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).
The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. sdf@radiumhospitalet.no
Sophie D
SD
Fosså
Jan
J
Oldenburg
Alv A
AA
Dahl
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