies.strategy 1. Only follow-up every 6 weeks until either regression/normalization or progression with treatment accordingly (Table 3).Table 3Treatment algorithm for non-seminoma stage IIA/BClinical stageTreatmentResultFurther managementIIA marker +Chemotherapy • standard: PEB × 3 cycles • option: PE × 4 cycles• CR• Follow-upIIB marker ±• Residual tumour (>1 cm)• Resection and follow-upIIA marker –Strategy 1aEquivalent options. follow-up only q 6 weeks• PD and marker ⊕PEB × 3 cycles (or PE × 4 cycles, in case of residual tumour (>1 cm): resection• PEB × 3 cycles (or PE × 4 cycles)• PD, marker remains –oraEquivalent options.• Nerve-sparing RPLND• NCNerve-sparing RPLNDStrategy 2aEquivalent options. active treatment: biopsy or nerve-sparing RPLND• RegressionFurther follow-up• Pathological stage ISurveillance (independent of vascular invasion)•Pathological stage IIA/B• Follow-uporaEquivalent options.• PEB × 2 cyclesoraEquivalent options.• PE × 2 cyclesa Equivalent options. Open table in a new tab strategy 2. Active treatment with either biopsy or nerve-sparing RPLND.Both options have the same overall result. Further management depends on the results of the follow-up or RPLND (Table 4).Table 4Treatment algorithm for advanced non-seminoma stage CS IIC–IIIIGCCCG prognosis groupSurvivalTreatmentResultNext step resultFurther managementGood90%• PEB × 3 cycles (3- or 5-day schedule) • If arguments against bleomycin: PEI/≈VIP × 3 cycles• If marker normalized and no residual tumourFollow-up no relapseFollow-up- Testis/retroperitoneal primary and• If marker normalized and residual, but resectable tumourResection- No liver/bone/CNS metastases and• R1/2 →Salvage chemotherapy- Good markers:- LDH <1, 5 NaN indicates the upper limit of normal for the LDH assay. and• R0, no viable tumour →Follow-up- β-HCG <5000 mIu/mlbCave: β-HCG levels are given in mIU/ml, to convert to ng/ml divide by factor 5. and – AFP <1000 ng/ ml• R0, viable tumour present <10% →Follow-up• R0, teratoma →Follow-upIntermediate80%• PEB × 4 cycles • If arguments against bleomycin: PEI/≈VIP × 4 cycles- Testis/retroperitoneal primary and• R0, viable tumour >10%, or →Consolidation chemotherapy (e.g. VIP 2 × cycles)• Non-regional nodal and/or pulmonary metastases• R?, unclear resectionmargins- Intermediate markers:- LDH >1, 5–10 × N and/or- β-HCG >5000–50000 mIu/ml and/or-AFP >1000–10000 ng/mlPoor60%• If marker not normalized and residual tumour, potentially resectableFollow-up- Mediastinal primary and/orq 4–12 weeks • markers normalized or plateauResection- Liver/bone/CNS or other visceral metastases ± pulmonary metastases and/or• markers increasedSalvage chemotherapydConsider experimental chemotherapy in protocols for ‘refractory patients’ (e.g. new drugs).- Poor markers – any of:• If marker normalized, • but irresectable and/or • multiple residual tumourcConsider PET in individual patients for further planning of prognosis and management.Follow-up in case of progression:Salvage chemotherapyeConsider also local radiotherapy, if appropriate/applicable.- LDH >10 × N and/orq 8 weeks • > 12 weeks- β-HCG >50000 mIu/ml and/or – AFP >10000 ng/ml• < 12 weeksExperimental (high-dose chemotherapy)a N indicates the upper limit of normal for the LDH assay.b Cave: β-HCG levels are given in mIU/ml, to convert to ng/ml divide by factor 5.c Consider PET in individual patients for further planning of prognosis and management.d Consider experimental chemotherapy in protocols for ‘refractory patients’ (e.g. new drugs).e Consider also local radiotherapy, if appropriate/applicable. Open table in a new tab stage IIA, marker-positive, or stage IIB, marker-positive or -negativeThe standard treatment is chemotherapy with PEB for three cycles (Table 3). PE for four cycles may be used if there are arguments against the use of bleomycin.In case of complete response no further treatment is necessary. In case of residual tumour (>1 cm lymph node diameter) resection of this residual lesion should be performed, followed by routine follow-up (independent of the result of the resection).treatment of advanced non-seminoma stage IS/IIC/IIIThe treatment options for advanced non-seminoma with good, intermediate and poor prognosis are given in Table 4. This table also gives the individual steps for further management depending on the result of the primary chemotherapy, including secondary surgery after chemotherapy and salvage treatment.Patients with good prognosis receive three cycles of PEB. PEB can be given as classical 5- or -3 day protocol [I, B]. If there are arguments against the use of bleomycin, e.g. factors predisposing for bleomycin-induced acute or cumulative pneumonitis/fibrosis, PEB can be substituted by PEI (≈VIP) for three cycles.In intermediate and poor prognosis patients PEB for four cycles is standard, given as 5-day schedule. Since four cycles are given, the 3-day schedule should not be applied [I, B]. As in good prognosis, PEB can be substituted in case of factors against the use of bleomycin by PEI (≈VIP) for four cycles.Chemotherapy cycles must be repeated every 3 weeks, independent of leukocyte count but with platelet recovery above 100 000 count (at day 22); only in this case and in case of infection at day 22 the next cycle should be delayed until recovery.Supportive management with prophylactic use of G-CSF or antibiotics and modern antiemetic therapy (5HT3 antagonist + steroid ± NK-1 antagonist) are recommended.management after primary chemotherapyIf restaging 4 weeks after the last treatment cycle reveals elevated markers and/or residual tumour, the next steps depend on the individual situation of the patient.In principal, any residual tumour must be resected if there is no marker increase within the first weeks after termination of chemotherapy.In case of a marker plateau, the resection should be delayed since there is a good chance that this represents a ‘pseudo-marker plateau’ resulting from necrotic tumour tissue which still is resolving and liberating tumour markers into blood. These patients should be followed up in short intervals until markers have been normalized or the final decision with respect to the resection can be done.In case of multiple metastases in several organs or brain or liver, resection is probably not appropriate and the indications and extend of resection should be discussed with experts and treated at specialized centres.Further management depends on the result of the primary treatment and secondary surgery. In case of complete response or R0-resection with scar tissue only or differentiated teratoma or viable tumour <10% of the resected specimen, follow-up is recommended, whereas in case of >10% viable tumour, consolidation chemotherapy with, for example, two cycles of VIP should be considered [III].In case of incomplete resection of viable tumour and/or residual tumour, salvage chemotherapy should be applied, as well as in case of relapse from CR or progression after marker normalization in case of unresectable residual lesions.monitoring during and after treatmentTumour markers must be determined before every cycle. Four weeks after the last cycle, determination of tumour markers as well as imaging (chest X-ray, CT scan or MRI of the initial sites) should be conducted.A PET scan is regarded as experimental (should not be performed outside of clinical trials).salvage chemotherapyRelapse after a longer (>3 months) period following initial favourable response does not always represents a platinum-resistant situation. Cisplatin is part of salvage treatment protocols, preferably together with further agents which have not been used in the first-line treatment. After second-line and, in some cases, also after third-line treatment, chemosensitivity may still be present.Standard first-line salvage chemotherapy is standard dose VIP, TIP or VeIP. There is no proven benefit of high-dose chemotherapy either in first- or second-line salvage treatment in any patient subgroup.In refractory patients, e.g. those who never reach a marker-negative complete response after first-line treatment or have no favourable response after salvage treatment, no standard treatment can be recommended. Gemcitabine/paclitaxel may be considered as an option. High-dose chemotherapy in this setting is experimental and should only be performed in clinical trials. Surgery should be part of the strategy, particularly in those patients with localized or late relapse, and with poor response to chemotherapy. Patients should be included in clinical trials and referred to expert centres whenever possible.late relapseIf technically feasible, radical surgical resection of all lesions should be