Predictors of thrombosis in testicular cancer during platinum-based chemotherapy. World J Urol. 2019;37:1907-1916. [PMID: 30547197 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-018-2598-7]

SEOM-GG clinical guidelines for the management of germ-cell testicular cancer (2023)

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common tumors in adolescent and young men. They are curable malignancies that should be treated with curative intent, minimizing acute and long-term side effects. Inguinal orchiectomy is the main diagnostic procedure, and is also curative for most localized tumors, while patients with unfavorable risk factors for recurrence, or those who are unable or unwilling to undergo close follow-up, may require adjuvant treatment. Patients with persistent markers after orchiectomy or advanced disease at diagnosis should be staged and classified according to the IGCCCG prognostic classification. BEP is the most recommended chemotherapy, but other schedules such as EP or VIP may be used to avoid bleomycin in some patients. Efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary delays and dose reductions wherever possible. Insufficient marker decline after each cycle is associated with poor prognosis. Management of residual masses after chemotherapy differs between patients with seminoma and non-seminoma tumors. Patients at high risk of relapse, those with refractory tumors, or those who relapse after chemotherapy should be managed by multidisciplinary teams in experienced centers. Salvage treatment for these patients includes conventional-dose chemotherapy (TIP) and/or high-dose chemotherapy, although the best regimen and strategy for each subgroup of patients is not yet well established. In late recurrences, early complete surgical resection should be performed when feasible. Given the high cure rate of TGCT, oncologists should work with patients to prevent and identify potential long-term side effects of the treatment. The above recommendations also apply to extragonadal retroperitoneal and mediastinal tumors.

Simple, Effective and Validated. VTE CASE Risk Assessment Score for Venous Thromboembolism in Metastatic Germ Cell Tumour Patients Before First-Line Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) may jeopardise excellent treatment results of germ cell tumours (GCT). We previously constructed a VTE risk score for GCT patients qualified for first-line chemotherapy (CTH), including vein compression, clinical stage (CS) and haemoglobin concentration.

AIM

Validating our score in a separate cohort and establishing the cut-off point for the score. Re-assessing the numerical score in the training cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed a new cohort of GCT patients staged IS-IIIC. Area under the curve of receiver-operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) was calculated for the developed score, Khorana Risk Score (KRS) and Padua Prediction Score (PPS). AUC-ROC of the integer score was calculated for the training cohort. Cut-off point was established by Youden's and Liu's indices.

RESULTS

Among 336 eligible patients in the validation cohort, VTE occurred in 41 (12.2%). AUC-ROC for our score, KRS and PPS were 0.818 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.746-0.891), 0.608 (0.529-0.688) and 0.634 (0.547-0.720), respectively, p < 0.001. The optimal cut-off point for a low/high risk was 6 (≤ 6 vs. ≥ 7). In the training cohort, 369 patients had complete data on vein compression. AUC-ROC for our score, KRS and PPS were 0.819 (95% CI: 0.758-0.879), 0.710 (0.637-0.782) and 0.725 (0.651-0.800), p ≤ 0.001 and 0.015, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 30.8% and 96.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our VTE risk score is a handy tool for GCT patients before first-line CTH for metastatic disease. Outperforming KRS and PPS, it has a good discriminatory value, especially for identifying low-risk patients.

Rare Presentation of Testicular Cancer With Malignant Tumor Thrombus: A Case Report

In rare cases, testicular cancer can metastasize to the inferior vena cava (IVC) through a tumor thrombus, significantly worsening the prognosis. This case report describes the management and the outcome of a rare presentation of testicular cancer. A 38-year-old male presented with a testicular mass and was found to have a mixed germ cell tumor with predominantly yolk sac components. Imaging after the initial orchiectomy revealed an IVC tumor thrombus extending from the left renal vein, as well as retroperitoneal and pulmonary metastases. The patient was urgently started on anticoagulation and underwent three cycles of BEP chemotherapy (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin), which led to complete metabolic and radiographic regression of the metastatic disease.

