Cardiovascular Risks in Testicular Cancer: Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Testicular cancer (TC) is the leading cancer in men between 18 and 39 years of age. Current treatment involves tumor resection followed by surveillance and/or one or more lines of cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBCT) and/or bone marrow transplant (BMT). Ten years after treatment, CBCT has been associated with significant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and heightened rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Additionally, low testosterone levels and hypogonadism contribute to MetS and may further drive CVD. RECENT FINDINGS: CVD in TCS has been associated with worse physical functioning accompanied by role limitations, decreased energy, and decreased overall health. Exercise may play a role in ameliorating these effects. Systematic CVD screening practices are needed at TC diagnosis and in survivorship. We encourage a multidisciplinary partnership between primary care physicians, cardiologists, cardio-oncologists, medical oncologists, and survivorship providers to address these needs.

Ototoxicity After Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy: Factors Associated With Discrepancies Between Patient-Reported Outcomes and Audiometric Assessments.

OBJECTIVES: To provide new information on factors associated with discrepancies between patient-reported and audiometrically defined hearing loss (HL) in adult-onset cancer survivors after cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBCT) and to comprehensively investigate risk factors associated with audiometrically defined HL. DESIGN: A total of 1410 testicular cancer survivors (TCS) ≥6 months post-CBCT underwent comprehensive audiometric assessments (0.25 to 12 kHz) and completed questionnaires. HL severity was defined using American Speech-Language-Hearing Association criteria. Multivariable multinomial regression identified factors associated with discrepancies between patient-reported and audiometrically defined HL and multivariable ordinal regression evaluated factors associated with the latter. RESULTS: Overall, 34.8% of TCS self-reported HL. Among TCS without tinnitus, those with audiometrically defined HL at only extended high frequencies (EHFs) (10 to 12 kHz) (17.8%) or at both EHFs and standard frequencies (0.25 to 8 kHz) (23.4%) were significantly more likely to self-report HL than those with no audiometrically defined HL (8.1%) [odds ratio (OR) = 2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31 to 4.68; and OR = 3.49; 95% CI, 1.89 to 6.44, respectively]. Older age (OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.11, p < 0.0001), absence of prior noise exposure (OR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.84, p = 0.02), mixed/conductive HL (OR = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.02, p = 0.0007), no hearing aid use (OR = 5.64; 95% CI, 1.84 to 17.32, p = 0.003), and lower education (OR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.23 to 3.67, p = 0.007 for high school or less education versus postgraduate education) were associated with greater underestimation of audiometrically defined HL severity, while tinnitus was associated with greater overestimation (OR = 4.65; 95% CI, 2.64 to 8.20 for a little tinnitus, OR = 5.87; 95% CI, 2.65 to 13.04 for quite a bit tinnitus, and OR = 10.57; 95% CI, 4.91 to 22.79 for very much tinnitus p < 0.0001). Older age (OR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.15, p < 0.0001), cumulative cisplatin dose (>300 mg/m2, OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.80, p = 0.0001), and hypertension (OR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.28 to 2.52, p = 0.0007) were associated with greater American Speech-Language-Hearing Association-defined HL severity, whereas postgraduate education (OR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.85, p = 0.005) was associated with less severe HL. CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies between patient-reported and audiometrically defined HL after CBCT are due to several factors. For survivors who self-report HL but have normal audiometric findings at standard frequencies, referral to an audiologist for additional testing and inclusion of EHFs in audiometric assessments should be considered.

Clinical and genetic risk factors for radiation-associated ototoxicity: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Cranial radiation therapy (CRT) is associated with ototoxicity, which manifests as hearing loss and tinnitus. The authors sought to identify clinical determinants and genetic risk factors for ototoxicity among adult survivors of pediatric cancer treated with CRT. METHODS: Logistic regression evaluated associations of tinnitus (n = 1991) and hearing loss (n = 2198) with nongenetic risk factors and comorbidities among CRT-treated survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of CRT-related tinnitus and hearing loss were also performed. RESULTS: Males were more likely to report CRT-related tinnitus (9.4% vs 5.4%; P = 5.1 × 10-4 ) and hearing loss (14.0% vs 10.7%; P = .02) than females. Survivors with tinnitus or hearing loss were more likely to experience persistent dizziness or vertigo (tinnitus: P < 2 × 10-16 ; hearing loss: P = 6.4 × 10-9 ), take antidepressants (tinnitus: P = .02; hearing loss: P = .01), and report poorer overall health (tinnitus: P = 1.5 × 10-6 ; hearing loss: P = 1.7 × 10-6 ) in comparison with controls. GWAS of CRT-related tinnitus revealed a genome-wide significant signal in chromosome 1 led by rs203248 (P = 1.5 × 10-9 ), whereas GWAS of CRT-related hearing loss identified rs332013 (P = 5.8 × 10-7 ) in chromosome 8 and rs67522722 (P = 7.8 × 10-7 ) in chromosome 6 as nearly genome-wide significant. A replication analysis identified rs67522722, intronic to ATXN1, as being significantly associated with CRT-related hearing loss (P = .03) and de novo hearing loss (P = 3.6 × 10-4 ). CONCLUSIONS: CRT-associated ototoxicity was associated with sex, several neuro-otological symptoms, increased antidepressant use, and poorer self-reported health. GWAS of CRT-related hearing loss identified rs67522722, which was supported in an independent cohort of survivors. LAY SUMMARY: Hearing loss and subjective tinnitus (the perception of noise or ringing in the ear) are long-term side effects of cancer treatment and are common in children treated with radiation to the brain. These toxicities can affect childhood development and potentially contribute to serious learning and behavioral difficulties. This study's data indicate that males are at greater risk for hearing loss and tinnitus than females after radiation therapy to the brain. Those who develop these toxicities are more likely to use antidepressants and report poorer overall health. Health care providers can improve the management of survivors by informing patients and/or their parents of these risks.

Testicular Cancer Survivorship.

Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common cancer among men aged 18 to 39 years. It is highly curable, with a 10-year relative survival approaching 95% due to effective cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Given the increasing incidence of TC and improved survival, TC survivors (TCS) now account for approximately 4% of all US male cancer survivors. They have also become a valuable cohort for adult-onset cancer survivorship research, given their prolonged survival. Commensurately, long-term treatment-related complications have emerged as important survivorship issues. These late effects include life-threatening conditions, such as second malignant neoplasms and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, TCS can also experience hearing loss, tinnitus, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, hypogonadism, infertility, anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, and chronic cancer-related fatigue. Characterization of the number and severity of long-term adverse health outcomes among TCS remains critical to develop risk-stratified, evidence-based follow-up guidelines and to inform the development of preventive measures and interventions. In addition, an improved understanding of the long-term effects of TC treatment on mortality due to noncancer causes and second malignant neoplasms remains paramount. Future research should focus on the continued development of large, well-characterized clinical cohorts of TCS for lifelong follow-up. These systematic, comprehensive approaches can provide the needed infrastructure for further investigation of long-term latency patterns of various medical and psychosocial morbidities and for more in-depth studies investigating associated etiopathogenetic pathways. Studies examining premature physiologic aging may also serve as new frontiers in TC survivorship research.

Adverse Health Outcomes in Relationship to Hypogonadism After Chemotherapy: A Multicenter Study of Testicular Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the prevalence of hypogonadism, its clinical and genetic risk factors, and its relationship to adverse health outcomes (AHOs) in North American testicular cancer survivors (TCS) after modern platinum-based chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible TCS were <55 years of age at diagnosis and treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Participants underwent physical examinations and completed questionnaires regarding 15 AHOs and health behaviors. Hypogonadism was defined as serum testosterone levels ≤3.0 ng/mL or use of testosterone replacement therapy. We investigated the role of 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs6258 and rs12150660) in the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) locus implicated in increased hypogonadism risk in the general population. RESULTS: Of 491 TCS (median age at assessment, 38.2 years; range, 18.7-68.4 years), 38.5% had hypogonadism. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis identified hypogonadism risk factors, including age at clinical evaluation (odds ratio [OR], 1.42 per 10-year increase; P= .006) and body mass index of 25 to <30 kg/m2 (OR, 2.08; P= .011) or ≥30 kg/m2 (OR, 2.36; P= .005) compared with <25 kg/m2. TCS with ≥2 risk alleles for the SHBG SNPs had a marginally significant increased hypogonadism risk (OR, 1.45; P= .09). Vigorous-intensity physical activity appeared protective (OR, 0.66; P= .07). Type of cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimen and socioeconomic factors did not correlate with hypogonadism. Compared with TCS without hypogonadism, those with hypogonadism were more likely to report ≥2 AHOs (65% vs 51%; P= .003), to take medications for hypercholesterolemia (20.1% vs 6.0%; P<.001) or hypertension (18.5% vs 10.6%; P= .013), and to report erectile dysfunction (19.6% vs 11.9%; P= .018) or peripheral neuropathy (30.7% vs 22.5%; P= .041). A marginally significant trend for increased use of prescription medications for either diabetes (5.8% vs 2.6%; P= .07) or anxiety/depression (14.8% vs 9.3%; P= .06) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: At a relatively young median age, more than one-third of TCS have hypogonadism, which is significantly associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk factors, and erectile dysfunction. Providers should screen TCS for hypogonadism and treat symptomatic patients.

Clinical and Genetic Risk Factors for Adverse Metabolic Outcomes in North American Testicular Cancer Survivors.

Background: Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) are at significantly increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with metabolic syndrome (MetS) an established risk factor. No study has addressed clinical and genetic MetS risk factors in North American TCS. Patients and Methods: TCS were aged <55 years at diagnosis and received first-line chemotherapy. Patients underwent physical examination, and had lipid panels, testosterone, and soluble cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) evaluated. A single nucleotide polymorphism in rs523349 (5-α-reductase gene, SRD5A2), recently implicated in MetS risk, was genotyped. Using standard criteria, MetS was defined as ≥3 of the following: hypertension, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, and diabetes. Matched controls were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: We evaluated 486 TCS (median age, 38.1 years). TCS had a higher prevalence of hypertension versus controls (43.2% vs 30.7%; P<.001) but were less likely to have decreased HDL levels (23.7% vs 34.8%; P<.001) or abdominal obesity (28.2% vs 40.1%; P<.001). Overall MetS frequency was similar in TCS and controls (21.0% vs 22.4%; P=.59), did not differ by treatment (P=.20), and was not related to rs523349 (P=.61). For other CVD risk factors, TCS were significantly more likely to have elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (17.7% vs 9.3%; P<.001), total cholesterol levels (26.3% vs 11.1%; P<.001), and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 (75.1% vs 69.1%; P=.04). On multivariate analysis, age at evaluation (P<.001), testosterone level ≤3.0 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR], 2.06; P=.005), and elevated sICAM-1 level (ORhighest vs lowest quartile, 3.58; P=.001) were significantly associated with MetS. Conclusions and Recommendations: Metabolic abnormalities in TCS are characterized by hypertension and increased LDL and total cholesterol levels but lower rates of decreased HDL levels and abdominal obesity, signifying possible shifts in fat distribution and fat metabolism. These changes are accompanied by hypogonadism and inflammation. TCS have a high prevalence of CVD risk factors that may not be entirely captured by standard MetS criteria. Cancer treatment-associated MetS requires further characterization.

Increased pancreatic cancer risk following radiotherapy for testicular cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer risk is elevated among testicular cancer (TC) survivors. However, the roles of specific treatments are unclear. METHODS: Among 23 982 5-year TC survivors diagnosed during 1947-1991, doses from radiotherapy to the pancreas were estimated for 80 pancreatic cancer patients and 145 matched controls. Chemotherapy details were recorded. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of second primary pancreatic cancer was 1.1% at 30 years after TC diagnosis. Radiotherapy (72 (90%) cases and 115 (80%) controls) was associated with a 2.9-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-7.8) increased risk. The OR increased linearly by 0.12 per Gy to the pancreas (P-trend<0.001), with an OR of 4.6 (95% CI 1.9-11.0) for ⩾25 Gy vs <25 Gy. Radiation-related risks remained elevated ⩾20 years after TC diagnosis (P=0.020). The risk increased with the number of cycles of chemotherapy with alkylating or platinum agents (P=0.057), although only one case was exposed to platinum. CONCLUSIONS: A dose-response relationship exists between radiation to the pancreas and subsequent cancer risk, and persists for over 20 years. These excesses, although small, should be considered when radiotherapy with exposure to the pancreas is considered for newly diagnosed patients. Additional data are needed on the role of chemotherapy.