performed, irrespective of the level of tumour markers, particularly in poor responders to chemotherapy. If the lesions are not completely resectable, at least a biopsy should be obtained for histological assessment. Salvage chemotherapy should be initiated.Late relapses (when chemotherapy has been used as part of management) respond less well to new chemotherapy (often yolk sac tumour, AFP-positive, slow-growing teratoma). If the patient responds to salvage chemotherapy, secondary surgery should be conducted whenever possible.late toxicityThere is a 3% risk of developing contralateral testis tumour during the first 15 years (if TIN has not been diagnosed or diagnosed and treated prophylactically by radiation). There is a risk of secondary cancer, including leukaemia, gastrointestinal carcinoma, genitourinary cancer, lung cancer and sarcoma, particularly in previously irradiated fields.Chemotherapy-related late toxicity includes cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes), hypogonadism, persisting neurotoxicity, Raynaud's syndrome and ototoxicity.follow-upRelapses are most commonly detected by marker elevation.A reduced number of CT scans during follow-up is as effective as a higher frequency [I, B] (evidence level only for stage I).All other recommendations are not prospectively proven, but may serve as a basis for clinical practice (Table 5). Follow-up beyond 5 years is probably relevant to detect late toxicities or secondary cancer for early intervention.Table 5Follow-up for non-seminomaClinical stageStrategyRelapse rateYear12aLate effects: urea and electrolytes, fasting cholesterol (HDL, LDL), triglycerides, fasting glucose, FSH, LH, testosterone.345aLate effects: urea and electrolytes, fasting cholesterol (HDL, LDL), triglycerides, fasting glucose, FSH, LH, testosterone.6–10aLate effects: urea and electrolytes, fasting cholesterol (HDL, LDL), triglycerides, fasting glucose, FSH, LH, testosterone.ISurveillanceLow risk: ≤20%Exam/markersbAFP, β-HCG, LDH.12×4×3×2×2×?Chest X-ray7×4×3×2×2×?High risk: ≥50%CT abdomen2×1×---?ChemotherapyExam/markersbAFP, β-HCG, LDH.5×3×2×2×2×?≤3%Chest X-ray3×1×1×1×1×?CT abdomen1×----?IIA/B, IIC + IIIGood: 10%Exam/markersbAFP, β-HCG, LDH.6×3×2×2×2×-ChemotherapyIntermediate: 20%Chest X-ray3×3×1×1×1×-Poor: 40%CT abdomen/pelvisCT 1–4× until CR with or without surgery, then according to chest X-ray plana Late effects: urea and electrolytes, fasting cholesterol (HDL, LDL), triglycerides, fasting glucose, FSH, LH, testosterone.b AFP, β-HCG, LDH. Open table in a new tab noteLevels of evidence [I–V] and grades of recommendation [A–D] as used by the American Society of Clinical Oncology are given in square brackets. Statements without grading were considered justified standard clinical practice by the experts and the consensus conference panel. incidenceThe incidence of testicular cancer in Europe is rising with doubling every 20 years. The current incidence is 63/100 000/year, with the highest rate in Northern European countries (68/100 000/year). The death rate is very low (3.8 cases/100 000/year). Of testicular tumours, 40% are seminomas and 60% non-seminomas. Invasive testicular cancer develops from carcinoma in situ (CIS)/testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN), often found in the residual nonmalignant testicular tissue. In a random biopsy, 2%–5% of testicular cancer patients have CIS in the contralateral testis. This is in accordance with a 2%–3% rate of synchronous contralateral or metachronous testicular cancer. The incidence of testicular cancer in Europe is rising with doubling every 20 years. The current incidence is 63/100 000/year, with the highest rate in Northern European countries (68/100 000/year). The death rate is very low (3.8 cases/100 000/year). Of testicular tumours, 40% are seminomas and 60% non-seminomas. Invasive testicular cancer develops from carcinoma in situ (CIS)/testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN), often found in the residual nonmalignant testicular tissue. In a random biopsy, 2%–5% of testicular cancer patients have CIS in the contralateral testis. This is in accordance with a 2%–3% rate of synchronous contralateral or metachronous testicular cancer. diagnosisThe diagnosis is based on histology of testicular mass removed by inguinal orchiectomy or by