Vascular fingerprint tool to identify patients with testicular cancer treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy at high risk of early cardiovascular events

BACKGROUND

Patients with testicular cancer treated with chemotherapy have an increased risk of developing early cardiovascular events. Identification of patients with testicular cancer at a high risk of these events enables the development of preventative strategies. This study validates the vascular fingerprint tool to identify these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a multicenter prospective study in patients with metastatic testicular cancer [International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) good or intermediate risk; retroperitoneal mass <5 cm]. In eligible patients, the vascular fingerprint was assessed before the start of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, which consists of five risk factors, namely, smoking, overweight (body mass index >25 kg/m2), hypertension (blood pressure >140/90 mmHg), dyslipidemia (fasting cholesterol >5.1 mmol/l or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol >2.5 mmol/l), and diabetes mellitus (fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/l). The presence of three or more risk factors was defined as high-risk vascular fingerprints. A log-rank test was carried out with a cardiovascular event within 1 year after the start of chemotherapy as the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients with metastatic testicular cancer were included; 15 patients (8%) developed a cardiovascular event: 4 (2%) arterial events and 11 (6%) venous thrombotic events. Overall, 189 vascular fingerprint scores were available. Patients with a high-risk vascular fingerprint (62/189) had a higher risk of developing a cardiovascular event (hazard ratio 3.27, 95% confidence interval 1.16-9.18; log-rank: P = 0.017). Histological diagnosis, prognosis group, cumulative chemotherapy dose, and retroperitoneal mass size did not differ between patients with or without a cardiovascular event. All patients with an arterial event had a high-risk vascular fingerprint compared with 5/11 patients with a venous event. Overweight was more prevalent in patients with cardiovascular events (87% versus 59%; P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The vascular fingerprint is a validated tool to identify patients with testicular cancer at a high risk of developing early cardiovascular events. This tool can be used to develop preventative strategies with anticoagulant treatment.

Thrombosis Rates and Genetic Thrombophilia Risk Among Patients With Advanced Germ Cell Tumors Treated With Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Men with advanced germ cell tumors (GCT) treated with chemotherapy are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Predictors of VTE may identify patients who would benefit from prophylactic anticoagulation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men with advanced GCT (Stage IS, II, III) treated with chemotherapy were identified at 2 centers. High genomic risk was defined from a 5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) germline panel. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of genomic risk on VTE within 6 months of chemotherapy initiation. Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to build models to predict VTE based on clinical variables and an 86 SNP panel.

RESULTS

This 123-patient cohort experienced a VTE rate of 26% with an incidence of high genomic risk of 21%. Men with high genomic risk did not have a significantly higher VTE rate (31%, 8/26) than men with low genomic risk (25%, 24/97), unadjusted OR 1.4 (95% CI 0.5-3.5, P = .54). Incorporation of clinical variables (Khorana score, N3 status and elevated LDH) resulted in adjusted OR 2.1 (95% CI 0.7-6.5, P = .18). A combined model using clinical variables and 86 SNPs performed similarly (AUC 0.77) compared to clinical variables alone (AUC 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

A previously established 5-SNP panel was not associated with VTE among patients with GCT receiving chemotherapy. However, multivariable models based on clinical variables alone warrant further validation to inform prophylactic anticoagulation strategies.

[Venous thromboembolism: risk factors and prophylaxis]

Venous thromboembolism is an important complication in tumour patients as it occurs frequently in these patients and causes relevant morbidity. The risk of thromboembolic complications in tumour patients is 3-9 times higher than in non-tumour patients and is the second most common cause of death in tumour patients. The risk of thrombosis depends on tumour-induced coagulopathy and on individual factors, type and stage of cancer, time since cancer diagnosis as well as type of systemic cancer therapy. Thromboprophylaxis in tumour patients is effective but can be associated with increased bleeding. Even though there are currently no dedicated recommendations for individual tumour entities, international guidelines recommend prophylactic measures in high-risk patients. A thrombosis risk of >8-10% can be considered an indication for thromboprophylaxis, which is indicated by a Khorana score ≥2, and should be calculated individually using nomograms. In particular, patients with a low risk of bleeding should receive thromboprophylaxis. Risk factors and symptoms of a thromboembolic event should also be intensively discussed with the patient and materials for patient information should be handed out.

[Emergencies in cancer therapy: surgical indications under systemic therapy]

Emergency surgery due to side-effects of cancer therapy in patients with metastatic disease of the genitourinary tract is rare. Nevertheless, there are a number of emergencies that require rapid intervention and should be recognized by every uro-oncologist. The following review will work out important side-effects requiring surgical treatment, highlighting the main symptoms and the initial management.

Simple yet (more?) effective. Venous thromboembolism risk assessment model for germ cell tumour patients receiving first-line chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Germ cell tumours (GCT) are highly curable malignancies. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication, needing better risk assessment models (RAM).

AIM

Identification of VTE incidence and risk factors in metastatic GCT patients starting first-line chemotherapy. Developing a RAM and comparing it to Khorana risk score (KRS) and Padua Prediction Score (PPS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed GCT patients staged IS-IIIC. VTE risk factors were identified with logistic regression. Area under curve of receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC), Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria (AIC, BIC) were calculated for the developed RAM, KRS and PPS.

RESULTS

Among 495 eligible patients, VTE occurred in 69 (13.9%), including 40 prior to chemotherapy. Vein compression (OR: 8.96; 95% CI: 2.85-28.13; p < 0.001), clinical stage IIIB-IIIC (OR: 5.68; 95% CI: 1.82-17.70; p = 0.003) and haemoglobin concentration (OR for 1 g/dL decrease: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03-1.67; p = 0.026) were significant in our RAM. KRS ≥ 3 (OR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.77-6.20; p < 0.001), PPS 4-5 (OR: 3.06; 95% CI: 1.49-6.29; p = 0.002) and PPS > 5 (OR 8.05; 95% CI 3.79-17.13; p < 0.001) correlated with VTE risk. Diagnostic criteria (AUC-ROC, AIC, BIC) for the developed RAM, KRS and PPS were (0.885; 0.567; -1641), (0.588; 0.839; -1576) and (0.700; 0.799; -1585), respectively. In the numerical score, the optimal cut-off point for high-risk was ≥9, with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 0.78, 0.77, 0.35 and 0.96, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our RAM, based on vein compression, clinical stage and haemoglobin concentration proved superior to both KRS and PPS. VTE is frequent in GCT patients.

Thromboembolic Events During Treatment with Cisplatin-based Chemotherapy in Metastatic Testicular Germ-cell Cancer 2000-2014: A Population-based Cohort Study

Background

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBCT) in testicular cancer (TC) is associated with elevated venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, but trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of thromboprophylaxis are lacking.

Objective

To evaluate the arterial thromboembolism (ATE) and VTE incidence and risk factors during first-line CBCT for metastatic TC, and the effect of thromboprophylaxis on VTE and bleeding.

Design setting and participants

In a population-based study, 506 men administered first-line CBCT during 2000-2014 at three university hospitals in Norway were included. Clinical variables were retrieved from medical records.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Patients with ATE and VTE diagnosed at initiation of or during CBCT until 3 mo after completion were registered. Age-adjusted logistic regression was performed to identify possible VTE risk factors.

Results and limitations

Overall, 69 men (13.6%) were diagnosed with 70 thromboembolic events. Twelve men (2.4%) experienced ATE. Overall, 58 men (11.5%) experienced VTE, of whom 13 (2.6%) were prevalent at CBCT initiation, while 45 (8.9%) were diagnosed with incident VTE. Age-adjusted logistic regression identified retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis >5 cm (odds ratio [OR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-3.91), central venous access (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.46-5.50), and elevated C-reactive protein (>5 mg/l; OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.12-5.07) as incident VTE risk factors. Thromboprophylaxis (n = 84) did not influence the risk of VTE (VTE incidence with or without prophylaxis 13% vs 8%, p = 0.16). The incidence of bleeding events was significantly higher among those who received thromboprophylaxis than among those without thromboprophylaxis (14.5% vs 1.1%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We found a high rate of thromboembolism incidence of 13.6%. Thromboprophylaxis did not decrease the risk of VTE but was associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Patient summary

We found a high rate of thromboembolism (13.6%) during cisplatin-based chemotherapy for metastatic testicular cancer. Prophylactic treatment against thromboses did not reduce the thrombosis frequency, but it resulted in a high incidence of bleeding events.

Prophylaxis Against Thromboembolic Events During Chemotherapy for Germ Cell Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Patients with advanced germ cell tumors (GCT) receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy have high rates of thromboembolic events (TEE) which can negatively affect their overall survival. While primary TEE prophylaxis during chemotherapy may prevent these events, it is unclear which patients will benefit in this setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of PubMed/Medline was conducted in December 2020 and all pertinent articles were evaluated for relevancy and quality of data for inclusion in the review.

RESULTS

Studies on patients receiving initial cisplatin-based chemotherapy for advanced GCT have reported up to a 19% rate of TEE. This high rate may be associated with multiple factors including retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, advanced clinical stage, high risk Khorana scores and presence of a central line. Large phase III clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of low-molecular-weight-heparin and direct oral anticoagulants for primary prophylaxis and against recurrent TEE. However, primary prophylaxis is currently underutilized with GCT patients starting chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Precise models to predict TEE risk and consideration of anticoagulation are difficult to develop owing to the relatively uncommon nature of GCT and lack of representation in primary TEE prophylaxis clinical trials. Despite these limitations, we believe that the benefits of prophylactic anticoagulation outweigh the risk of major bleeding in select GCT patients with higher risk of TEE. We have developed a simple algorithm to help guide TEE prophylaxis selection based on patient factors and route of chemotherapy administration. Given the high rate of TEE in GCT patients, we believe better utilization of primary prophylaxis in patient starting cisplatin-based chemotherapy will have clinical benefit.

Testicular cancer with extensive gonadal and renal vein tumor thrombus

Tumor thrombus has been demonstrated to occur with hepatocellular and renal cell carcinoma, however, rarely occurs in testicular germ cell malignancies. Tumor thrombus results from the intravascular invasion of malignant cells, different from the hypercoagulable state induced by malignancy, and has significant implications with regards to prognosis and therapeutic options. We describe a case of an otherwise healthy 30-year-old patient with extensive gonadal and renal vein tumor thrombus from testicular germ cell cancer, as well as discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for this type of metastatic disease.

Predictors of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Retrospective Study

Malignancy, including testicular tumors, significantly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this study, we search for predictors that may help identify subgroups of patients at higher risk of VTE. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of testicular germ cell tumor and proven VTE were identified. Clinical and pathological features possibly associated with VTE were reviewed. A total of 322 patients, median age (range) 31 (18-76) years were identified. Tumors were mostly non-seminoma (n = 194, 60.2%), node-positive (n = 130, 40.4%) and 58 (18.0%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis. Venous thromboembolism were confirmed in 27 (8.4%) patients; however, rates were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients with node-positive (18.5%), metastatic disease (22.4%), and those with high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (21.3%). Rates were also significantly higher among those who received multiple lines of chemotherapy (27.5%) compared to those who received one line (13.8%) or none (<1.0%), P < 0.001. Patients with testicular tumors and high tumor burden, including nodal involvement, high LDH or metastatic disease, and those treated with multiple lines of chemotherapy have significantly higher rates of VTE.

Thromboembolic events in metastatic testicular cancer treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is the most curable solid tumor and most common cancer among men 18-39 years. While cisplatin-based chemotherapy has significantly lengthened the survival of patients with TGCT, it is associated with a high rate of thromboembolic events (TEE).

AIM

To summarize our single-center experience highlighting patients who were diagnosed with TGCT and received platinum-based chemotherapy, with special attention to those patients who suffered a TEE.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the medical records and imaging studies of 68 consecutive individuals who were diagnosed with TGCT and received platinum-based chemotherapy at our Institution in a metropolitan community between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 19 (28%) patients experienced a TEE following orchiectomy which occurred during chemotherapy in 13 (68%) of these patients. Patients with a higher pathologic stage (stage III) were significantly (P = 0.023) more likely to experience a TEE compared to patients who had a lower stage. Additionally, patients who were treated with 3 cycles of bleomycine, etoposide, and cisplatin and 1 cycle of etoposide and cisplatin or 4 cycles of etoposide and cisplatin were significantly 5 (P = 0.02) times more likely to experience a TEE compared to patients who were treated with only 3 cycles of bleomycine, etoposide, and cisplatin.

CONCLUSION

Due to numerous factors that predispose to a TEE such as large retroperitoneal disease, higher clinical stage, greater number of chemotherapy cycle, central venous catheter, cigarette smoking, and possible cannabis use, high-risk ambulatory patients with TGCT treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy may benefit from prophylactic anticoagulation. Randomized studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic anticoagulants are warranted in this young patient population generally devoid of medical co-morbidities.

Thromboembolic Events in Patients with Testicular Germ Cell Tumours Are Predominantly Triggered by Advanced Disease and by Central Venous Access Systems

BACKGROUND

Thromboembolic events (TEEs) may significantly complicate the clinical management of patients with testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs). We analysed a cohort of GCT patients for the occurrence of TEEs and looked to possible pathogenetic factors.