Long-term cause-specific mortality in survivors of adolescent and young adult bone and soft tissue sarcoma: a population-based study of 28,844 patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite improved cure rates for bone and soft tissue sarcomas, to the authors' knowledge, no large population-based study to date has evaluated long-term cause-specific mortality in patients diagnosed in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) age range (15 years-39 years). METHODS: A total of 28,844 survivors of AYA bone and soft tissue sarcoma, who accrued 113,206 person-years of follow-up, were identified in the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and absolute excess risks (AER) (per 10,000 person-years) were calculated to evaluate associations with histology (chemotherapy-sensitive subtypes: Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma vs all other subtypes), age, and initial therapy. RESULTS: All-cause mortality in survivors of AYA sarcoma was found to be significantly increased compared with that of the general population (SMR, 1.76; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.60-1.92 [AER of 19]), and persisted for > 20 years (SMR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04-1.82 [AER of 20]). Significant excess mortality was observed for both second malignant neoplasms (SMR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.71-2.43 [AER of 7]) and noncancer causes (SMR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.49-1.85 [AER of 19]). Significant excess deaths occurred among patients with chemotherapy-sensitive (SMR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.20-3.41 [AER of 32]) and nonchemosensitive (SMR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.47-1.80 [AER of 17]) subtypes. Significantly elevated noncancer mortality in the former group included cardiovascular disease (SMR, 2.33) and infections (SMR, 15.6), whereas significant excess deaths in the latter group included diabetes (SMR, 2.40) and infections (SMR, 2.77). CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of AYA bone and soft tissue sarcoma experience significant long-term mortality due to second malignant neoplasms and noncancer causes. Further research is needed to develop preventive and surveillance guidelines in this understudied population to prevent and reduce long-term excess mortality.

Mechanisms of therapy-related carcinogenesis.

Therapy-related cancers, defined as second primary cancers that arise as a consequence of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, are unusual in that they have a well-defined aetiology. Knowledge of the specific nature of the initiating exposure and exactly when it occurred has made it easier to identify crucial genetic events and to model these in vitro and in vivo. As such, the study of therapy-related cancers has led to the elucidation of discrete mechanisms of carcinogenesis, including DNA double-strand-break-induced gene translocation and genomic instability conferred by loss of DNA repair. Unsurprisingly, some of these mechanisms seem to operate in the development of sporadic cancers.

Adolescent and Young Adult Germ Cell Tumors: Epidemiology, Genomics, Treatment, and Survivorship.

Innovations in the care of adolescent and young adult (AYA) germ cell tumors (GCTs) are needed for one of the most common AYA cancers for which treatment has not significantly changed for several decades. Testicular GCTs (TGCTs) are the most common cancers in 15- to 39-year-old men, and ovarian GCTs (OvGCTs) are the leading gynecologic malignancies in women younger than 25 years. Excellent outcomes, even in widely metastatic disease using cisplatin-based chemotherapy, can be achieved since Einhorn and Donohue's landmark 1977 study in TGCT. However, as the severity of accompanying late effects (ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, second malignant neoplasms, nephrotoxicity, and others) has emerged, efforts to deintensity treatment and find alternatives to cisplatin have taken on new urgency. Current innovations include the collaborative design of clinical trials that accrue GCTs across all ages and both sexes, including adolescents (previously on pediatric trials), and OvGCT (previously on gynecologic-only trials). Joint trials accrue larger sample sizes at a faster rate and therefore evaluate new approaches more rapidly. These joint trials also allow for biospecimen collection to further probe GCT etiology and underlying mechanisms of tumor growth, thus providing new therapeutic options. This AYA approach has been fostered by The Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium, which includes over 115 GCT disease experts from pediatric, gynecologic, and genitourinary oncologies in 16 countries. Trials in development incorporate, to our knowledge, for the first time, molecular risk stratification and precision oncology approaches on the basis of specific GCT biology. This collaborative AYA approach pioneering successfully in GCT could serve as a model for impactful research for other AYA cancer types.

