The study of multiple primary neoplasms may provide more insight into the pathogenesis of specific cancers and, secondly, it addresses the issue of treatment-related induction of second tumors. 584 consecutive patients with testicular germ cell tumors treated during 1969-1992 in Berlin were retrospectively analyzed for the prevalence of multiple primary neoplasms. 23 patients (16 pure seminoma, 7 nonseminoma) developing nontesticular malignancies in addition to testis cancer were identified (3.9%, 95 confidence intervals ± 1.6%). The mean age at the time of the testis cancer was 42.8 years, and mean age at the time of nontesticular malignancy was 50.2 years. In 4 cases, the nontesticular malignancy preceded testis cancer, in 3 patients both neoplasms occurred simultaneously, and in 16, nontesticular malignancies developed subsequently to testis cancer. In 4 patients, triple malignancies were observed. Bladder carcinoma and bronchogenic cancer with each 3 cases were the most frequent second neoplasms seen in these patients. 9 consecutive cancers developed within radiation fields, the median latency period in these cases was 12 years. None of the subsequent cancers developed after chemotherapy. It is concluded that genetic predisposition and radiation effects are the most important factors contributing to the occurrence of multiple primary neoplasms in patients with testicular germ cell cancer. The high rate of multiple primary neoplasms in these patients lends further evidence to the theory of genetic anticipation of germ cell cancer.

Keywords:
Germ cell cancer, Multiple neoplasms, Radiotherapy, late effects
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1994 S. Karger AG, Basel
1994
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.