To analyze current data on retroperitoneal GTS associated with testicular cancer, focusing on patient characteristics, RPLND metrics, and oncological outcomes, particularly surgical outcomes.
Key Findings:
GTS incidence in NSGCT patients treated with chemotherapy ranges from 2.8% to 7.6%, supported by 2 studies.
Median age of presentation is between 16 to 38 years, based on 15 studies.
Mature teratoma found in 91.7–100% of RPLND specimens, with somatic-type malignant transformation in 7.7–8.3%, supported by 2 studies.
Median operative time for RPLND is 160 to 432 minutes, with blood loss ranging from 225 mL to 2500 mL, based on 5 studies.
Postoperative complication rates range from 12.5% to 44%, with significant complications in 12.5% to 25% of patients, supported by 5 studies.
Disease-free survival at last follow-up ranges from 41.7% to 100%, and overall survival from 73.7% to 100%, based on 15 studies.
Interpretation:
GTS is a rare but significant condition in NSGCT patients, with unclear pathogenesis posing management challenges that need to be addressed.
Limitations:
Limited published data on GTS hinders consensus on management, particularly due to the retrospective nature of included studies.
Studies included were primarily retrospective and varied in quality, affecting the reliability of findings.
Conclusion:
GTS remains poorly understood, with hypotheses regarding its development. Further research is needed to clarify its biological behavior and improve management strategies, particularly through prospective studies.
