Long-term sequelae of treatment for testicular germ cell tumours

Br J Cancer. 1990 Oct;62(4):655-9. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1990.350.

Abstract

Seventy-four patients previously treated in our department for germ cell tumour of the testis underwent a series of tests to determine the frequency of long-term therapeutic complications. All had received cisplatin-based chemotherapy as part of their treatment. There was a significant deterioration in renal function throughout the group. Eighteen (24%) had supine blood pressure greater than systolic 140 mmHg or diastolic 90 mmHg after treatment but hypertension did not correlate with renal impairment. Raynaud's phenomenon was common after chemotherapy (26/74) as was persistent sensory neuropathy (23/74). Although 34% had testosterone levels below the normal range, only six patients had a low free testosterone index with one testis still in situ; 18 patients have fathered children after chemotherapy. Approximately half of the patients completed a psychosexual questionnaire and some 30% of them admitted to sexual problems which they attributed to their treatment. Long-term sequelae of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for testicular malignancy are frequent and persistent, and follow-up of these patients should include prospective measurement of changes in blood pressure.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / blood
  • Hearing Disorders / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / chemically induced
  • Kidney / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / psychology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Raynaud Disease / chemically induced
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Testicular Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / psychology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones