Assessment of Prognostic Factors of Racial Disparities in Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Survival in the United States (1992-2015).

OBJECTIVE: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most common cancer among men aged 15 to 39 years. Previous studies have considered factors related to TGCT survival rate and race/ethnicity, but histological type of the diagnosed cancer has not yet been thoroughly assessed. METHODS: The data came from 42,854 eligible patients from 1992 to 2015 in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results 18. Frequencies and column percent by seminoma and nonseminoma subtypes were determined for each covariates. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to assess the impact of multiple factors on post-diagnostic mortality of TGCT. RESULTS: Black males were diagnosed at a later stage, more commonly with local or distant metastases. The incidence of TGCT in black non-seminoma tumors increased most significantly. The difference in survival rates between different ethnic and histological subtypes, overall survival (OS) in patients with non-seminoma was significantly worse than in patients with seminoma. The most important quantitative predictor of death was the stage at the time of diagnosis, and older diagnostic age is also important factor affecting mortality. CONCLUSION: Histological type of testicular germ cell tumor is an important factor in determining the prognosis of testicular cancer in males of different ethnic groups.

Development and validation of prognostic nomogram for germ cell testicular cancer patients.

The purpose of our study was to establish a reliable and practical nomogram based on significant clinical factors to predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with germ cell testicular cancer (GCTC). Patients diagnosed with GCTC between 2004 and 2015 were obtained from the SEER database. Nomograms were constructed using the R software to predict the OS and CSS probabilities and the constructed nomograms were validated and calibrated. A total of 22,165 GCTC patients were enrolled in the study, including the training cohort (15,515 patients) and the validation cohort (6,650 patients). In the training cohort, multivariate Cox regression showed that age, race, AJCC stage, SEER stage and surgery were independent prognostic factors for OS, while age, race, AJCC stage, TM stage, SEER stage and radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors for CSS. Based on the above Cox regression results, we constructed prognostic nomograms of OS and CSS in GCTC patients and found that the OS nomograms had higher C-index and AUC compared to TNM stage in the training and validation cohorts. In addition, in the training and external validation cohorts, the calibration curves showed a good consistency between the predicted and actual 3-, 5- and 10-year OS and CSS rates of the nomogram. The current prognostic nomogram can provide a personalized risk assessment for the survival of GCTC patients.

Testicular cancer in Hispanics: incidence of subtypes over time according to neighborhood sociodemographic factors in California.

PURPOSE: Hispanic men in the USA experience the second-highest incidence rate of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), behind non-Hispanic (NH) White men, and have experienced steep increases in TGCT in recent decades. It is unknown whether increases in incidence differ according to neighborhood sociodemographic factors. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study of n = 3759 Hispanic and n = 8469 NH White men (n = 12,228 total) diagnosed with TGCT in California during the three most recent pericensal periods. We calculated incidence rates according to neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) and among Hispanics, according to ethnic enclave. We calculated incidence rate ratios to compare rates across nSES and ethnic enclave and to examine changes in rates over pericensal time periods according to these neighborhood factors for major histologic types (i.e., seminoma and nonseminoma). RESULTS: Hispanic men residing in high SES, compared to low SES, neighborhoods had greater incidence of seminoma and nonseminoma testicular cancer across pericensal periods, as did Hispanic men in low enclave (less ethnic), compared to high enclave, neighborhoods. Between the periods 1998-2002 and 2008-2012, Hispanic men residing in low SES neighborhoods experienced a 39% increased incidence of seminoma, while those residing in low and middle SES neighborhoods experienced 87% and 48% increased incidence of nonseminoma, respectively. CONCLUSION: While TGCT incidence has increased among all Hispanic men, incidence increases appear to be driven disproportionately by those residing in lower SES and lower enclave neighborhoods, particularly for nonseminoma.

Survival differences by race/ethnicity among children and adolescents diagnosed with germ cell tumors.

