The advances seen in the treatment of
testicular cancer are among the great achievements in modern medicine. These advances were made possible by the collaborative efforts of
cancer researchers around the world. Investigators have been able to address many questions regarding the treatment of patients with disease limited to the testis, those with
metastasis to the retroperitoneum only, and those with advanced metastatic disease. Questions answered include the chemotherapeutic agents to be used and in what combinations, the proper intensity of treatment and appropriate dosing, the optimal number of cycles of
chemotherapy according to validated risk stratification, appropriate surgical approaches that preserve sexual function, the treatment of relapsed disease, what supportive care measures to take, and survivorship issues following treatment of
testicular cancer. Today, cure is achievable in 95% of all patients with
testicular cancer and 80% of those who have metastatic disease. Despite remarkable results with frontline and salvage
combination chemotherapy, metastatic
testicular cancer remains incurable in approximately 10% of patients, and novel treatment approaches are warranted. This review highlights past and recent discoveries in the treatment of patients with
testicular cancer.