Testicular germ cell cancer has been increasing among men during most of the 20th century. Despite this increase, the etiology of testicular cancer is poorly understood. To better understand the molecular epidemiology of testicular cancer, the National Cancer Institute and the Department of Defense are conducting a case-control study of testicular cancer among military servicemen. The project includes obtaining biosamples and questionnaire data from all participants. Pre-diagnostic serum samples are available from the approximately 1,100 cases and 1,100 controls enrolled in the study. Mothers of all participants are also invited to participate by donating a biosample and responding to a questionnaire.
Hormone Levels Related to Testicular Germ Cell Tumors in STEED
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are cancers that occur, primarily, among young men. TGCTs, as well as several other male reproductive disorders, may have a perinatal etiology that also results in aberrant hormonal levels. To examine this hypothesis, investigators in DCEG have been studying hormone levels in men who went on to develop TGCT and men who did not, as part of the STEED study. Thus far, investigators have examined the gonadotropins, LH and FSH, the steroid hormones, estradiol, testosterone, and sex- androstane-3a,17ß-diol glucuronide (3adiol-G) levels, and sex-hormone binding globulin. To more completely characterize the hormonal milieu that may precede TGCT, DCEG investigators also plan to examine hCG, inhibin, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and androsterone glucuronide.
For more information, contact Katherine McGlynn.