Long-Term Problems Linked to Testicular Cancer Chemo

Survivors often plagued by neurological symptoms, study finds

Posted: November 25, 2009

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Neurological side effects are among the potential problems faced by long-term survivors of testicular cancer who were treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, a new study has found.

The study included 1,409 Norwegian men treated for unilateral testicular cancer between 1980 and 1994 who took part in a follow-up survey conducted from 1998 to 2002.

The researchers found that between four and 21 years after the start of treatment, men who'd received any chemotherapy had a statistically significantly higher risk for more severe side effects, including sensory neuropathy, tinnitus, hearing impairment and a discoloration of the hands or feet when exposed to cold (known as Raynaud-like phenomena), than those who didn't have chemotherapy.

"A major aim in the treatment of testicular cancer is to minimize toxic effects without compromising the high cure rate," wrote Dr. Marianne Brydoy, of the oncology department at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, Norway, and colleagues. "Our data favor the use of chemotherapy regimens that contain 20 milligrams per square meter of cisplatin per day to limit ototoxicity."

The study was published online Nov. 25 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

More information

The American Cancer Society has more about testicular cancer treatment.

Necessary Evil

I was cured from Testicular Cancer about 4 years ago with chemo Cisplatin, Bleomycin and Etoposide (SP?). So far, so good. I was 27 at the time and from all my research, if I was born 20 or 30 years earlier I would be dead by now without this "magic Bullet". Thanks to Dr. Einhorn for discovering it and my wonderful Doctors Dr. Mckiernan and Dr. Petralak for saving my live with their expert care. I now have twin 1 year olds and thrive. I appreciate the researchers looking into the dosage, there's no question there are risks anytime you put poison like this into your system. I had severe reactions and my life was a living hell for at least two months....but I survived.
Unfortunately Cisplatin is a Carcinogen itself, but the way I look at it every single day of life I breath is due to this drug. But less of it would be good. It's just a very fine balance. Too little and it won't work, too much and you get cancer from the drug that supposed to prevent cancer.
Thank you for this article. Thank you to the wonderful doctors and researchers who literally saved my life. To anybody just finding out about TC, just know that it will get better. There is hope!

AP of NJ @ Dec 15, 2009 23:02:16 PM

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