Survival differences by racial and ethnic group have been reported in children and adolescents with germ cell tumors (GCTs), but whether these differences depend on stage of disease is unclear. Using the SEER 18 registries (2000-2015), we examined GCT survival differences by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white [NHW], Black, Asian/Pacific Islander [API], Hispanic) separately for males and females aged 0-19 years at diagnosis. We used Kaplan-Meier survival curves (Log-Rank p values) to characterize survival differences. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between race/ethnicity and death. Using an inverse odds weighting mediation analysis, we estimated the association between race/ethnicity and death treating stage of disease as the mediator. There were no significant racial/ethnic survival differences among females. Male survival differed by race/ethnicity (p < 0.0001) with NHW males having the best survival. Compared to NHW, API and Hispanic males had significantly higher risks of death (API HR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.32-3.56; Hispanic HR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.42-2.78) (model adjusted for age and year at diagnosis, tumor histology and location, stage). This association was mediated by stage of disease only among Hispanic males with gonadal tumors (indirect HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.35). The increased risk of death after a testicular GCT diagnosis observed among Hispanic males was mediated by stage of disease. For API males and Hispanic males with extragonadal tumors, other unidentified factors including differences in exposures, tumor biology or treatment received may impact the observed racial/ethnic survival disparities.

Association between KITLG Gene Polymorphisms and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

It has been reported that c-KIT ligand (KITLG) gene polymorphisms may be associated with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). Owing to mixed and inconclusive results, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and clarify this association. A systematic search of studies on the association between KITLG gene polymorphisms and TGCT susceptibility was conducted in databases. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to pool the effect size. Six articles were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. Compared with adenine (A), KITLG rs995030 guanine (G) might be associated with increased risk of TGCT. There are insufficient data to fully confirm the association between KITLG rs4474514 and TGCT susceptibility. Well-designed studies with larger sample size and more subgroups are required to validate the risk identified in the current meta-analysis.

The puzzling incidence of testicular cancer in New Zealand: what can we learn?

BACKGROUND: Testicular germ cell tumour is the most common cancer to be diagnosed among young men. In New Zealand, we have observed some puzzling trends in the epidemiology of this disease. METHODS: We have conducted a narrative review of available evidence regarding the puzzling epidemiology of testicular germ cell tumour in New Zealand and discussed the possible drivers of these trends. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Whereas testicular cancer is most commonly a disease of White men, in New Zealand it is the indigenous Maori population that suffer by far the greatest rate of disease (age-adjusted relative risk: 1.80, 95% CI 1.58-2.05). Even more curiously, the rate of testicular germ cell tumour among Maori men aged 15-44 (28/100,000) is substantially greater than for Pacific Island men (9/100,000), a rare example of divergence between these two populations in terms of the incidence of any disease (cancer or otherwise). Our observations beg the following questions: first, why are rates of testicular germ cell tumour so much higher among Maori New Zealanders compared to the already high rates observed among European/Other New Zealanders? Second, why are rates of testicular germ cell tumour so completely divergent between Maori and Pacific New Zealanders, when these two groups typically move in parallel with respect to the incidence of given diseases? Finally, what might we learn about the factors that cause testicular germ cell tumour in general by answering these questions? CONCLUSION: This review examines the possible drivers of our observed disparity, discusses their feasibility, and highlights new work that is underway to further understand these drivers.

Update on epidemiologic considerations and treatment trends in testicular cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aim to give an overview of the epidemiology and treatment trends of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), with an emphasis on recent trends. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of TGCT appears to be increasing, particularly in developed countries, although the reasons are not well understood. There is evidence of racial differences in predisposition to TGCT, with white men having highest risk and men of African or Asian descent having lower risk. In the United States, the incidence of TGCT among Hispanics appears to be rising most quickly. A recent genomic analysis indicates there is no highly penetrant major TGCT susceptibility gene. Incorporation of multidisciplinary care has led to excellent long-term cure rates; however, access to care and insurance remains barriers in young men. Recent treatment trends have centered on maximizing oncologic outcomes while minimizing long-term morbidity. SUMMARY: Emerging population-level data provide critical insight into the evolving demographics of TGCT, which may allow for elucidation of biologic and environmental determinants of TGCT. Further, identification of socioeconomic barriers to excellent clinical outcomes will allow for targeted interventions to patients with unique demographic and socioeconomic considerations. Treatment trend analyses suggest that the field is moving toward minimizing treatment-related morbidity.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Incidence of Pediatric Extracranial Embryonal Tumors.

Background: Few studies have comparatively assessed differences in the incidence of childhood cancer by race and ethnicity that could inform etiologic research. We aimed to identify disparities in the incidence of pediatric extracranial embryonal tumors by race and ethnicity in the United States using a population-based cancer registry. Methods: Cases of extracranial embryonal tumors among children age 0 to 19 years diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program 18 (n = 8188). Age-standardized incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were obtained by race/ethnicity. Whites were the reference group. The percentage of families living below the poverty line by county was used to stratify by socioeconomic status (SES). Results: All minority groups had a lower incidence of neuroblastoma (Hispanics: IRR = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47 to 0.59; blacks: IRR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.81; Native-Hawaiian/Asian-Pacific-Islander (API): IRR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.67; and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN): IRR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.48) while Hispanics had a higher incidence of retinoblastoma (IRR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.48). Incidence of nephroblastoma was lower among Hispanics (IRR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.71 to 0.91) and API (IRR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.56) while equivalent for blacks. Similarly, incidence of rhabdomyosarcoma was low among Hispanics (IRR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.98) and API (IRR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.79) while equivalent for blacks. However, incidence of hepatoblastoma was low among blacks (IRR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.28 to 0.68) while equivalent for Hispanics and API. Incidence of germ cell tumors was higher among Hispanics (IRR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.19 to 1.42) and lower among blacks (IRR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.61) and API (IRR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.93). No effect modification by SES was observed. Conclusions: Unique incidence patterns of childhood extracranial embryonal tumors exist by race and ethnicity in the United States. The interplay between race/ethnicity and genetics, epigenetics, and gene-environment interactions in the causation of these cancers deserves further investigation.

Small Numbers, Big Challenges: Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Incidence and Survival in New Zealand.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine cancer survival and describe the unique spectrum of cancers diagnosed among New Zealand's adolescents and young adult (AYA) population. METHODS: Registrations for 1606 15-24 year olds diagnosed with a new primary malignant tumor between 2000 and 2009 were obtained from the New Zealand Cancer Registry and classified according to AYA diagnostic group and subgroup, age, sex, and prioritized ethnicity. Age-standardized incidence rates (IRs) per million person years and 5-year relative survival ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Cancer incidence was 228.6 per million for adolescents aged 15-19 years and 325.7 per million for young adults aged 20-24 years. Overall IRs were consistent across all ethnic groups but there were unique ethnic differences by tumor group including a higher incidence of bone tumors, carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract, and gonadal germ cell tumors among Maori, a higher incidence of leukemia among Pacific peoples, and a higher incidence of melanoma among non-Maori/non-Pacific peoples. Five-year relative survival for adolescents (75.1%) and AYA overall (80.6%) appeared poorer than had been achieved in other high-income countries. Maori (69.5%) and Pacific (71.3%) AYA had lower 5-year survival compared to non-Maori/non-Pacific peoples (84.2%). CONCLUSION: The survival disparities observed require further investigation to identify and address the causes of these inferior outcomes. The newly established AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa has been tasked with improving cancer survival and care and ensuring equality of access for New Zealand AYAs with cancer.

Germ Cell Testicular Cancer Incidence, Latitude and Sunlight Associations in the United States and Australia.

International patterns suggest germ cell testicular cancer (GCTC) incidence may be lower in lower latitudes. To investigate this possibility, we examined GCTC incidence by latitude (population centroid in 2000) for men ≥15 years within two reasonably homogeneous countries, the United States and Australia. In the United States, we examined age-adjusted incidence/latitude trends using data from states (2001-2010) and local-area registries (1980-2011). In Australia, we evaluated incidence/latitude trends in 61 Statistical Divisions (2000-2009). In U.S. White men (68 566 cases), state incidences increased by latitude, rising 5.74% (4.45-7.05%) per 5°North latitude increment. Similar trends were found for seminoma and nonseminoma subtypes (P < 0.001). In U.S. Black men (2256 cases), the association was also seen (4.9%; 0.2-9.7%). In local U.S. data, similar increases in incidence with latitude were present in each of the last three decades. In Australia (6042 cases), the incidence increased by 4.43% (95% CI: 1.54-7.39%) per 5°South, and trends for subtypes were similar. Thus, we found that incidence of GCTC in both White and Black men increased significantly with distance from the equator, approximately 1% per degree within the range of latitudes studied.

Racial disparities in survival in malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate racial disparities with respect to adjuvant treatment and survival in patients presenting with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCT). METHODS: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to identify women diagnosed with OGCT. Demographic data were abstracted, including stratification by race and histology. Standard univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to describe predictors of adjuvant treatment. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards survival methods were used to evaluate racial differences in survival between African American (AA) and white (W) women. RESULTS: The study population included 2196 patients, with 1654 (75.3%) W and 328 (14.9%) AA women. Histologic distribution varied significantly by race (p<0.0001), but neither age nor stage at presentation showed racial differences (p=0.086 and p=0.209, respectively). AA received more chemotherapy than W (W: 54.6%, AA: 65.5%, p=0.008), but in multivariate analysis there was no statistically significant difference in any adjuvant treatment modality. Despite similar treatment, and independent of histology, survival varied significantly by race with 91% (CI 0.89-0.93) five year survival in W patients compared to 84% five year survival in AA (CI 0.8-0.89) (p=0.02). These disparities were most pronounced in advanced stage disease, with 5 year survival of 84% (CI 0.79-0.89) in W compared to 61% (CI 0.48-0.78) for AA in stage III (p=0.0002), and 54% (CI 0.42-0.68) compared to 14% (CI 0.03-0.71) for stage IV (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AA with OGCT have significantly worse 5 year survival when compared to W patients despite similar rates and modalities of adjuvant treatment.

Incidence of testicular germ cell tumors among US men by census region.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) in the United States is notably higher among white men versus other men. Previously, however, it was reported that rates were rising among Hispanics in certain areas. To determine whether this finding was evident in a wider area of the United States, data from 39 US cancer registries were examined. METHODS: Racial/ethnic-specific incidence rates per 100,000 man-years were calculated overall and by census region for the period of 1998-2011. Annual percentage changes (APCs) were estimated, and joinpoint models were fit. Differences in incidence by region were examined with the Wald test. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2011, 88,993 TGCTs were recorded. The TGCT incidence was highest among non-Hispanic whites (6.57 per 100,000), who were followed by Hispanics (3.88), American Indians/Alaska Natives (2.88), Asians/Pacific Islanders (A/PIs; 1.60), and non-Hispanic blacks (1.20). The incidence significantly increased among Hispanics (APC, 2.31; P < .0001), with rates rising in all regions except the South. Rates rose slightly among non-Hispanic whites (APC, 0.51; P = .0076). Significant differences in rates by region were seen for Hispanics (P = .0001), non-Hispanic whites (P < .0001), and A/PIs (P < .0001), with the highest rates among Hispanics in the West and with the highest rates among non-Hispanic whites and A/PIs in the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of TGCTs remained highest among non-Hispanic whites between 1998 and 2011, the greatest increase was experienced by Hispanics. Rising rates of TGCTs among Hispanics in the United States suggest that future attention is warranted. Reasons for the increase may include variability in birthplace, changing exposures, genetic susceptibility, and the length of US residence.

Recent trends in the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors in the United States.

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT), which comprise 98% of all testicular malignancies, are the most commonly occurring cancers among men between the ages of 15 and 44 years in the United States (US). A prior report from our group found that while TGCT incidence among all US men increased between 1973 and 2003, the rate of increase among black men was more pronounced starting in 1989-1993 than was the rate of increase among other men. In addition, TGCT incidence increased among Hispanic white men between 1992 and 2003. To determine whether these patterns have continued, in the current study, we examined temporal trends in incidence through 2011. Between 1992 and 2011, 21 271 TGCTs (12 419 seminomas; 8715 non-seminomas; 137 spermatocytic seminomas) were diagnosed among residents of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 13 registry areas. The incidence of TGCT was highest among non-Hispanic white men (6.97 per 100 000 man-years) followed by American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN; 4.66), Hispanic white (4.11), Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI; 1.95), and black (1.20) men. Non-Hispanic white men were more likely to present with smaller tumors (3.5 cm) and localized disease (72.6%) than were men of other races/ethnicities. Between 1992 and 2011, TGCT incidence increased significantly among Hispanic white [annual percent change (APC) = 2.94, p < 0.0001], black (APC = 1.67, p = 0.03), non-Hispanic white (APC = 1.23, p < 0.0001), and A/PI (APC = 1.04, p = 0.05) men. Incidence rates also increased, although not significantly, among AI/AN men (APC = 2.96, p = 0.06). The increases were greater for non-seminoma than seminoma. In summary, while non-Hispanic white men in the US continue to have the highest incidence of TGCT, they present at more favorable stages of disease and with smaller tumors than do other men. The increasing rates among non-white men, in conjunction with the larger proportion of non-localized stage disease, suggest an area where future research is warranted.

