Chromosomal damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients treated for testicular cancer

We describe the presence of a large number of chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes of 50 patients with testicular cancer. These chromosomal aberrations were not only found in patients treated with chemotherapy but also in untreated patients or in patients after surgery alone. Our results suggest a role for genetic instability in the pathogenesis of testicular cancer. This instability might be a risk factor for the development of secondary malignancies.