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What’s New in Testicular Cancer Research?
Important research into testicular cancer is being done around the world. Each year, scientists find out more about what causes the disease, how to prevent it, how to detect it earlier, and how to improve treatment.
Biomarkers for early detection
Doctors use blood tests to help find testicular cancer, but the usual markers (AFP, hCG, LDH) don’t always work well. Researchers are studying new biomarkers to make diagnosis more accurate. One of the most promising is microRNA-371a-3p (miR-371a-3p), a small molecule in the blood that may be much better at detecting cancer. Scientists are also studying circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and exosomes (tiny particles released by cells) to see if they can help find cancer earlier and track treatment progress.
Genomic research
Testicular cancer happens when certain genes change (mutate) and cause cells to grow out of control. Researchers have found that gene changes in KIT and KRAS help tumors grow. Changes in TP53 and CCND1 may make cancer harder to treat. Many testicular tumors have extra copies of chromosome 12p, which plays a big role in cancer growth. Scientists are also studying stem-like cancer cells that may help tumors survive chemotherapy. Understanding these cells could lead to better treatments and a lower risk of cancer returning.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy
For testicular cancer that doesn’t respond to treatment or comes back, researchers are testing checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors). These drugs help the immune system fight cancer. Another possible treatment is CAR-T cell therapy, which changes a patient’s own immune cells to attack cancer cells. This approach is still in early research but may offer new hope for tough-to-treat cases.
Chemotherapy
Scientists are working on making chemotherapy safer while keeping it effective. The common drug cisplatin works well but can cause serious side effects like hearing loss and kidney damage. Researchers are testing new drug combinations to reduce these risks. Doctors are also studying de-escalation therapy, or using lower doses of chemotherapy to see if it still cures cancer while reducing long-term health problems.
Fertility preservation
Since testicular cancer treatments can affect fertility, doctors recommend sperm banking before starting treatment. Scientists are also studying stem cell therapy to see if it can help with fertility in the future.
Survivorship
After treatment, some survivors face health challenges, like heart problems, secondary cancers, or mental health struggles. Research is focusing on helping survivors live healthier, longer lives.
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Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
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Last Revised: August 10, 2025
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