International evaluation of the psychometrics of health-related quality of life questionnaires for use among long-term survivors of testicular and prostate cancer

Study on the Impact of Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer on the Quality of Life and the Psycho-Relational Sphere of Patients: ProQoL

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer and its treatment, particularly androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), can profoundly impact patients' quality of life. The aim of the prospective observational study reported here was to evaluate the effects of ADT on various aspects of quality of life in men with prostate cancer at a community-based hospital in Southern Italy.

METHODS

Eligible men initiating hormonal therapy were recruited between December 2021 and December 2023. Data were collected at baseline (T0) and after 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) of ADT using standardized questionnaires (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-PR25) and semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

Of the 52 participants, 43 completed all three assessments. The EORTC QLQ-C30 showed a statistically significant worsening in physical functioning (mean score decrease from 83.8 at T0 to 76.7 at T2; p < 0.001), increased fatigue (from 23.7 to 35.2; p < 0.001), and insomnia (from 23.7 to 31.8; p = 0.048) following ADT initiation. The QLQ-PR25 revealed a significant decline in sexual functioning (from 59 to 26.9; p < 0.001) and sexual activity (from 27.3 to 12; p = 0.001). Interviews revealed a significant rise in the number of patients reporting depressed mood. Interviews also highlighted a worsening in body image perception and sexuality, increased feelings of dependence, and challenges in the social and relational spheres.

CONCLUSIONS

ADT significantly impacts various aspects of quality of life in men with prostate cancer, particularly physical functioning, fatigue, sexual function, body image, and emotional well-being. These results underscore the critical importance of a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that addresses both the physical and psychosocial aspects of care.

Long-term quality of life of testicular cancer survivors differs according to applied adjuvant treatment and tumour type

PURPOSE

To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in long-term testicular cancer (TC) survivors.

METHODS

QoL was assessed in TC survivors treated between March 1976 and December 2004 (n = 625) using the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire, including a TC module. The assessment was performed at two time points (2006: response rate: n = 201/625 (32.2%), median follow-up (FU): 12.9 years (range 1.1-30.9); 2017: response rate: n = 95/201 (47.3%), median FU: 26.2 years (range: 13.0-41.2)). TC survivors were grouped according to treatment strategy, tumour entity, clinical stage and prognosis group. Linear and multiple linear regression analyses were performed, with age and time of follow-up as possible confounders.

RESULTS

Radiation therapy (RT) compared to retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) was associated with a higher impairment of physical function (2017: β =  - 9.038; t(84) =  - 2.03; p = 0.045), role function (2017: β =  - 12.764; t(84) =  - 2.00; p = 0.048), emotional function (2006: β =  - 9.501; t(183) =  - 2.09; p = 0.038) and nausea (2006: β = 6.679; t(185) = 2.70; p = 0.008). However, RT was associated with a lower impairment of sexual enjoyment (2017: symptoms: β = 26.831; t(64) = 2.66; p = 0.010; functional: β = 22.983; t(65) = 2.36; p = 0.021). Chemotherapy (CT), compared to RPLND was associated with a higher impairment of role (2017: β =  - 16.944; t(84) =  - 2.62; p = 0.011) and social function (2017: β =  - 19.160; t(79) =  - 2.56; p = 0.012), more insomnia (2017: β = 19.595; t(84) = 2.25; p = 0.027) and greater concerns about infertility (2017: β = 19.830; t(80) = 2.30; p = 0.024). In terms of tumour type, nonseminomatous germ cell tumour (NSGCT) compared to seminoma survivors had significantly lower impairment of nausea (2006: β =  - 4.659; t(187) =  - 2.17; p = 0.031), appetite loss (2006: β =  - 7.554; t(188) =  - 2.77; p = 0.006) and future perspective (2006: β =  - 12.146; t(175) =  - 2.08; p = 0.039). On the other hand, surviving NSGCT was associated with higher impairment in terms of sexual problems (2006: β = 16.759; t(145) = 3.51; p < 0.001; 2017: β = 21.207; t(63) = 2.73; p = 0.008) and sexual enjoyment (2017: β =  - 24.224; t(66) =  - 2.76; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The applied adjuvant treatment and the tumour entity had a significant impact on the long-term QoL of TC survivors, even more than 25 years after the completion of therapy. Both RT and CT had a negative impact compared to survivors treated with RPLND, except for sexual concerns. NSGCT survivors had a lower impairment of QoL compared to seminoma survivors, except in terms of sexual concerns.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Implications for cancer survivors are to raise awareness of aspects of long-term and late effects on QoL in TC survivors; offer supportive care, such as psycho-oncological support or lifestyle modification, if a deterioration in QoL is noticed; and avoid toxic treatment without compromising a cure whenever possible.

Phase III study of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life cancer survivorship core questionnaire

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to develop a European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group (EORTC QLG) questionnaire that captures the full range of physical, mental, and social health-related quality of life (HRQOL) issues relevant to disease-free cancer survivors. In this phase III study, we pretested the provisional core questionnaire (QLQ-SURV111) and aimed to identify essential and optional scales.

METHODS

We pretested the QLQ-SURV111 in 492 cancer survivors from 17 countries with one of 11 cancer diagnoses. We applied the EORTC QLG decision rules and employed factor analysis and item response theory (IRT) analysis to assess and, where necessary, modify the hypothesized questionnaire scales. We calculated correlations between the survivorship scales and the QLQ-C30 summary score and carried out a Delphi survey among healthcare professionals, patient representatives, and cancer researchers to distinguish between essential and optional scales.

RESULTS

Fifty-four percent of the sample was male, mean age was 60 years, and, on average, time since completion of treatment was 3.8 years. Eleven items were excluded, resulting in the QLQ-SURV100, with 12 functional and 9 symptom scales, a symptom checklist, 4 single items, and 10 conditional items. The essential survivorship scales consist of 73 items.

CONCLUSIONS

The QLQ-SURV100 has been developed to assess comprehensively the HRQOL of disease-free cancer survivors. It includes essential and optional scales and will be validated further in an international phase IV study.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The availability of this questionnaire will facilitate a standardized and robust assessment of the HRQOL of disease-free cancer survivors.

The current use of the EORTC QLQ-NMIBC24 and QLQ-BLM30 questionnaires for the assessment of health-related quality of life in bladder cancer patients: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Investigating the use of the EORTC bladder cancer (BC) modules by evaluating: (a) study contexts/designs; (b) languages/countries in which the modules were administered; (c) their acceptance by patients/investigators; and (d) their psychometric properties.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed with studies from 1998 until 20/10/2021 in five databases. Articles/conference abstracts using the EORTC-QLQBLM30 (muscle invasive BC) and the EORTC-QLQNMIBC24 (previously referred to as QLQ-BLS24; non-muscle invasive BC) were included. Two authors independently screened titles/abstracts/full-texts and performed data extraction.

RESULTS

A total of 76 eligible studies were identified. Most studies included the BLM30 (n = 53), were in a urological surgery context (n = 41) and were cross-sectional (n = 35) or prospective (n = 30) in design. The BC modules were administered in 14 languages across 19 countries. Missing data were low-moderate for all non-sex related questions (< 1% to 15%). Sex-related questions had higher rates of missing data (ranging from 6.9% to 84%). Most investigators did not use all scales of the questionnaires. One validation study for the original BLS24 led to the development of the NMIBC24, which adopted a new scale structure for which good structural validity was confirmed (n = 3). Good reliability and validity was shown for the NMIBC24 module, except for malaise and bloating/flatulence scales. Psychometric evidence for BLM30 is lacking.

CONCLUSION

These results provide insight into how the EORTC BC quality of life modules could be further improved. Current work is ongoing to update the modules and to determine if the two modules can be combined into a single questionnaire that works well in both the NMIBC and MIBC settings.

Pilot Study on the Impact of a Home-Based Exercise Program on Inflammatory Cytokines and Quality of Life in Men with Prostate Cancer Under Active Surveillance

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to demonstrate potential translation of pre-clinical studies to a home-based exercise intervention in mediating inflammatory cytokine markers and tumor progression in men under active surveillance for prostate cancer.

METHODS

A 2-arm randomized control parallel group design was used. The exercise intervention consisted of 24 weeks of an aerobic and resistance home-based exercise program and results were compared to a waitlist control group. Data were collected at baseline and end of study for eotaxin, interferon-γ (INF-γ), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), distanced walked during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), body mass index, and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Non-significant decreases were observed in all biomarkers, especially VEGF (pre: 125.16 ± 198.66, post: 80.29 ± 124.30, P = .06) and INF-γ (pre: 152.88 ± 312.71, post: 118.93 ± 158.79, P = .08), in the intervention group; only IL- α (pre: 332.15 ± 656.77, post: 255.12 ± 502.09, P = .20) decreased in the control group while all other biomarkers increased from baseline to end of study. A non-significant increase in 6MWT distance was observed in the intervention group, while a decrease was seen in the control group. Significant decreases in physical function, emotional wellbeing, and total composite scale on the FACIT-F were observed in the intervention group, possibly due to the isolation restrictions of COVID-19. Physical function on the SF-36 significantly increased in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies with powered samples are needed to confirm the trends observed for inflammatory biomarkers and functional fitness.

Diverse Roles and Targets of miRNA in the Pathogenesis of Testicular Germ Cell Tumour

Testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) is the most common cancer type among young adults in many parts of the world. Although the pathogenesis of TGCT is not well understood, the involvement of heritable components is evident, and the risk is polygenic. Genome-wide association studies have so far found 78 susceptibility loci for TGCT, and many of the loci are in non-coding regions indicating the involvement of non-coding RNAs in TGCT pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as important gene regulators at the post-transcriptional level. They are crucial in controlling many cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and an aberrant miRNA expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of several cancers, including TGCT. In support of this notion, several studies reported differential expression of miRNAs in TGCTs. We previously demonstrated that miRNAs were the most common group of small non-coding RNAs in TGCTs, and several functional studies of miRNAs in TGCTs suggest that they may act as either oncogene or tumour suppressors. Moreover, individual miRNA targets and downstream pathways in the context of TGCT development have been explored. In this review, we will focus on the diverse roles and targets of miRNAs in TGCT pathogenesis.

Patient Reported Outcomes, Paternity, Relationship, and Fertility in Testicular Cancer Survivors: Results from a Prospective Observational Single Institution Trial

PURPOSE

Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common solid tumor in young adults. 95% of patients are cured, but they may experience late adverse effects (anxiety, fear of recurrence, and sexual dysfunction) with an impact on daily life. We attempted to assess Patient Reported Outcomes (PROMs), long-term sexual disorders, and difficulties in achieving fatherhood in a cohort of TC survivors, as well as their possible correlation with previous cancer treatments.

METHODS

Different questionnaires, such as the Impact of Cancer (IOC) and the Body Image Scale (BIS), were used to investigate the distinct areas of the PROMs. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF15) and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) focused on sexuality and fertility. Patients were prospectively recruited between February 2020 and February 2022.

RESULTS

144 participants completed all the questionnaires. Results showed a good QoL, a moderate fear of TC recurrence, a good satisfaction with their personal body image, low incidence of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. 19.5% of patients who had a testicular implant reported general dissatisfaction. Only 18% of patients had unsuccessfully attempted fatherhood, while the majority had not yet tried, and 23.4% succeeded. A low percentage of patients used procedures assisted reproduction and adoption.

CONCLUSION

This trial supports the use of various questionnaires as a multifactorial tool capable of investigating all the aspects of long-term cancer survivorship. The assessment of medical and psychosocial sequelae is an essential part of patient care and is important for the development of a comprehensive care plan for TC survivors.

High dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for advanced germ cell tumors: State of the art and a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Evidence for the choice of second line, standard vs high dose chemotherapy, (SDCT, HDCT) for patients with relapsed germ cell tumors (GCTs) comes mainly from retrospective studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

relevant literature was reviewed, considering as endpoints both survival and long term quality of life (QoL). Patients with metastatic GCT progressing after first-line treatment at our Institution were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

HDCT seems to achieve a higher rate of long-term remissions. QoL data for this group of patients are lacking. Our experience on 29 patients was in line with these results. Two-year OS for the 18 patients treated with one or two HDCT/PBSCT procedures was 47.5 %, while 2-year PFS was 44 %. For the 11 receiving SDCT 2-year OS was 36.4 %, and 2-year PFS was 32.7 %.

CONCLUSIONS

HDCT/PBSCT confirmed to be effective in treating patients with relapsed GCT, but prospective studies are needed.

Standardising the Assessment of Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Localised Prostate Cancer. A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men worldwide. Urinary, bowel, and sexual function, as well as hormonal symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), were prioritised by patients and professionals as part of a core outcome set for localised PCa regardless of treatment type.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used in localised PCa and recommend PROMs for use in routine practice and research settings.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The psychometric properties of PROMs measuring functional and HRQoL domains used in randomised controlled trials including patients with localised PCa were assessed according to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology. MEDLINE and Embase were searched to identify publications evaluating psychometric properties of the PROMs. The characteristics and methodological quality of the studies included were extracted, tabulated, and assessed according to the COSMIN criteria.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 27 studies evaluating psychometric properties of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC), University of California-Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life core 30 (QLQ-C30) and prostate cancer 25 (QLQ-PR25) modules, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and the 36-item (SF-36) and 12-item Short-Form health survey (SF-12) PROMs were identified and included in the systematic review. EPIC and EORTC QLQ-C30, a general module that assesses patients' physical, psychological, and social functions, were characterised by high internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.46-0.96 and 0.68-0.94 respectively) but low content validity. EORTC QLQ-PR25, which is primarily designed to assess PCa-specific HRQoL, had moderate content validity and internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.39-0.87). UCLA-PCI was characterised by moderate content validity and high internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.21-0.94). However, it does not directly assess hormonal symptoms, whereas EORTC QLQ-PR25 does.

CONCLUSION

The tools with the best evidence for psychometric properties and feasibility for use in routine practice and research settings to assess PROMs in patients with localised PCa were EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25. Since EORTC QLQ-C30 is a general module that does not directly assess PCa-specific issues, it should be adopted in conjunction with the QLQ-PR25 module.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reviewed and appraised the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measure questionnaires used for patients with localised prostate cancer. We found good evidence to suggest that two questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25) can be used to measure urinary, bowel, and sexual functions and health-related quality of life.

An Updated Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies Assessing Anxiety, Depression, Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Psychological Distress in Testicular Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE

A diagnosis of testicular cancer (TC) at a relatively young age can have a dramatic impact on the psychological well-being of those affected. The aim of this review was to synthesize recent evidence to provide an updated account of the prevalence, severity and correlates of anxiety, depression, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and distress in TC survivors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted from September 2017 until June 2020 using electronic databases including Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Study eligibility and quality were independently assessed by two reviewers. Narrative synthesis was used to depict the severity (mean/median scores), prevalence (proportions above standard clinical thresholds) and correlates of study outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 988 articles were identified for screening after duplicate removal. Fifty-six full-text articles were screened, and eight articles met the inclusion criteria. The reported prevalence of the outcomes varied across studies (clinical levels of anxiety ranged from 6.9% to 21.1%, depression varied from 4.7% to 7%, distress was found between 25% and 41.4%, prevalence of FCR was not reported). Few studies compared TC survivors with other populations. Correlates of poorer psychological outcomes included younger age, relationship status, employment status, poorer sexual functioning, impaired masculinity and coping strategies.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety seems to be the most common issue for TC survivors. Men who are single or unemployed appear most at risk of poorer psychological outcomes, which seem associated with impaired masculinity and sexual function. More research is needed to identify TC survivors most likely to need one of the increasing number of psychological interventions being developed for TC survivors.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Testicular Cancer Survivors in Japan: A Multi-Institutional, Cross-Sectional Study Using the EORTC QLQ-TC26

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the health-related quality of life (QOL) of testicular cancer (TC) survivors using the Japanese version of the EORTC QLQ-TC26 questionnaire in a multi-institutional, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This study recruited TC survivors who were followed after treatment for TC at eight high-volume institutions between January, 2018 and March, 2019. The participants completed the EORTC QLQ-TC26 questionnaire and mailed the completed questionnaires to a central institution. The QOL scores were assessed according to therapeutic modality (watchful waiting, WW; chemotherapy, CT; and CT followed by retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, CT+RPLND) and follow-up period and compared using analysis of variance and Student's t-test.

RESULTS

A total of 567 TC survivors responded to the questionnaire. The median age at response was 43 years (IQR 35-51 years), and the median follow-up was 5.2 years (IQR 2.2-10.0 years). As for treatment side effects and physical limitations, the scores of the CT+RPLND group were significantly higher than those of the WW group, especially within one year after treatment. In addition, TC survivors in the CT+RPLND group reported high impairment related to job and education problems and future perspective less than 5 years after treatment. Even TC survivors in the WW group were anxious about job and education issues within one year after treatment.

CONCLUSION

TC survivors were anxious about not only cancer recurrence, but also their jobs and education. TC patients should be given appropriate information on QOL after treatment for TC to attenuate post-treatment anxiety and improve their health-related QOL.

Results of a randomized trial of treatment modalities in patients with low or early-intermediate risk prostate cancer (PREFERE trial)

Purpose

The optimal treatment for patients with low to early-intermediate risk prostate cancer (PCa) remains to be defined. The randomized PREFERE trial (DRKS00004405) aimed to assess noninferiority of active surveillance (AS), external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT), or brachytherapy by permanent seed implantation (PSI) vs. radical prostatectomy (RP) for these patients.

Methods

PREFERE was planned to enroll 7600 patients. The primary endpoint was disease specific survival. Patients with PCa stage ≤ cT2a, cN0/X, M0, PSA ≤ 10 ng/ml and Gleason-Score ≤ 3 + 4 at reference pathology were eligible. Patients were allowed to exclude one or two of the four modalities, which yielded eleven combinations for randomization. Sixty-nine German study centers were engaged in PREFERE.

Results

Of 2251 patients prescreened between 2012 and 2016, 459 agreed to participate in PREFERE. Due to this poor accrual, the trial was stopped. In 345 patients reference pathology confirmed inclusion criteria. Sixty-nine men were assigned to RP, 53 to EBRT, 93 to PSI, and 130 to AS. Forty patients changed treatment shortly after randomization, 21 to AS. Forty-eight AS patients with follow-up received radical treatment. Median follow-up was 19 months. Five patients died, none due to PCa; 8 had biochemical progression after radical therapy. Treatment-related acute grade 3 toxicity was reported in 3 RP patients and 2 PSI patients.

Conclusions

In this prematurely closed trial, we observed an unexpected high rate of termination of AS and an increased toxicity related to PSI. Patients hesitated to be randomized in a multi-arm trial. The optimal treatment of low and early-intermediate risk PCa remains unclear.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00432-020-03327-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Early and late side effects, dosimetric parameters and quality of life after proton beam therapy and IMRT for prostate cancer: a matched-pair analysis

Purpose: To compare early and late toxicities, dosimetric parameters and quality of life (QoL) between conventionally fractionated proton beam therapy (PBT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in prostate cancer (PCA) patients. Methods: Eighty-eight patients with localized PCA treated between 2013 and 2017 with either definitive PBT (31) or IMRT (57) were matched using propensity score matching on PCA risk group, transurethral resection of the prostate, prostate volume, diabetes mellitus and administration of anticoagulants resulting in 29 matched pairs. Early and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and QoL based on EORTC-QLQ-C30/PR25 questionnaires were collected prospectively until 12 months after radiotherapy (RT). Associations between toxicities and dose-volume parameters in corresponding organs at risk (OARs) were modeled by logistic regression. Results: There were no significant differences in GI and GU toxicities between both treatment groups except for late urinary urgency, which was significantly lower after PBT (IMRT: 25.0%, PBT: 0%, p = .047). Late GU toxicities and obstruction grade ≥2 were significantly associated with the relative volume of the anterior bladder wall receiving 70 Gy and the entire bladder receiving 60 Gy, respectively. The majority of patients in both groups reported high functioning and low symptom scores for the QoL questionnaires before and after RT. No or little changes were observed for most items between baseline and 3 or 12 months after RT, respectively. Global health status increased more at 12 months after IMRT (p = .040) compared to PBT, while the change of constipation was significantly better at 3 months after PBT compared to IMRT (p = .034). Conclusions: Overall, IMRT and PBT were well tolerated. Despite the superiority of PBT in early constipation and IMRT in late global health status compared to baseline, overall QoL and the risks of early and late GU and GI toxicities were similar for conventionally fractionated IMRT and PBT.

Recommendations for surveillance and follow-up of men with testicular germ cell tumors: a multidisciplinary consensus conference by the Italian Germ cell cancer Group and the Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica

BACKGROUND

No compelling evidence is available about surveillance and follow-up of patients with testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT).

METHODS

In the light of the best clinical evidence, the Italian Germ cell cancer Group (IGG) and the Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica (AIOM) set up a multidisciplinary national consensus conference, involving 42 leading experts and 3 TGCT survivors. A minimum of 50% of votes was required in order to achieve a consensus recommendation on 29 questions.

RESULTS

Recommendations have been summarized in three tables, divided by stage I seminoma, stage I nonseminoma and the advanced disease, which may be useful for clinicians to appropriately choose the clinical investigation and its timing during the surveillance and follow-up of TGCT patients based on an accurate estimation of their risk of disease relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

The IGG-AIOM consensus recommendations may help clinicians to choose appropriate clinical investigations for the surveillance and follow-up of TGCT patients.

