Testicular cancer may elevate risk for intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer

Although risk remains low, men who have had testicular cancer appear more likely to develop intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer, according to study results presented at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.

Prior epidemiologic studies have identified history of testicular cancer as a prognostic marker for the development of prostate cancer, but the association of testicular cancer with intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer had not been identified.

Mohummad Minhaj Siddiqui, MD, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and director of urologic robotic surgery at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, and colleagues analyzed SEER data on 32,435 men aged older than 60 years with a history of testicular cancer.

They also evaluated data on 147,044 men aged older than 60 years with a history of melanoma. This population served as a control group, as there is no known association between melanoma and prostate cancer, and patients with melanoma are equally likely to develop prostate cancer as the general population.

Incidence of prostate cancer by age 80 years was significantly higher among men who had a history of testicular cancer than those who had a history of melanoma (12.6% vs. 2.8%; HR = 4.7; P < .0001). Men with a history of testicular cancer also were more significantly likely to develop intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer (5.8% vs. 1.1%; HR = 5.2; P < .0001).

“We also looked at alternate risk factors — such as age, race and radiation history — and found that, even when controlling for the influence of these risk factors, there was still an increased risk for developing intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer in men with a history of testicular cancer as opposed to the control population,” Siddiqui said during a press conference.

Despite the elevated risk, the actual risk remains low, according to researchers. They estimate that 5% of men with a history of testicular cancer subsequently would develop intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer.

“Based on these findings we believe that men with a history of testicular cancer should consider discussion regarding the risk and benefits of prostate cancer screening with their physicians,” Siddiqui said. “In terms of anything stronger as far as recommendations, further … studies are needed to confirm these results based on other cohorts to determine if men with a history of testicular cancer should have screening for prostate cancer in some other way.”– by Anthony SanFilippo

Reference:

Riggin AJ, et al. Abstract 177. Presented at: Genitourinary Cancers Symposium; Feb. 26-28, 2015; Orlando, Florida.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.