Comprehensive Audiologic Analyses After Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy.

Importance: Cisplatin is highly ototoxic but widely used. Evidence is lacking regarding cisplatin-related hearing loss (CRHL) in adult-onset cancer survivors with comprehensive audiologic assessments (eg, Words-in-Noise [WIN] tests, full-spectrum audiometry, and additional otologic measures), as well as the progression of CRHL considering comorbidities, modifiable factors associated with risk, and cumulative cisplatin dose. Objective: To assess CRHL with comprehensive audiologic assessments, including the WIN, evaluate the longitudinal progression of CRHL, and identify factors associated with risk. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Platinum Study is a longitudinal study of cisplatin-treated testicular cancer survivors (TCS) enrolled from 2012 to 2018 with follow-up ongoing. Longitudinal comprehensive audiologic assessments at Indiana University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center included 100 participants without audiometrically defined profound hearing loss (HL) at baseline and at least 3.5 years from their first audiologic assessment. Data were analyzed from December 2013 to December 2022. Exposures: Factors associated with risk included cumulative cisplatin dose, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, tobacco use, physical inactivity, body mass index, family history of HL, cognitive dysfunction, psychosocial symptoms, and tinnitus. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes were audiometrically measured HL defined as combined-ears high-frequency pure-tone average (4-12 kHz) and speech-recognition in noise performance measured with WIN. Multivariable analyses evaluated factors associated with risk for WIN scores and progression of audiometrically defined HL. Results: Median (range) age of 100 participants at evaluation was 48 (25-67) years; median (range) time since chemotherapy: 14 (4-31) years. At follow-up, 78 (78%) TCS had audiometrically defined HL; those self-reporting HL had 2-fold worse hearing than TCS without self-reported HL (48 vs 24 dB HL; P < .001). A total of 54 (54%) patients with self-reported HL showed clinically significant functional impairment on WIN testing. Poorer WIN performance was associated with hypercholesterolemia (ß = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.08 to 1.69; P = .03), lower-education (F1 = 5.95; P = .004), and severity of audiometrically defined HL (ß̂ = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.09; P < .001). CRHL progression was associated with hypercholesterolemia (ß̂ = -4.38; 95% CI, -7.42 to -1.34; P = .01) and increasing age (ß̂ = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.50; P < .001). Importantly, relative to age-matched male normative data, audiometrically defined CRHL progression significantly interacted with cumulative cisplatin dose (F1 = 5.98; P = .02); patients given 300 mg/m2 or less experienced significantly less progression, whereas greater temporal progression followed doses greater than 300 mg/m2. Conclusions and Relevance: Follow-up of cisplatin-treated cancer survivors should include strict hypercholesterolemia control and regular audiological assessments. Risk stratification through validated instruments should include querying hearing concerns. CRHL progression relative to age-matched norms is likely associated with cumulative cisplatin dose; investigation over longer follow-up is warranted.