Danish translation and pilot testing of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-TC 26 (EORTC QLQ-TC26) questionnaire to assess health-related quality of life in patients with testicular cancer

Background

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 is a core questionnaire designed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of cancer patients participating in international clinical trials. It is available in several languages including Danish. The EORTC QLQ-TC26 is a supplemental module developed for patients with testicular cancer, which can be useful in clinical trials. Despite Denmark holding a high prevalence and incidence of testicular cancer, no Danish translation was previously available. This paper describes the translation process and pilot testing of the Danish translation of QLQ-TC26.

Methods

The English language EORTC QLQ-TC26 was translated into Danish using forward and backward procedures with reconciliation. The translated instrument was assessed in semi structured cognitive interviews in a sample of 10 patients ages 20–56 receiving treatment for testicular cancer.

Results

In one round of pilot testing, no changes were required for the Danish translation based upon patient comments. The Danish translation was agreed by participants to be both culturally acceptable and semantically comprehensible.

Conclusions

The pilot testing of the Danish translation of the EORTC QLQ-TC26 was performed in one round of patient interviews; these results support the Danish translation as a comparable instrument to the English language version. However, further validation is required to ensure complete equivalency. These results support the use of the EORTC QLQ-TC26 in future clinical trials conducted with Danish-speaking patients.

Long-Term Cognitive Functioning in Testicular Germ-Cell Tumor Survivors

BACKGROUND

Treatment for cancer may lead to development of cognitive difficulties in cancer survivors. This study aimed to evaluate long-term cognitive functioning (CogF) in germ-cell tumor (GCT) survivors.

SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS

GCT survivors (n = 155) from the National Cancer Institute of Slovakia completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Cognitive Function at a median of 10 years of follow-up (range: 5-32). The study group consisted of survivors receiving a cisplatin-based chemotherapy, radiotherapy to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, or both, whereas the control group included survivors treated with orchiectomy only.

RESULTS

Of the total survivors, 138 received treatment beyond orchiectomy and 17 controls had orchiectomy alone. Any treatment resulted in significantly greater cognitive difficulties on the overall cognitive function score. Treatment with radiotherapy was associated with cognitive declines in overall cognitive functioning and in subscales for perceived cognitive impairment and cognitive impairment perceived by others (both p < .05). The burden of chemotherapy plus radiotherapy or radiotherapy versus controls resulted in the impairment in all cognitive functioning domains (all p < .05). Overall long-term cognitive impairment was independent of age in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

This prospective study shows that GCT survivors suffer from a long-term CogF impairment. These results may help guide clinicians' decisions in treatment and follow-up of GCTs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

In this study, long-term survivors of germ-cell tumors have reported cognitive impairment after curative treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy compared with controls who had treatment with orchiectomy only. These data provide an argument against the use of adjuvant radiotherapy for stage I seminoma. Unnecessary overtreatment with chemotherapy and additional radiotherapy after chemotherapy should be avoided.

Long-term toxicity of cisplatin in germ-cell tumor survivors

CONTEXT

Testicular germ-cell tumors (GCT) are highly curable. A multidisciplinary approach, including cisplatin-based chemotherapy has resulted in cure in the majority of patients with GCT. Thus, the life expectancy of survivors will extend to many decades post-diagnosis. Late treatment toxicities associated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy may impact their future health.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate evidence regarding the long-term toxicity of cisplatin in GCT survivors.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We carried out a critical review of PubMed/Medline in February 2017 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Identified reports were reviewed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) criteria. Eighty-three publications were selected for inclusion in this analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Included reports evaluated long-term toxicities of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in GCT survivors. Studies reporting neuro- and ototoxicity, secondary malignancies, cardiovascular, renal and pulmonary toxicities, hypogonadism and infertility were found. Seven studies (8%) reported genetic underpinnings of long-term toxicities and 3 (4%) and 14 (19%) studies correlated long-term toxicities with circulating platinum levels and cumulative dose of cisplatin, respectively. Significant risks for long-term toxicities associated with cisplatin and platinum-based regimens were reported. The cumulative dose of cisplatin and circulating platinum were reported as risk factors. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified patients susceptible to cisplatin compared with wild-type individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

GCT survivors cured with cisplatin-based chemotherapy are at risk for long-term side-effects. Detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms could be a valuable tool for predicting long-term toxicities.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Herein, this article summarizes the available evidence of long-term toxicity of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in GCT survivors and provide insights from Indiana University.