Evaluation of Serum Biomarkers (FGF-2, HGF, MIF and PTN) in Patients With Testicular Germ Cell Cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: FGF-2, HGF, MIF and PTN have been suggested as biomarkers for testicular germ cell cancer patients in earlier studies. Our study was designed to validate these potential novel tumor markers. Materials and Methods: Serum FGF-2, HGF, MIF and PTN levels were analysed using an ELISA technique in a screening cohort of 20 testicular germ cell cancer patients and 10 healthy men. MIF levels were measured in a validation cohort of 84 patients with testicular cancer, 24 with non-malignant testicular tumors and 64 healthy men. Results: Serum FGF-2, HGF and PTN levels did not differ in cancer patients and healthy males within the screening cohort, whereas MIF was significantly increased among cancer patients. Within the validation cohort, a modest but insignificant increase of serum MIF was observed in TGCT patients compared to healthy men. MIF levels were not correlated with adverse clinical-pathological parameters. Conclusion: FGF-2, HGF, MIF and PTN are not suitable as non-invasive biomarkers for testicular germ cell cancer patients.