Impact of pain and adverse health outcomes on long-term US testicular cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: No study has quantified the impact of pain and other adverse health outcomes on global physical and mental health in long-term US testicular cancer survivors or evaluated patient-reported functional impairment due to pain. METHODS: Testicular cancer survivors given cisplatin-based chemotherapy completed validated surveys, including Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System v1.2 global physical and mental health, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System pain questionnaires, and others. Multivariable linear regression examined relationships between 25 adverse health outcomes with global physical and mental health and pain-interference scores. Adverse health outcomes with a ß^ of more than 2 are clinically important and reported below. RESULTS: Among 358 testicular cancer survivors (median age = 46 years, interquartile range [IQR] = 38-53 years; median time since chemotherapy = 10.7 years, IQR = 7.2-16.0 years), median adverse health outcomes number was 5 (IQR = 3-7). A total of 12% testicular cancer survivors had 10 or more adverse health outcomes, and 19% reported chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Increasing adverse health outcome numbers were associated with decreases in physical and mental health (P < .0001 each). In multivariable analyses, chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (ß^ = -3.72; P = .001), diabetes (ß^ = -4.41; P = .037), obesity (ß^ = -2.01; P = .036), and fatigue (ß^ = -8.58; P < .0001) were associated with worse global mental health, while being married or living as married benefited global mental health (ß^ = 3.63; P = .0006). Risk factors for pain-related functional impairment included lower extremity location (ß^ = 2.15; P = .04) and concomitant peripheral artery disease (ß^ = 4.68; P < .001). Global physical health score reductions were associated with diabetes (ß^ = -3.81; P = .012), balance or equilibrium problems (ß^ = -3.82; P = .003), cognitive dysfunction (ß^ = -4.43; P < .0001), obesity (ß^ = -3.09; P < .0001), peripheral neuropathy score (ß^ = -2.12; P < .0001), and depression (ß^ = -3.17; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Testicular cancer survivors suffer adverse health outcomes that negatively impact long-term global mental health, global physical health, and pain-related functional status. Clinically important factors associated with worse physical and mental health identify testicular cancer survivors requiring closer monitoring, counseling, and interventions. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain must be addressed, given its detrimental impact on patient-reported functional status and mental health 10 or more years after treatment.

Cognitive function in long-term testicular cancer survivors: impact of modifiable factors.

No study has comprehensively examined associated factors (adverse health outcomes, health behaviors, and demographics) affecting cognitive function in long-term testicular cancer survivors (TC survivors). TC survivors given cisplatin-based chemotherapy completed comprehensive, validated surveys, including those that assessed cognition. Medical record abstraction provided cancer and treatment history. Multivariable logistic regression examined relationships between potential associated factors and cognitive impairment. Among 678 TC survivors (median age = 46; interquartile range [IQR] = 38-54); median time since chemotherapy = 10.9 years, IQR = 7.9-15.9), 13.7% reported cognitive dysfunction. Hearing loss (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02; P = .040), neuropathic pain (OR = 2.06; P = .028), fatigue (OR = 6.11; P < .001), and anxiety/depression (OR = 1.96; P = .029) were associated with cognitive impairment in multivariable analyses. Being on disability (OR = 9.57; P = .002) or retired (OR = 3.64; P = .029) were also associated with cognitive decline. Factors associated with impaired cognition identify TC survivors requiring closer monitoring, counseling, and focused interventions. Hearing loss, neuropathic pain, fatigue, and anxiety/depression constitute potential targets for prevention or reduction of cognitive impairment in long-term TC survivors.

Outcomes in stage I testicular seminoma: a population-based study of 9193 patients.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have quantified temporal patterns of cause-specific mortality in contemporary cohorts of men with early-stage seminoma. Given that several management strategies can be applied in these patients, each resulting in excellent long-term survival, it is important to evaluate associated long-term sequelae. In particular, data describing long-term risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are conflicting. METHODS: We identified 9193 men diagnosed with stage I seminoma (ages 15-70 years) in the population-based SEER registries (1973-2001). We calculated survival estimates, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), and adjusted hazard rates (AHRs). RESULTS: During 121,037 person-years of follow-up (median, 12.3 years), 915 deaths (SMR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.16-1.32) were reported, with significant excesses for suicide (n = 39; SMR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.06-1.98), infection (n = 58; SMR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.80-3.00), and second malignant neoplasms (SMNs; n = 291; SMR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.61-2.03), but not CVD (n = 201; SMR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.80-1.05). After radiotherapy (78% patients), CVD deaths were not increased (n = 158; SMR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-1.04), in contrast to SMN deaths (n = 246; SMR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.67-2.14). SMN mortality was higher among patients administered radiotherapy than among those not given radiotherapy (AHR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.99-1.88; P = .059), with a cumulative 15-year risk of 2.64% (95% CI, 2.19-3.16). Suicide, although rare, accounted for 1 in 230 deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Modern radiotherapy as applied in this large population-based study is not associated with excess CVD mortality. Although increased all-cause mortality exists, cumulative SMN risk is considerably smaller than reported in historical series, but additional follow-up will be required to characterize long-term trends. The increased risk of suicide, previously unreported in men with stage I seminoma, requires confirmation.

Prevalence and risk factors for ototoxicity after cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Ototoxicity is a prominent side effect of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. There are few reports, however, estimating its prevalence in well-defined cohorts and associated risk factors. METHODS: Testicular cancer (TC) survivors given first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy completed validated questionnaires. Descriptive statistics evaluated the prevalence of ototoxicity, defined as self-reported hearing loss and/or tinnitus. We compared patients with and without tinnitus or hearing loss using Chi-square test, two-sided Fisher's exact test, or two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test. To evaluate ototoxicity risk factors, a backward selection logistic regression procedure was performed. RESULTS: Of 145 TC survivors, 74% reported ototoxicity: 68% tinnitus; 59% hearing loss; and 52% reported both. TC survivors with tinnitus were more likely to indicate hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.008), and difficulty hearing (P < .001). Tinnitus was also significantly related to age at survey completion (OR = 1.79; P = 0.003) and cumulative cisplatin dose (OR = 5.17; P < 0.001). TC survivors with hearing loss were more likely to report diabetes (P = 0.042), hypertension (P = 0.007), hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.001), and family history of hearing loss (P = 0.044). Risk factors for hearing loss included age at survey completion (OR = 1.57; P = 0.036), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 3.45; P = 0.007), cumulative cisplatin dose (OR = 1.94; P = 0.049), and family history of hearing loss (OR = 2.87; P = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: Ototoxicity risk factors included age, cisplatin dose, cardiovascular risk factors, and family history of hearing loss. Three of four TC survivors report some type of ototoxicity; thus, follow-up of cisplatin-treated survivors should include routine assessment for ototoxicity with provision of indicated treatments. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Survivors should be aware of risk factors associated with ototoxicity. Referrals to audiologists before, during, and after cisplatin treatment is recommended.

Patient-Reported Functional Impairment Due to Hearing Loss and Tinnitus After Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin is widely used and highly ototoxic, but patient-reported functional impairment because of cisplatin-related hearing loss (HL) and tinnitus has not been comprehensively evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) given first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy completed validated questionnaires, including the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) and Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (TPFQ), each of which quantifies toxicity-specific functional impairment. Spearman correlations evaluated associations between HL and tinnitus severity and level of functional handicap quantified with the HHIA and TPFQ, respectively. Associations between HL or tinnitus and five prespecified adverse health outcomes (cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and overall health) were evaluated. RESULTS: HL and tinnitus affected 137 (56.4%) and 147 (60.5%) of 243 TCS, respectively. Hearing aids were used by 10% TCS (14/137). Of TCS with HL, 35.8% reported clinically significant functional impairment. Severe HHIA-assessed functional impairment was associated with cognitive dysfunction (odds ratio [OR], 10.62; P < .001), fatigue (OR, 5.48; P = .003), and worse overall health (OR, 0.19; P = .012). Significant relationships existed between HL severity and HHIA score, and tinnitus severity and TPFQ score (P < .0001 each). TCS with either greater hearing difficulty or more severe tinnitus were more likely to report cognitive dysfunction (OR, 5.52; P = .002; and OR, 2.56; P = .05), fatigue (OR, 6.18; P < .001; and OR, 4.04; P < .001), depression (OR, 3.93; P < .01; and OR, 3.83; P < .01), and lower overall health (OR, 0.39; P = .03; and OR, 0.46; P = .02, respectively). CONCLUSION: One in three TCS with HL report clinically significant functional impairment. Follow-up of cisplatin-treated survivors should include routine assessment for HL and tinnitus. Use of the HHIA and TPFQ permit risk stratification and referral to audiologists as needed, since HL adversely affects functional status and is the single largest modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in the general population.

Comprehensive association analysis of speech recognition thresholds after cisplatin-based chemotherapy in survivors of adult-onset cancer.

