Testis Cancer

Biomarkers

Time is cancer’s ally. The longer it goes undetected—and untreated—the more challenging it can be to eliminate. Even when treatment is successful, oncologists need a tool to easily monitor whether the disease is trying to return.

While there are blood tests available, they are only about 60 percent accurate–a number far too low to ensure confidence. However, researchers have identified new potential biomarkers that hold promise. When heavy amounts are circulating in a patient’s bloodstream, it is evidence that a tumor is present.

IU researchers are developing and optimizing blood tests for these biomarkers, a minimally invasive way for physicians to detect microscopic amounts of testicular cancer. So far, data indicates it is roughly 90 percent accurate.
Now, scientists are working to clarify how best to interpret the results of this new blood test. For example, a patient with localized disease often undergoes surgery or chemotherapy to prevent cancer from recurring.

A highly accurate diagnostic test would help us know whether additional procedures such as surgery or chemotherapy are truly required–or whether a patient should be followed with close observation alone.

Support the Future of Testis Cancer Research

Philanthropy maximizes IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center’s push to develop new therapies and answer questions that save lives.

Give Now

For other ways to support testicular cancer research, contact Amanda Massey at 317-274-3205 or acmassey@iu.edu.

#ResearchCuresCancer

Support Our Research