Introduction: MicroRNA (miR)371a-3p was suggested to be a sensitive and specific new serum biomarker of germ cell tumours (GCTs); however, its clinical usefulness remains unproven.
Patients, methods: In 312 consecutive cases with various testicular diseases, serum levels of miR371a-3p were measured. Measurement results became available only after completion of treatment. Five patients with testicular seminoma were selected for review because of unanticipated clinical courses.
Results: In each two patients, elevated miR levels heralded undetected primary testicular GCT and metastases despite inconclusive radiological findings. In one case, a normal miR371a-3p level correctly pointed to the absence of metastases contrary to clinical assessment. In all cases, knowledge about the miR371a-3p levels would have altered the clinical management.
Conclusions: These cases highlight the exceptional usefulness of the new GCT biomarker. In contrast to classical markers, miR371a-3p can identify primary testicular GCT. The marker can aid in clinical decision making in cases with ambiguous clinical findings.
Keywords: Biomarker; MicroRNA371a-3p; Testicular germ cell tumour; Treatment monitoring.
© 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.