PURPOSE: Deficits in speech understanding constitute one of the most severe consequences of hearing loss. Here we investigate the clinical and genetic risk factors for symmetric deterioration of speech recognition thresholds (SRT) among cancer survivors treated with cisplatin. METHODS: SRT was measured using spondaic words and calculating the mean of measurements for both ears with symmetric SRT values. For clinical associations, SRT-based hearing disability (SHD) was defined as SRT≥15 dB hearing loss and clinical variables were derived from the study dataset. Genotyped blood samples were used for GWAS with rank-based inverse normal transformed SRT values as the response variable. Age was used as a covariate in association analyses. RESULTS: SHD was inversely associated with self-reported health (p = 0.004). Current smoking (p = 0.002), years of smoking (p = 0.02), BMI (p < 0.001), and peripheral motor neuropathy (p = 0.003) were positively associated with SHD, while physical activity was inversely associated with SHD (p = 0.005). In contrast, cumulative cisplatin dose, peripheral sensory neuropathy, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were not associated with SHD. Although no genetic variants had an association p value < 5 × 10-8 , 22 genetic variants were suggestively associated (p < 10-5 ) with SRT deterioration. Three of the top variants in 10 respective linkage disequilibrium regions were either positioned within the coding sequence or were eQTLs for genes involved in neuronal development (ATE1, ENAH, and ZFHX3). CONCLUSION: Current results improve our understanding of risk factors for SRT deterioration in cancer survivors. Higher BMI, lower physical activity, and smoking are associated with SHD. Larger samples would allow for expansion of the current findings on the genetic architecture of SRT.

Impact of radiotherapy on laryngeal cancer survival: a population-based study of 13,808 US patients.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy with its advantage of organ preservation has been used to treat laryngeal cancer (LC) for several decades. However, the impact of radiation on overall survival (OS) in a large population-based study has not been evaluated to date. METHODS: The authors analyzed all patients who had localized and/or regional glottic and supraglottic cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program by comparing treatment trends and OS for the periods 1988 to 1993, 1994 to 1999, and 2000 to 2006. Kaplan-Meier and logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate OS and the influence of patient demographics on treatment received. RESULTS: Among 13,808 patients with LC, radiotherapy use increased over the 3 periods for localized glottic cancer (LGC) (94%, 97%, and 98% during 1988-1993, 1994-1999, and 2000-2006, respectively; P < .001); for regional glottic cancer (RGC) (53%, 66%, and 75%, respectively; P < .001), for localized supraglottic cancer (LSGC) (61%, 83%, and 94%, respectively), and for regional supraglottic cancer (RSGC) (43%, 55%, and 78%, respectively; P < .001). No significant decrease in 5-year OS was observed during the 3 periods (LGC: 73%, 76%, and 78%, respectively; RGC: 57%, 51%, and 56%, respectively; LSGC: 33%, 35%, and 39%, respectively; and RSGC: 36%, 36%, and 43%, respectively). Blacks were significantly less likely to receive radiotherapy than whites (odds ratio: LGC, 0.42; RGC, 0.76; RSGC, 0.68; all P < .05). Those in the lowest tertile of median household income, compared with highest tertile, received radiotherapy less frequently (odds ratio: LGC, 0.42; RGC, 0.57; RSGC, 0.57; all P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that the increased use of radiation with its advantage of speech preservation had no adverse impact on the survival of patients with LC. Black race and low income status had significant, inverse relations with the receipt of radiotherapy.

Second malignant neoplasms in testicular cancer survivors.

Second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) are a potentially life-threatening late effect of testicular cancer (TC) and its therapy. Although the increased risk for developing solid tumors among TC survivors is largely attributed to radiotherapy, chemotherapy may also be associated with excess risks. However, the baseline risks of developing site-specific SMNs in TC survivors have not yet been quantified, nor have interactions between treatments and other risk factors been elucidated. Studies to date report overall relative risks ranging from 1.4- to 2.8-fold for SMN in TC survivors, with significantly elevated risks apparent for more than 35 years. Analytic investigations show relationships between increasing radiation dose and/or field size and solid tumor risk. Small excess risks of leukemia follow treatment with either chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Recently, concern has been expressed about the increased risk of SMN from radiation exposure during imaging surveillance for recurrence. A small number of studies have examined this issue, generating inconclusive results. Given the current changes in TC treatment that result in lower radiation doses, in the future solid tumors will likely have a considerably lower impact on the lives of TC survivors, although diligent follow-up will be required to accurately quantify long-term risks and to ascertain risks associated with chemotherapy.