This review examines the historical evolution of testicular cancer (TCa) treatment, emphasizing the transformative impact of World War II. Prior to the war, cases of more than 50 testicular tumors were exceedingly rare. The mobilization of American troops, especially after the German Blitz, resulted in widespread military health screenings, leading to a surge in incidental TCa diagnoses during the 1940s. This pivotal moment triggered rapid advancements in TCa pathology classification, surgical techniques, tumor marker utilization, and breakthroughs in radiation and chemotherapy. Military-driven research and practices fundamentally reshaped TCa treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes and setting new standards in this disease.
Urology. 2025 Jan 24 [Epub ahead of print]
Kamil Malshy, Kit Yuen, Alexis Steinmetz, Thomas Osinski, Phillip Rappold, Ronald Rabinowitz
Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. Electronic address: ., Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA. Electronic address: ., Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. Electronic address: ., Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. Electronic address: ., Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. Electronic address: ., Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. Electronic address: .