PATIENTS, METHODS

TEEs occurring within 6 months after diagnosis were retrospectively analysed in 317 consecutive patients with testicular GCT (median age 37 years, 198 seminoma, 119 nonseminoma). The following factors were analysed for association with TEE: histology, age, clinical stage (CS), chemotherapy, use of a central venous access device (CVA). Data analysis involved descriptive statistical methods with multivariable analysis to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

Twenty-three TEEs (7.3%) were observed, 18 deep vein thromboses, 4 pulmonary embolisms, and 1 myocardial infarction. Univariable risk calculation yielded the following odds ratios (ORs) : >CS1 OR = 43.7 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 9.9-191.6); chemotherapy OR = 7.8 (95% CI 2.3-26.6); CVA OR = 30.5 (95% CI 11.0-84.3). Multivariable analysis identified only CS > 1 (OR = 16.9; 95% CI 3.5-82.4) and CVA (OR = 9.0; 95% CI 2.9-27.5) as independent risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CSs >CS1 are at significantly increased risk of TEEs even without chemotherapy. Particular high risk is associated with the use of CVA devices for chemotherapy. Caregivers of GCT patients must be aware of the particular risk of TEEs.

Thromboembolic events after high-intensity training during cisplatin-based chemotherapy for testicular cancer: Case reports and review of the literature

The randomized "Testicular cancer and Aerobic and Strength Training trial" (TAST-trial) aimed to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness during cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBCT) for testicular cancer (TC). Here, we report on an unexpected high number of thromboembolic (TE) events among patients randomized to the intervention arm, and on a review of the literature on TE events in TC patients undergoing CBCT. Patients aged 18 to 60 years with a diagnosis of metastatic germ cell TC, planned for 3 to 4 CBCT cycles, were randomized to a 9 to 12 weeks exercise intervention, or to a single lifestyle counseling session. The exercise intervention included two weekly HIIT sessions, each with 2 to 4 intervals of 2 to 4 minutes at 85% to 95% of peak heart rate. The study was prematurely discontinued after inclusion of 19 of the planned 94 patients, with nine patients randomized to the intervention arm and 10 to the control arm. Three patients in the intervention arm developed TE complications; two with pulmonary embolism and one with myocardial infarction. All three patients had clinical stage IIA TC. No TE complications were observed among patients in the control arm. Our observations indicate that high-intensity aerobic training during CBCT might increase the risk of TE events in TC patients, leading to premature closure of the TAST-trial.

Predictors of venous thromboembolism development before and during chemotherapy for advanced germ cell tumor

OBJECTIVE

We retrospectively analyzed the incidence and localization of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing chemotherapy for advanced germ cell tumor and separately evaluated the risk factors for venous thromboembolism development before and during chemotherapy.

METHODS

We included 121 patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy between 2005 and 2018. Venous thromboembolism was defined as venous thrombosis diagnosed using radiological imaging with or without thromboembolic symptoms. We analyzed the clinical parameters for identifying the possible venous thromboembolism risk factors. Khorana score was used to calculate the venous thromboembolism risk.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients showed prechemotherapy venous thromboembolism and 13 developed venous thromboembolism during chemotherapy. The most common venous thromboembolism was deep vein thrombosis (10 patients), followed by inferior vena cava thrombus (eight patients) and pulmonary thrombus (six patients). Compared to the group without venous thromboembolism, the group with prechemotherapy venous thromboembolism showed higher proportion of patients with tumors originating in the right testis (10 out of 13), significantly higher lactate dehydrogenase levels (828 IU/L versus 436 IU/L, P = 0.013), significantly higher proportion of patients with retroperitoneal lymph node (RPLN) metastases >5 cm in diameter (76.9% versus 33.7%, P = 0.003) and slightly higher proportion of patients with high-risk Khorana score (≥ 3; 30.8% versus 11.6%). No significant differences were observed between the clinical characteristics of patients with venous thromboembolism developed during chemotherapy and patients without venous thromboembolism.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that both RPLN mass > 5 cm and high lactate dehydrogenase levels are significant risk factors for prechemotherapy venous thromboembolism but not for venous thromboembolism development during chemotherapy.