International patterns and trends in testicular cancer incidence, overall and by histologic subtype, 1973-2007.

Incidence rates of testicular cancer in Northern European and North American countries have been widely reported, whereas rates in other populations, such as Eastern Europe, Central/South America, Asia, and Africa, have been less frequently evaluated. We examined testicular cancer incidence rates overall and by histologic type by calendar time and birth cohort for selected global populations 1973-2007. Age-standardized incidence rates over succeeding 5-year periods were calculated from volumes 4-9 of Cancer Incidence in Five Continents electronic database (CI5plus) and the newly released CI5X (volume 10) database. Annual percent change over the 35-year period was calculated using weighted least squares regression. Age-period-cohort analyses were performed and observed rates and fitted rate ratios presented by birth cohort. Incidence rates of testicular cancer increased between 1973-1977 and 2003-2007 in most populations evaluated worldwide. Of note, incidence rates in Eastern European countries rose rapidly and approached rates in Northern European countries. Rates in Central and South America also increased and are now intermediate to the high rates among men of European ancestry and low rates among men of Asian or African descent. Some heterogeneity in the trends in seminoma and nonseminoma were observed in Denmark, the United Kingdom, and among US whites, particularly in recent generations, with rapid and uniform increases in the incidence of both histologic types in Slovakia. Reasons for the rising incidence rates among European and American populations remain unexplained; however, changing distributions in the prevalence of risk factors for testicular cancer cannot be ruled out.

Increase in testicular germ cell tumor incidence among Hispanic adolescents and young adults in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Although rising incidence rates of testicular germ cell tumors have been well documented in white men, relatively little is known about rates in men of Hispanic origin. In the current study, the authors compared germ cell tumor trends between men of Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin as a function of age at diagnosis. METHODS: Trends in testicular germ cell tumor incidence among white men were analyzed according to Hispanic ethnicity in 2 data sets of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, spanning from 1992 to 2010 and from 2000 to 2010 and sampling 15% and 28% of the United States population, respectively. Rates were age-adjusted to the year 2000 US standard population. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2010, the annual incidence of testicular germ cell tumors among Hispanic whites ages 15 to 39 years increased 58%, from 7.18 cases per 100,000 in 1992 to 11.34 cases per 100,000 by 2010 (P<1 × 10(-9) ). Their incidence rates increased in metropolitan areas for both seminoma and nonseminoma subtypes and for all stages at diagnosis. During the same 19-year interval, incidence among non-Hispanic white young adults increased 7%, from 12.41 to 13.22 per 100,000. During the 2000 to 2010 interval, no significant trends were observed in incidence among non-Hispanic whites. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a recent substantial increase in testicular germ cell tumor incidence among Hispanic adolescents and young adults in the United States. Similar trends were not observed in non-Hispanic whites.

[Testicular cancer - a matter of geography? Epidemiology and etiopathogenesis of germ cell tumors]. / Hodenkrebs - eine Frage der Geographie? Epidemiologie und Ätiopathogenese der Keimzelltumoren.

More than 90 % of testicular tumors are germ cell tumors. There is no doubt that ethnicity is one of the single overriding etiological factors in the development of these tumors. White males living in western industrialized countries, particularly in northern Europe show the highest incidence rates, whereas black males in Africa show the lowest. These differences are the result of interaction of genetic factors and exogenous noxious agents. Some of these agents are chemical substances with an estrogen-like effect. Many exogenous substances have been blamed for causing testicular cancer, but clear epidemiological evidence is lacking for most cases. Some well-established risk factors prevail, such as cryptorchidism, familial association, gonadal dysgenesis (intersex) and germ cell tumor in the contralateral testis. In terms of importance, overalimentation appears to outweigh occupation. The development of germ cell tumors is assumed to have an intrauterine origin through defect gonocytes which evolve into atypical germ cells of unclassified intratubular germ cell neoplasms. The trigger event is, however, the appearance of isochromosome 12p, which makes these cells aggressive and results in overt invasive testicular cancer.

Updates in the management of ovarian germ cell tumors.

Ovarian germ cell tumors are rare events at all ages-in pediatrics, adolescence, and during young adulthood. Combining the knowledge and experience of pediatric and gynecologic oncologists can lead to better outcomes for all. In this review, we intend to present the latest consensus on management of women and children with this disease and highlight the opportunities for collaboration and clinical research going forward.

