Impact of Pain and Adverse Health Outcomes on Long-term U.S. Testicular Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSE: No study has quantified the impact of pain and other adverse health outcomes (AHOs) on global physical/mental health in long-term U.S. testicular cancer survivors (TCS) or evaluated patient-reported functional impairment due to pain. METHODS: TCS given cisplatin-based chemotherapy completed validated surveys, including PROMIS-v1.2 Global-Physical-and-Mental-Health, PROMIS pain questionnaires, and others. Multivariable linear regression examined relationships between 25 AHOs with Global-Physical (GPH) and Mental-Health (GMH) scores, and Pain-Interference Scores. AHOs with ß > 2 are clinically important and reported below. RESULTS: Among 358 TCS [median age: 46 (IQR: 38-53); median time-since-chemotherapy: 10.7 years; IQR = 7.2-16.0)], median AHO number was 5 (IQR = 3-7). 12% TCS had ≥10 AHOs, and 19% reported chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Increasing AHO numbers were associated with decreases in physical and mental health (P < 0.0001 each). In multivariable analyses, chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (ß = -3.72; P = 0.001), diabetes (ß = -4.41; P = 0.037), obesity (ß = -2.01; P = 0.036) and fatigue (ß = -8.58; P < 0.0001) were associated with worse GMH, while being married/living-as-married benefitted GMH (ß = 3.63; P = 0.0006). Risk factors for pain-related functional-impairment included lower extremity location (ß = 2.15; P = 0.04) and concomitant peripheral artery disease (ß = 4.68; P < 0.001). GPH-score reductions were associated with diabetes (ß = -3.81; P = 0.012), balance/equilibrium problems (ß = -3.82; P = 0.003), cognitive-dysfunction (ß = -4.43; P < 0.0001), obesity (ß = -3.09; P < 0.0001), peripheral-neuropathy-score (ß = -2.12; P < 0.0001), and depression (ß = -3.17; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: TCS suffer AHOs that negatively impact long-term GMH, GPH, and pain-related functional-status. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Clinically important factors associated with worse physical/mental health identify TCS 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+ years after treatment.

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.

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.

Chicago EYES on Cancer: Fostering Diversity in Biomedicine through Cancer Research Training for Students and Teachers.

The National Cancer Institute's Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (YES) supports cancer-based research experiences, curriculum development and outreach activities to foster diversity in the biomedical workforce. The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center was among the first recipients of the YES award in 2017, launching the Chicago EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) on Cancer program for high school and college students. The EYES team also introduced immersive research experiences and mentored curriculum development for high school science teachers, a potentially powerful means to extend science enrichment and career exposure to schools across Chicago. Ongoing evaluation of the EYES program suggests positive outcomes in terms of trainees' research skill development and their knowledge about, and positive attitudes towards, careers in biomedicine. Teacher research fellows reported that the program inspired new insights about science learning and practice that not only strengthened their skills as science educators, but also improved their ability to relate to their pupils. These findings contribute to the broader effort to establish best practices among cancer research training programs, particularly those with a shared mission to empower youth from diverse backgrounds to contribute to a field deeply in need of their talents and perspectives.

Pharmacogenomics of cisplatin-induced neurotoxicities: Hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral sensory neuropathy.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin is a critical component of first-line chemotherapy for several cancers, but causes peripheral sensory neuropathy, hearing loss, and tinnitus. We aimed to identify comorbidities for cisplatin-induced neurotoxicities among large numbers of similarly treated patients without the confounding effect of cranial radiotherapy. METHODS: Utilizing linear and logistic regression analyses on 1680 well-characterized cisplatin-treated testicular cancer survivors, we analyzed associations of hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy with nongenetic comorbidities. Genome-wide association studies and gene-based analyses were performed on each phenotype. RESULTS: Hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy, accounting for age and cisplatin dose, were interdependent. Survivors with these neurotoxicities experienced more hypertension and poorer self-reported health. In addition, hearing loss was positively associated with BMIs at clinical evaluation and nonwork-related noise exposure (>5 h/week). Tinnitus was positively associated with tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and noise exposure. We observed positive associations between peripheral neuropathy and persistent vertigo, tobacco use, and excess alcohol consumption. Hearing loss and TXNRD1, which plays a key role in redox regulation, showed borderline significance (p = 4.2 × 10-6 ) in gene-based analysis. rs62283056 in WFS1 previously found to be significantly associated with hearing loss (n = 511), was marginally significant in an independent replication cohort (p = 0.06; n = 606). Gene-based analyses identified significant associations between tinnitus and WNT8A (p = 2.5 × 10-6 ), encoding a signaling protein important in germ cell tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Genetics variants in TXNRD1 and WNT8A are notable risk factors for hearing loss and tinnitus, respectively. Future studies should investigate these genes and if replicated, identify their potential impact on preventive strategies.

