Molecular characterization of testicular germ cell tumors using tissue microdissection

Abstract

Testicular germ cell tumors are among the most common malignancies seen in children and young adults. Genomic studies have identified characteristic molecular profiles in testicular cancer, which are associated with histologic subtypes and may predict clinical behavior including treatment responses. Emerging molecular technologies analyzing tumor genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics may now guide precision management of testicular tumors. Laser-assisted microdissection methods such as laser capture microdissection efficiently isolate selected tumor cells from routine pathology specimens, avoiding contamination from nontarget cell populations. Laser capture microdissection in combination with next generation sequencing makes precise high throughput genetic evaluation effective and efficient. The use of laser capture microdissection (LCM) for molecular testing may translate into great benefits for the clinical management of patients with testicular cancers. This review discusses application protocols for laser-assisted microdissection to investigate testicular germ cell tumors.