Oncological diseases in Klinefelter Syndrome: an overview

Minerva Endocrinol (Torino). 2023 Mar;48(1):106-114. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6507.21.03440-0. Epub 2021 May 20.

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have highlighted a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality among individuals with Klinefelter's Syndrome (KS), however, the relative impact of oncological diseases on KS subjects is still uncertain. While some malignancies (e.g., hematological and lung cancers) may show an increased prevalence in the KS population, only a few rare tumors (i.e., extragonadal germ cell tumors [GCTs] and male breast cancer [MBC]) seem to follow this trend. Additionally, hormonal and genetic determinants may be involved in the pathogenesis of neoplasia in KS, even if subjects affected by this syndrome generally show lower incidence of prostate cancer along with lower disease-specific mortality despite testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). This review deals with the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of neoplastic diseases occurring in KS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms, Male*
  • Humans
  • Klinefelter Syndrome* / complications
  • Klinefelter Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Klinefelter Syndrome* / genetics
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms*