Every Young Man Can Take Steps to Prevent the Disease

When it comes to oncology care for cancerous diseases, time and accessibility of services are critical. Every young man can take proactive steps by regularly examining their testicles. Since we know our own bodies best, performing self-exams allows us to notice even the smallest changes. This way, even a symptomless disease can be caught early, requiring less aggressive treatment and leading to a better quality of life free from illness.

Dr. Patašius emphasizes that, while testicular tumors are not highly prevalent in Lithuania, the challenge lies in the fact that young men often present with advanced disease.“When treating advanced cases, doctors currently rely on blood tests, which do not always fully indicate disease spread or the likelihood of recurrence. However, microRNA-based tests can identify patients at high risk of relapse even after treatment. These tests are also highly effective in monitoring treatment progress. By utilizing these tests, we can personalize treatment intensity, avoiding unnecessarily high doses and reducing the need for aggressive systemic therapies that can physically exhaust patients.”

The Need for Next-Generation miR-371a-3p Tests

“The miR-371a-3p test can distinguish small malignant changes in the testicles from benign ones. It helps accurately determine which patients require systemic treatment (chemotherapy) after surgery and allows for more precise monitoring of treatment response during chemotherapy.

Even after systemic treatment, some patients undergo extensive lymph node surgeries due to radiologically detected masses. With the help of microRNA tests, we could better determine whether the cancer is still present in the lymph nodes. Such surgeries involve long recovery periods, large scars, and risks like retrograde ejaculation, which can significantly hinder post-treatment adaptation.