Risk of germ cell testicular cancer according to origin: a migrant cohort study in 1,100,000 Israeli men.

Testicular cancer incidence is highest among men of northern European ancestry and lowest among men of Asian/African descent. We conducted a large-scale migrant cohort study to assess origin and migrant generation as predictors of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), controlling for possible confounders. Data on 1,092,373 Jewish Israeli males, who underwent a general health examination prior to compulsory military service at ages 16-19 between the years 1967-2005, were linked to Israel National Cancer Registry to obtain incident TGCTs up to 2006. Cox proportional hazards was used to model time to event. Overall, 1,001 incident cases (534 seminoma and 467 nonseminoma) were detected during 19.2 million person-years of follow-up. Origin was a strong independent predictor of TGCTs with remarkably low incidence for North African-born (HR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.04-0.21) and Asian-born (HR = 0.35, 0.20-0.62), while intermediate for Israeli-born of North African origin (HR = 0.48, 0.40-0.58) and Asian origin (HR = 0.56, 0.47-0.66), compared to European origin. A comparison of Israeli born of North African and Asian origin with North African and Asian-born yielded a HR of 2.31 (1.36-3.93). Significant risk factors controlled for were year of birth, years of education and height. Findings persisted when analyses were stratified by histologic subtypes of TGCTs. The findings of lower rates of TGCTs among men born in North Africa and Asia compared to European ancestry, but a steep increase in next generation migrants, particularly among the Israeli-born migrants from North Africa, provide clues to direct further research on the role of modern lifestyle and environment in the etiology of TGCTs.

Suicide in men with testis cancer.

Depression, anxiety and aggression are documented in testis cancer patients and can result in death from suicides; however, their risk of suicide is not defined. We report suicide rates among testis cancer patients in the USA and determine factors associated with higher rates. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database maintained by the National Cancer Institute to identify patients diagnosed with testis cancer between 1995 and 2008. Multivariate analysis was used to assess factors affecting suicide rate. Among 23,381 patients followed for 126,762 person-years, suicide rate was 26.0 per 100,000 person-years, with the average corresponding rate in the US population aged 25-44 years being 21.5 per 100,000 person-years; the calculated standardised mortality ratio for death by suicide was 1.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-2.1]. The standardised mortality ratio for suicide was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-2.1) in ages less than 30 years, and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.3-2.4) in men of races other than White and Black. Other patient and disease characteristics were not predictive. In conclusion, patients with testis cancer have a 20% increase in the risk of suicide over that of the general population, and races other than White and Black and younger patients may commit suicide at higher rates.

Infant brain tumors: incidence, survival, and the role of radiation based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Data.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of infant brain tumors and survival outcomes by disease and treatment variables. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program November 2008 submission database provided age-adjusted incidence rates and individual case information for primary brain tumors diagnosed between 1973 and 2006 in infants less than 12 months of age. RESULTS: Between 1973 and 1986, the incidence of infant brain tumors increased from 16 to 40 cases per million (CPM), and from 1986 to 2006, the annual incidence rate averaged 35 CPM. Leading histologies by annual incidence in CPM were gliomas (13.8), medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (6.6), and ependymomas (3.6). The annual incidence was higher in whites than in blacks (35.0 vs. 21.3 CPM). Infants with low-grade gliomas had the highest observed survival, and those with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) or primary rhabdoid tumors of the brain had the lowest. Between 1979 and 1993, the annual rate of cases treated with radiation within the first 4 months from diagnosis declined from 20.5 CPM to <2 CPM. For infants with medulloblastoma, desmoplastic histology and treatment with both surgery and upfront radiation were associated with improved survival, but on multivariate regression, only combined surgery and radiation remained associated with improved survival, with a hazard ratio for death of 0.17 compared with surgery alone (p = 0.005). For ATRTs, those treated with surgery and upfront radiation had a 12-month survival of 100% compared with 24.4% for those treated with surgery alone (p = 0.016). For ependymomas survival was higher in patients treated in more recent decades (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of infant brain tumors has been stable since 1986. Survival outcomes varied markedly by histology. For infants with medulloblastoma and ATRTs, improved survival was observed in patients treated with both surgery and early radiation compared with those treated with surgery alone.