Secondary leukaemia after testicular germ cell tumour treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BJU IntMay 12, 2026 (epub)
Ahmad Mousa, Ali Amiri, Sanchit Kaushal et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the incidence of secondary leukaemia in 57,365 patients treated for testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs). The study found that chemotherapy significantly increased the risk of secondary leukaemia (SIR 5.77, 95% CI 1.35-24.62; P = 0.03), while radiation did not show a significant association. The average follow-up was 12.8 years.
Key findings
- Chemotherapy increased the risk of secondary leukaemia with a SIR of 5.77.
- Radiation treatment did not show a statistically significant association with secondary leukaemia (SIR 2.55).
- The weighted-mean follow-up duration was 12.8 years.
- The certainty of evidence was graded as moderate using the GRADE framework.
Why it matters
Understanding the risk of secondary leukaemias following TGCT treatment is crucial for clinicians to make informed decisions about management strategies, particularly in balancing treatment efficacy and long-term toxicities.