testis-conserving surgery [IV, B].Biopsy or, instead, high α-fetoprotein (AFP) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) without biopsy in patients presenting with extragonadal tumour syndrome [IV, B].In advanced and rapidly progressive disease requiring urgent chemotherapy, diagnosis may be based on typical clinical picture and marker elevation alone.Germ cell tumour may present extragonadally in the retroperitoneum or mediastinum in a minority of cases. The diagnosis is based on histology of testicular mass removed by inguinal orchiectomy or by testis-conserving surgery [IV, B]. Biopsy or, instead, high α-fetoprotein (AFP) and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) without biopsy in patients presenting with extragonadal tumour syndrome [IV, B]. In advanced and rapidly progressive disease requiring urgent chemotherapy, diagnosis may be based on typical clinical picture and marker elevation alone. Germ cell tumour may present extragonadally in the retroperitoneum or mediastinum in a minority of cases. staging and risk assessmentFull blood count, creatinine, electrolytes and liver enzymes should be obtained. Tumour markers [AFP, β-HCG and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] are needed for risk assessment according to UICC/IGCCCG stage and prognostic index. Markers are determined before orchiectomy and repeated a minimum of 7 days after orchiectomy (for differentiation of stage and IGCCCG prognostic group). HCG must be followed until normalization.Testicular sonography (7.5 MHz transducer) should be conducted, also noting the size of the contralateral testis. CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis [III, B]. MRI of the central nervous system is needed only in advanced stages or with symptoms. Bone scan should be conducted in case of indicators for involvement (e.g. symptoms).PET scanning does not contribute and routine use is not recommended [I, B].If fertility is an issue, the following should be conducted: determination of total testosterone, lutenizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) before operation, semen analysis and sperm banking (before chemotherapy).In case of a borderline lymph node size in imaging (normal <1 cm) CT scan should be repeated 6 weeks later before defining definitive treatment strategy.If imaging is normal tumour marker decline should be monitored until normalization in order to discriminate stage I and disseminated disease.Early consultation of an oncologist is mandatory.Definition of stage and risk classification must be done according to the UICC/American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and IGCCCG classification (Table 1).Table 1Staging of non-seminoma according to UICC/AJCC and IGCCCG classificationClinical stageTNM (UICC/AJC)Serum tumour markers (S) to be determined after orchiectomyClinical prognostic classificationTNMSLDHaN indicates the upper limit of normal for the LDH assay.β-HCGbCave: β-HCG levels are given in mIU/ml; to convert to ng/ml divide by factor 5.AFP (ng/ml)0pTisIntratubular germ cell neoplasiaN0M0S0cS0: no raised markers./SXdSX: marker not available/not performed.NormalNormalNormalNAIAT1Limited to testis and epididymis, without vascular/lymphatic invasion; tumour may invade into the tunica albuginea but not the tunica vaginalisN0M0S0NormalNormalNormalLow risk (≤20%)IBT2Limited to testis and epididymis, with vascular/lymphatic invasion or tumour extending through the tunica albuginea with involvement of the tunica vaginalisN0M0S0NormalNormalNormalHigh risk (≥50%)IBT2Limited to testis and epididymis, with vascular/lymphatic invasion or tumour extending through the tunica albuginea with involvement of the tunica vaginalisN0M0S0NormalNormalNormalNA IGCCCG prognostic groupT3Invasion of spermatic cordT4Invasion of scrotumISTanyN0M0S1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000GoodS21.5–10 × Nor5000–50 000or1000–10 000IntermediateS3>10 × Nor>50 000or>10 000PoorIIATanyN1M0S0NormalNormalNormalNA(≤2 cm)S1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000IIBTanyN2M0S0NormalNormalNormalGood(>2–5 cm)S1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000IICTanyN3M0S0NormalNormalNormalGood(>5 cm)S1<1.5 × Nand<5000and<1000IIIATanyNanyM1a (non-regional nodal and/or pulmonary metastases)S0NormalNormalNormalGoodS1<