Short- and long-term morbidity after treatment for testicular cancer.
Patients with testicular cancer are at risk of having severe short-term and life-threatening long-term effects; we reviewed previous reports of these sequelae. After orchidectomy and before further treatment patients have major mental distress which gradually decreases during the treatment phase. Gastrointestinal side-effects dominate during both chemo- and radiotherapy, with the risk of severe haematological, infectious and thromboembolic complications during chemotherapy. Long-term sequelae comprise second cancers, cardiovascular morbidity/mortality and gonadal dysfunction. Nevertheless, 70% of patients who attempt paternity after treatment are successful. About 20% of patients develop long-term neuro- and/or ototoxicity. The long-term quality of life of survivors of testicular cancer is comparable to that of controls. Risk-adapted treatment of patients with testicular cancer and adequate follow-up of those at risk of life-threatening toxicity are ways to reduce the short- and long-term morbidity in survivors. Patients should be informed about these potential complications and the importance of adjusting their lifestyle (e.g. smoking habits, physical activity and weight control).
Fosså
Sophie D
SD
The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. sdf@radiumhospitalet.no
Oldenburg
Jan
J
Dahl
Alv A
AA
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000209:etiology; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents