Cardiovascular risk in testicular cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy: incidence, significance, and practice implications.
OBJECTIVE
To explore what is known regarding cardiovascular late effects of treatment, such as Raynaud phenomenon, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease as well as the risk for cardiovascular events experienced by patients with testicular cancer treated with chemotherapy.


METHODS
Literature review of treatment options and cardiovascular risk in patients with testicular cancer from PubMed, MEDLINE, oncology nursing literature, and the Internet.


RESULTS
Evidence exists that chemotherapy used to treat testicular cancer may increase risk of cardiovascular disease. More research is needed to clarify the risks further. Patients and their healthcare providers must be aware of the potential toxicities.


CONCLUSIONS
A limited but growing body of research is focused on defining cardiovascular risks in this population.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses have an important role in exploring and identifying cardiovascular risk factors in patients, furthering research to clarify the risks, and using the knowledge to improve patient care and education.
Zoltick
Barbara H
BH
Division of Hematology Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA. zoltick@mail.med.upenn.edu
Jacobs
Linda A
LA
Vaughn
David J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000139:chemically induced; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000139:chemically induced; D012307:Risk Factors; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents