UC San Diego Health has become the first health system in the United States to offer a new blood test for testicular cancer. This test is a major breakthrough in how doctors treat and monitor this disease. It was developed after more than ten years of research. The test fills a crucial need by giving doctors a sensitive and specific biomarker. This helps them decide the best treatment approach, avoiding both undertreatment and overtreatment.
Dr. Aditya Bagrodia, a professor of urology at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, said this research is very rewarding. He explained that this test represents years of hard work to bring personalized medicine to testicular cancer care.
The blood test has many important uses during a patient’s care journey. For example, doctors can use it before surgery to confirm the need for testicle removal. It also helps doctors decide which patients need chemotherapy or surgery and which patients can avoid these treatments safely. About one-third of patients have cancer come back after surgery, even if their CT scans look clear. This blood test may find cancer coming back earlier and allow for gentler treatments.
Additionally, this test could replace some CT scans during follow-ups. This reduces patients’ exposure to harmful radiation, lowers costs, and reduces anxiety.
Diane Simeone, MD, director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, called the test a life-saving innovation. She said it also improves survivors’ quality of life. The test is already available for UC San Diego Health patients. Later this year, it will accept samples from other medical centers globally.
The test detects a marker called microRNA-371a-3P. It predicts testicular cancer cells with 90% accuracy. It is certified by the College of American Pathologists and meets strict clinical standards.
Sarah Murray, PhD, who led the test validation, said that the test is reliable and reproducible. The results from the blood test become part of a comprehensive care plan reviewed regularly by a multidisciplinary tumor board at UC San Diego Health to ensure patient safety and the best treatment.
Testicular cancer affects about 10,000 people each year, mainly men ages 18 to 45. Most patients go into remission with treatment, but about 500 die annually. This new blood test offers hope to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary treatments.
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