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.

Genetically regulated expression underlies cellular sensitivity to chemotherapy in diverse populations.

Most cancer chemotherapeutic agents are ineffective in a subset of patients; thus, it is important to consider the role of genetic variation in drug response. Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) in 1000 Genomes Project populations of diverse ancestries are a useful model for determining how genetic factors impact the variation in cytotoxicity. In our study, LCLs from three 1000 Genomes Project populations of diverse ancestries were previously treated with increasing concentrations of eight chemotherapeutic drugs, and cell growth inhibition was measured at each dose with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) or area under the dose-response curve (AUC) as our phenotype for each drug. We conducted both genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) within and across ancestral populations. We identified four unique loci in GWAS and three genes in TWAS to be significantly associated with the chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity within and across ancestral populations. In the etoposide TWAS, increased STARD5 predicted expression associated with decreased etoposide IC50 (P = 8.5 × 10-8). Functional studies in A549, a lung cancer cell line, revealed that knockdown of STARD5 expression resulted in the decreased sensitivity to etoposide following exposure for 72 (P = 0.033) and 96 h (P = 0.0001). By identifying loci and genes associated with cytotoxicity across ancestral populations, we strive to understand the genetic factors impacting the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and to contribute to the development of future cancer treatment.

Adapting Pathway Programs to the Virtual World: Insights from the Chicago EYES on Cancer Response to COVID-19-Related Disruptions to Training.

Since spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted development of the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians, forcing pathway programs across the nation to cancel, postpone or reinvent education and training activities. Accordingly, the University of Chicago's Chicago EYES on Cancer program was converted to a fully-online format, which prioritized flexibility for the 26 high school and undergraduate trainees, from underrepresented backgrounds, who were eligible to participate. Evaluation data suggest that the program's redesign successfully preserved trainees' access to intellectual, social and financial support despite the pandemic, with 88% of trainees meeting, and most exceeding, program requirements. Data also suggest positive outcomes for trainees, particularly with regard to their understanding of careers in biomedicine, their commitment to and confidence in planning for a research career, and their readiness and self-confidence as researchers. In the immediate term, our experiences offer practical insights for our colleagues similarly challenged to provide high-quality cancer research training within the context of COVID. In the long term, the success of our online programming can be leveraged to extend enrichment opportunities to program alumni, partner schools and other priority groups as a permanent component of the Comprehensive Cancer Center's broad cancer education strategy.

Clinical and Genome-Wide Analysis of Multiple Severe Cisplatin-Induced Neurotoxicities in Adult-Onset Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin is a first-line chemotherapeutic for many cancers, but causes neurotoxicity including hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral sensory neuropathy. However, no study has comprehensively characterized risk factors for developing multiple (>1) severe neurotoxicities. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The relationship between multiple severe neurotoxicities and age, cumulative cisplatin dose, medical history, and lifestyle/behavioral factors was evaluated in 300 cisplatin-treated testicular cancer survivors using logistic regression. Case-control genome-wide association study (GWAS; cases, n = 104 and controls, n = 196) was also performed. RESULTS: Age at clinical examination (P = 6.4 × 10-16) and cumulative cisplatin dose (P = 5.4 × 10-4) were positively associated with multiple severe neurotoxicity risk, as were high serum platinum levels (P = 0.02), tobacco use (ever smoker, P = 0.001 and current smoker, P = 0.002), and hypertension (P = 0.01) after adjustment for age and cumulative cisplatin dose. Individuals with multiple severe neurotoxicities were more likely to experience dizziness/vertigo (P = 0.01), Raynaud phenomenon (P = 3.7 × 10-9), and symptoms consistent with peripheral motor neuropathy (P = 4.3 × 10-14) after age and dose adjustment. These patients also reported poorer overall health (P = 2.7 × 10-5) and a greater use of psychotropic medications (P = 0.06). GWAS identified no genome-wide significant SNPs. Gene-based association analysis identified RGS17 (P = 3.9 × 10-5) and FAM20C (P = 5.5 × 10-5) as near genome-wide significant. Decreased FAM20C expression was associated with increased cisplatin sensitivity in tumor cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Certain survivors are more susceptible to cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity, markedly increasing likelihood of developing numerous neuro-otological symptoms that affect quality of life. Genome-wide analysis identified genetic variation in FAM20C as a potentially important risk factor.

Clinical evaluation of germline polymorphisms associated with capecitabine toxicity in breast cancer: TBCRC-015.

PURPOSE: Capecitabine is important in breast cancer treatment but causes diarrhea and hand-foot syndrome (HFS), affecting adherence and quality of life. We sought to identify pharmacogenomic predictors of capecitabine toxicity using a novel monitoring tool. METHODS: Patients with metastatic breast cancer were prospectively treated with capecitabine (2000 mg/m2/day, 14 days on/7 off). Patients completed in-person toxicity questionnaires (day 1/cycle) and automated phone-in assessments (days 8, 15). Correlation of genotypes with early and overall toxicity was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-nine patients were enrolled (14 institutions). Diarrhea and HFS occurred in 52% (17% grade 3) and 69% (9% grade 3), respectively. Only 29% of patients completed four cycles without dose reduction/interruption. In 39%, the highest toxicity grade was captured via phone. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with diarrhea-DPYD*5 (odds ratio [OR] 4.9; P = 0.0005), a MTHFR missense SNP (OR 3.3; P = 0.02), and a SNP upstream of MTRR (OR 3.0; P = 0.03). GWAS elucidated a novel HFS SNP (OR 3.0; P = 0.0007) near TNFSF4 (OX40L), a gene implicated in autoimmunity including autoimmune skin diseases never before implicated in HFS. Genotype-gene expression analyses of skin tissues identified rs11158568 (associated with HFS via GWAS) with expression of CHURC1, a transcriptional activator controlling fibroblast growth factor (beta = - 0.74; P = 1.46 × 10-23), representing a previously unidentified mechanism for HFS. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first cancer pharmacogenomic study to use phone-in self-reporting, permitting augmented toxicity characterization. Three germline toxicity SNPs were replicated, and several novel SNPs/genes having strong functional relevance were discovered. If further validated, these markers could permit personalized capecitabine dosing.

Genomic Variants of Cytarabine Sensitivity Associated with Treatment-Related Mortality in Pediatric AML: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group.

PURPOSE: Cytarabine is an effective treatment for AML with associated toxicities including treatment related mortality (TRM). The purpose is to determine the clinical relevance of SNPs identified through the use of HapMap lymphoblastoid cell-based models, in predicting cytarabine response and toxicity in AML. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We tested clinical significance of SNPs associated with cytarabine sensitivity in children with AML treated on Children's Oncology Group regimens (CCG 2941/2961). Endpoints included overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and TRM. Patients who received bone marrow transplant were excluded. We tested 124 SNPs associated with cytarabine sensitivity in HapMap cell lines in 348 children to determine whether any associated with treatment outcomes. In addition, we tested five SNPs previously associated with TRM in children with AML in our independent dataset of 385 children. RESULTS: Homozygous variant genotypes of rs2025501 and rs6661575 had increased in vitro cellular sensitivity to cytarabine and were associated with increased TRM. TRM was particularly increased in children with variant genotype randomized to high-dose cytarabine (rs2025501: P = 0.0024 and rs6661575 P = 0.0188). In analysis of previously reported SNPs, only the variant genotype rs17202778 C/C was significantly associated with TRM (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We report clinical importance of two SNPs not previously associated with cytarabine toxicity. Moreover, we confirm that SNP rs17202778 significantly impacts TRM in pediatric AML. Cytarabine sensitivity genotypes may predict TRM and could be used to stratify to standard versus high-dose cytarabine regimens, warranting further study in prospective AML trials.

RegSNPs-intron: a computational framework for predicting pathogenic impact of intronic single nucleotide variants.

Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in intronic regions have yet to be systematically investigated for their disease-causing potential. Using known pathogenic and neutral intronic SNVs (iSNVs) as training data, we develop the RegSNPs-intron algorithm based on a random forest classifier that integrates RNA splicing, protein structure, and evolutionary conservation features. RegSNPs-intron showed excellent performance in evaluating the pathogenic impacts of iSNVs. Using a high-throughput functional reporter assay called ASSET-seq (ASsay for Splicing using ExonTrap and sequencing), we evaluate the impact of RegSNPs-intron predictions on splicing outcome. Together, RegSNPs-intron and ASSET-seq enable effective prioritization of iSNVs for disease pathogenesis.

Clinical and Genome-Wide Analysis of Serum Platinum Levels after Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Serum platinum is measurable for years after completion of cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBC). We report the largest investigation of serum platinum levels to date of 1,010 testicular cancer survivors (TCS) assessed 1-35 years after CBC and evaluate genetic contributions to these levels. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Eligible TCS given 300 or 400 (±15) mg/m2 cisplatin underwent extensive audiometric testing, clinical examination, completed questionnaires, and had crude serum platinum levels measured. Associations between serum platinum and various risk factors and toxicities were assessed after fitting a biexponential model adjusted for follow-up time and cumulative cisplatin dose. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using the serum platinum residuals of the dose and time-adjusted model. RESULTS: Serum platinum levels exceeded the reference range for approximately 31 years, with a strong inverse relationship with creatinine clearance at follow-up (age-adjusted P = 2.13 × 10-3). We observed a significant, positive association between residual platinum values and luteinizing hormone (age-adjusted P = 6.58 × 10-3). Patients with high residual platinum levels experienced greater Raynaud phenomenon than those with medium or low levels (age-adjusted ORhigh/low = 1.46; P = 0.04), as well as a higher likelihood of developing tinnitus (age-adjusted ORhigh/low = 1.68, P = 0.07). GWAS identified one single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) meeting genome-wide significance, rs1377817 (P = 4.6 × 10-8, a SNP intronic to MYH14). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that residual platinum values are correlated with several cisplatin-related toxicities. One genetic variant is associated with these levels.

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 Genome-wide Analysis of Cisplatin-induced Tinnitus Implicates Novel Ototoxic Mechanisms.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic, results in tinnitus, the phantom perception of sound. Our purpose was to identify the clinical and genetic determinants of tinnitus among testicular cancer survivors (TCS) following cisplatin-based chemotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: TCS (n = 762) were dichotomized to cases (moderate/severe tinnitus; n = 154) and controls (none; n = 608). Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with comorbidities and SNP dosages in genome-wide association study (GWAS) following quality control and imputation (covariates: age, noise exposure, cisplatin dose, genetic principal components). Pathway over-representation tests and functional studies in mouse auditory cells were performed. RESULTS: Cisplatin-induced tinnitus (CisIT) significantly associated with age at diagnosis (P = 0.007) and cumulative cisplatin dose (P = 0.007). CisIT prevalence was not significantly greater in 400 mg/m2-treated TCS compared with 300 (P = 0.41), but doses >400 mg/m2 (median 580, range 402-828) increased risk by 2.61-fold (P < 0.0001). CisIT cases had worse hearing at each frequency (0.25-12 kHz, P < 0.0001), and reported more vertigo (OR = 6.47; P < 0.0001) and problems hearing in a crowd (OR = 8.22; P < 0.0001) than controls. Cases reported poorer health (P < 0.0001) and greater psychotropic medication use (OR = 2.4; P = 0.003). GWAS suggested a variant near OTOS (rs7606353, P = 2 × 10-6) and OTOS eQTLs were significantly enriched independently of that SNP (P = 0.018). OTOS overexpression in HEI-OC1, a mouse auditory cell line, resulted in resistance to cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. Pathway analysis implicated potassium ion transport (q = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: CisIT associated with several neuro-otological symptoms, increased use of psychotropic medication, and poorer health. OTOS, expressed in the cochlear lateral wall, was implicated as protective. Future studies should investigate otoprotective targets in supporting cochlear cells.

Genetic and Modifiable Risk Factors Contributing to Cisplatin-induced Toxicities.

Effective administration of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy is often limited by off-target toxicities. This clinical dilemma is epitomized by cisplatin, a platinating agent, which has potent antineoplastic activity due to its affinity for DNA and other intracellular nucleophiles. Despite its efficacy against many adult-onset and pediatric malignancies, cisplatin elicits multiple off-target toxicities that can not only severely impact a patient's quality of life but also lead to dose reductions or the selection of alternative therapies that can ultimately affect outcomes. Without an effective therapeutic measure by which to successfully mitigate many of these symptoms, there have been attempts to identify a priori those individuals who are more susceptible to developing these sequelae through studies of genetic and nongenetic risk factors. Older age is associated with cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Traditional genome-wide association studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms in ACYP2 and WFS1 associated with cisplatin-induced hearing loss. However, validating associations between specific genotypes and cisplatin-induced toxicities with enough stringency to warrant clinical application remains challenging. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge with regard to specific adverse sequelae following cisplatin-based therapy, with a focus on ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and nausea/emesis. We discuss variables (genetic and nongenetic) contributing to these detrimental toxicities and currently available means to prevent or treat their occurrence.

Integration of genetic and functional genomics data to uncover chemotherapeutic induced cytotoxicity.

Identifying genetic variants associated with chemotherapeutic induced toxicity is an important step towards personalized treatment of cancer patients. However, annotating and interpreting the associated genetic variants remains challenging because each associated variant is a surrogate for many other variants in the same region. The issue is further complicated when investigating patterns of associated variants with multiple drugs. In this study, we used biological knowledge to annotate and compare genetic variants associated with cellular sensitivity to mechanistically distinct chemotherapeutic drugs, including platinating agents (cisplatin, carboplatin), capecitabine, cytarabine, and paclitaxel. The most significantly associated SNPs from genome wide association studies of cellular sensitivity to each drug in lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from populations of European (CEU) and African (YRI) descent were analyzed for their enrichment in biological pathways and processes. We annotated genetic variants using higher-level biological annotations in efforts to group variants into more interpretable biological modules. Using the higher-level annotations, we observed distinct biological modules associated with cell line populations as well as classes of chemotherapeutic drugs. We also integrated genetic variants and gene expression variables to build predictive models for chemotherapeutic drug cytotoxicity and prioritized the network models based on the enrichment of DNA regulatory data. Several biological annotations, often encompassing different SNPs, were replicated in independent datasets. By using biological knowledge and DNA regulatory information, we propose a novel approach for jointly analyzing genetic variants associated with multiple chemotherapeutic drugs.

Role of Germline Genetics in Identifying Survivors at Risk for Adverse Effects of Cancer Treatment.

The growing population of cancer survivors often faces adverse effects of treatment, which have a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. Although certain adverse effects are thought to have a significant heritable component, much work remains to be done to understand the role of germline genetic factors in the development of treatment-related toxicities. In this article, we review current understanding of genetic susceptibility to a range of adverse outcomes among cancer survivors (e.g., fibrosis, urinary and rectal toxicities, ototoxicity, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, subsequent malignancies). Most previous research has been narrowly focused, investigating variation in candidate genes and pathways such as drug metabolism, DNA damage and repair, and inflammation. Few of the findings from these earlier candidate gene studies have been replicated in independent populations. Advances in understanding of the genome, improvements in technology, and reduction in laboratory costs have led to recent genome-wide studies, which agnostically interrogate common and/or rare variants across the entire genome. Larger cohorts of patients with homogeneous treatment exposures and systematic ascertainment of well-defined outcomes as well as replication in independent study populations are essential aspects of the study design and are increasingly leading to the discovery of variants associated with each of the adverse outcomes considered in this review. In the long-term, validated germline genetic associations hold tremendous promise for more precisely identifying patients at highest risk for developing adverse treatment effects, with implications for frontline therapy decision-making, personalization of long-term follow-up guidelines, and potential identification of targets for prevention or treatment of the toxicity.

Peripheral neuropathy in children and adolescents treated for cancer.

Peripheral neuropathy is a well recognised treatment-related toxicity in children with cancer, associated with exposure to neurotoxic chemotherapy agents. Acute damage can occur in sensory, motor, or autonomic neurons, with symptoms that are rarely life threatening, but often severe enough to interfere with function during therapy and after treatment ends. The type of neuropathy and specific symptoms are associated with multiple factors including age at time of therapy, genetic predisposition, chemotherapy type and cumulative dose, and exposure to other agents during therapy. In this Review, we describe the peripheral neuropathy phenotype in children during cancer therapy and among survivors who have completed therapy, to summarise genetic and treatment-related risk factors for neuropathy, and to outline strategies to monitor and detect neuropathy during and after therapy. Additionally, we outline strategies for medical management of neuropathy during treatment and potential rehabilitation interventions to prevent or remediate functional loss.