New discovered molecular markers as promising therapeutic targets in germ cell tumors

Introduction: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignant tumors in men 20 – 40 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. TGCTs comprise two major histologic groups: seminomas and non-seminomas germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). NSGCTs can be further divided into embryonal carcinoma, Teratoma, yolk sac tumor, and choriocarcinoma. Seminomas and NSGCTs present significant differences in clinical features, therapy, and prognosis, and both show characteristics of the Primordial Germ Cells.Areas covered: Many discovered biomarkers including HMGA1, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor, Aurora-B, estrogen receptor β, and others have given further advantages to discriminate between histological subgroups and could represent useful therapeutic targets.Expert opinion: The review will focus on the recent advances in the research of molecular alterations identified in TGCTs and on novel targeted antineoplastic strategies that might help to treat chemotherapy-resistant TGCTs.