Characterization of a novel mouse monoclonal antibody, clone 1E8.33, highly specific for human procollagen 11A1, a tumor-associated stromal component.

A novel IgG1, κ mouse monoclonal antibody (clone 1E8.33) to human procollagen 11A1 has been generated. This antibody is poorly mutated, essentially in germ line configuration; its complementarity determining regions (CDRs) are especially rich in tyrosine and serine residues. The epitope recognized is encompassed in the YNYGTMESYQTEAPR amino acid stretch within the variable region of human procollagen 11A1. Human procollagens 5A1 and 11A1 are very similar. However, this antibody does not cross-react with human procollagen 5A1. In human breast tumors, only the activated peritumoral myofibroblasts show a strong intracytoplasmic staining with this antibody. As procollagen 11A1 is overexpressed in the stroma of human tumors with desmoplastic reaction, this antibody represents a valuable tool for diagnostic purposes.

[Clinical presentation of testicular germinal cancer]. / Presentación clínica del cáncer germinal de testículo.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical features in our series of patients of germ-cell testicular cancer. METHODS: The charts of 73 patients with diagnosis of germ-cell testicular tumours were reviewed. Age, history of cryptorchism, time to diagnosis, main symptoms, and serum markers values (alpha- fetoprotein and beta-HCG) were analysed. All cases underwent orchiectomy and extension study with abdominal CT-scan and either chest X-ray or Thoracic CT-scan. We follow the AJCC-UICC 1997 stage classification. Histological cell line, size, and clinical stage at presentation (local, regional and distance) have been analysed also. RESULTS: Among 73 germ-cell testicular tumours 34 were seminomas (46.6%) and 39 were non-seminomatous (54.4%). Clinically, 58.9% of the patients had localised stage I tumours. On presentation 85.7% seminomas were stage I compared to 35.9% non-seminomatous tumours. The remaining tumours were diagnosed in advanced phases (stages II and III). Inguinal orchiectomy was performed in all patients except 5 in whom tumours were incidentally diagnosed (atrophic testis orchiectomy, hydrocoelectomy, trauma) and needed a second operation including ipsilateral scrotal excision. When size, cell line and primary tumour T category were reviewed we found that 32.3% seminomas and 20.5% non seminomas were smaller than 4 cm. 50% seminomas and 49.7% non seminomas were pT1; 41.2% seminomas and 28.2 non seminomas were pT2; finally 8.8% seminomas were pT3 compared to 23.1% non seminomas. Vascular infiltration, also evaluated in this chapter, was present in 38.2% seminomas compared to 38.5% non seminomas. Elements of embryonal carcinoma were found in 37 non seminomatous tumours, either isolated (14) or associated with other components. Teratoma appeared in 18 non seminomatous tumours, 16 of them associated to embryonal carcinoma alone or together with other components. Elements of choriocarcinoma and endodermal sinus were evident in 5 and 4 cases respectively, always associated with other elements. CONCLUSIONS: Seminomas clinical presentation substantially differs from that of non seminomatous testicular tumours in age, clinical features, stage and histological aggressiveness.

[Urologic treatment of testicular germ cell cancer]. / Tratamiento urológico del cáncer germinal de testículo.

OBJECTIVE: To review the treatment of testicular germ-cell cancer in our series. METHODS: 73 cases with the diagnosis of germ-cell testicular tumours were reviewed. All cases underwent orchiectomy and extension study with abdominal CT-scan and either chest X-ray or Thoracic CT-scan. We reviewed the treatment options employed in our series, analysing different currently recognised risk factors. RESULTS: 34 out of 73 testicular germ-cell tumours were seminomas (46.6%) and 39 non seminomas (54.4%). Clinically 58.9% of the patients had localised, stage I tumours. 85.7% seminomas were stage I at presentation compared to 35.9% (14) non seminomatous tumours. The remainder tumours presented in advanced phases (stages II & III). Inguinal orchiectomy was performed in all cases except 5 patients in whom tumours were incidentally diagnosed (atrophic testis orchiectomy, hydrocelectomy, trauma) and underwent ipsilateral scrotal excision in a second time. Lymphadenectomy was initially performed in 3 patients with non seminomatous tumours. Radiotherapy was used in 23 cases of seminoma (67.6%), although this percentage has been progressively reduced in recent years. 30 patients received chemotherapy after orchiectomy: 3 metastatic seminomas (stage II) (8.8% of seminomas treated with chemotherapy) and 27 non seminomatous tumours (69.2% of them). All metastatic tumours are among the last (25) (Stages II & III) and 2 stage I non seminomatous tumours. All seminomas achieved complete response without later relapse after a median follow-up of 50 months (12-145 months). Median follow-up for non seminomatous tumours was 57 months (1-288 months). 13 non seminomas had relapses (33.3%). Relapses appeared in the retroperitoneum in 11 cases (84.6%), 2 of them concurrent with pulmonary relapse; 1 patient had liver relapse, one lung and another in bone. Median time to relapse was 4 months (2-102). 8 patients died and 2 were lost for follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular germ-cell cancer needs a well established multidisciplinary approach, in which the role of the urologist is fundamental. Orchiectomy is the primary treatment and allows determination of the dissemination risk. Radiotherapy is very effective for localised seminomas with poor prognostic factors, and for non seminomas 2 cycles of chemotherapy seem to be an effective approach, as well as of little toxicity. We must know and apply optimised programs for observation of these tumours (stage I), and also use follow-up protocols after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Some cases need complex surgery for residual masses resection or post chemotherapy salvage surgery in disseminated tumours (Stages II & III). Sterility treatment protocols are applied to preserve fertility.