Risk factors for post-treatment hypogonadism in testicular cancer patients

Psychosexual functioning in cancer survivorship: What the pediatric oncologist needs to know

Sexual health may be disrupted in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) both during and after cancer treatment, irrespective of whether they are diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. Unfortunately, oncology providers often underestimate the relevance of psychosexual issues for AYAs and underprioritize sexual health throughout treatment and survivorship. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide information on (a) the etiology of psychosexual dysfunction in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and young adult survivors of childhood cancer; (b) strategies for communicating and evaluating potential sexual health issues of AYA patients/survivors; and (c) guidance for the practicing pediatric oncologist on how to address sexual health concerns with patients.

Psychosexual functioning in cancer survivorship: What the pediatric oncologist needs to know

Sexual health may be disrupted in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) both during and after cancer treatment, irrespective of whether they are diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. Unfortunately, oncology providers often underestimate the relevance of psychosexual issues for AYAs and underprioritize sexual health throughout treatment and survivorship. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide information on (a) the etiology of psychosexual dysfunction in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and young adult survivors of childhood cancer; (b) strategies for communicating and evaluating potential sexual health issues of AYA patients/survivors; and (c) guidance for the practicing pediatric oncologist on how to address sexual health concerns with patients.

Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis: Pathophysiology of Hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome characterized by the diminished functional activity of the testis resulting in low levels of testosterone and/or spermatozoa. Defects at one or more levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis can result in either primary or secondary hypogonadism. The changes that occur in the HPT axis from fetal to adult life are fundamental to understanding the pathophysiology of hypogonadism. In this article, we summarize the maturation and neuroendocrine regulation of the HPT axis and discuss the major congenital and acquired causes of male hypogonadism both at the (1) hypothalamic-pituitary (secondary hypogonadism) and (2) testicular (primary hypogonadism) levels.

Testicular Dysfunction Among Cancer Survivors

In parallel with increased survival rates, quality of life (QoL) has become of growing importance in the management of young cancer survivors. Several surveys have indicated that in those subjects, the issue of reproductive function is considered as one of the main QoL aspects. In this article, we summarize the current evidence, as well as gaps of knowledge and research needs, regarding the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on testicular function-including fertility and androgen production. Also, pre and posttherapy clinical management of reproductive issues in male cancer survivors, are given.

Low-grade inflammation in survivors of childhood cancer and testicular cancer and its association with hypogonadism and metabolic risk factors

Background

In childhood (CCS) and testicular cancer (TCS) survivors, low-grade inflammation may represent a link between testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) and risk of metabolic syndrome. We aimed to study levels of inflammatory markers in CCS and TCS and the association with hypogonadism and future cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Methods

Serum levels of inflammatory markers and testosterone were analyzed in CCS (n = 90), and TCS (n = 64, median time from diagnosis: 20 and 2.0 years, respectively), and in controls (n = 44). Differences in levels between patients and controls were calculated using univariate analysis of variance. T-test and logistic regression were applied to compare levels of cardio-metabolic risk factors and odds ratio (OR) of hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome in low and high inflammatory marker groups after 4–12 years of follow up. Adjustment for age, smoking, and active cancer was made.

Results

TCS and CCS, as compared to controls, had 1.44 (95%CI 1.06–1.96) and 1.25 (95 CI 1.02–1.53) times higher levels of IL-8, respectively. High IL-6 levels were associated with hypogonadism at baseline (OR 2.83, 95%CI 1.25–6.43) and the association was stronger for high IL-6 combined with low IL-10 levels (OR 3.10, 95%CI 1.37–7.01). High IL-6 levels were also associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, insulin, and HbA1c at follow up. High TNF-α was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure. No individual inflammatory marker was significantly associated with risk of metabolic syndrome at follow up. High IL-6 combined with low IL-10 levels were associated with risk of metabolic syndrome (OR 3.83, 95%CI 1.07–13.75), however not statistically significantly after adjustment.

Conclusion

TCS and CCS present with low-grade inflammation. High IL-6 levels were associated with hypogonadism and cardio-metabolic risk factors. Low IL-10 levels might reinforce the IL-6 mediated risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09253-5.

Clomiphene Citrate for Men with Hypogonadism - A Systematic Review & Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Male hypogonadism is a clinical and biochemical androgen insufficiency syndrome, becoming more prevalent with age. Exogenous testosterone is first choice therapy, with several side-effects, including negative feedback of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in suppression of intratesticular testosterone production and spermatogenesis. To preserve these testicular functions while treating male hypogonadism clomiphene citrate (CC) is used as off-label therapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CC therapy for men with hypogonadism.

METHODS

The EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane databases were searched in May 2021, for effectiveness studies of men with hypogonadism treated with CC. Both intervention and observational studies were included. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool, a validated instrument was used to assess methodological study quality. The primary outcome measure was the evaluation of serum hormone concentration. Secondary outcomes were symptoms of hypogonadism, metabolic- and lipid profile, side-effects, safety aspects.

RESULTS

We included 19 studies, comprising four randomized controlled trials and 15 observational studies, resulting in 1642 patients. Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 1279 patients. Therapy and follow-up duration varied between one and a half and 52 months. Total testosterone (TT) increased with 2.60 (95% CI 1.82 - 3.38) during CC treatment. An increase was also seen in free testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin and estradiol. Different symptom scoring methods were used in the included studies. The most frequently used instrument was the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males-questionnaire, which score improved during treatment. Reported side-effects were only prevalent in less than 10% of the study populations and no serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

CC is an effective therapy for improving both biochemical as well as clinical symptoms of males suffering from hypogonadism. CC has few reported side-effects and good safety aspects. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Testicular Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review

Testicular cancer (TC) is the most frequent tumor in young males. In the vast majority of cases, it is a curable disease; therefore, very often patients experience a long survival, also due to their young age at diagnosis. In the last decades, the role of the vitamin D deficiency related to orchiectomy has become an increasingly debated topic. Indeed, vitamin D is essential in bone metabolism and many other metabolic pathways, so its deficiency could lead to various metabolic disorders especially in long-term TC survivors. In our article, we report data from studies that evaluated the incidence of hypovitaminosis D in TC survivors compared with cohorts of healthy peers and we discuss molecular mechanisms and clinical implications.

Organ-Sparing Surgery in Testicular Tumor: Is This the Right Approach for Lesions ≤ 20 mm?

Background: This study was conducted in order to analyze factors predicting malignancy in patients undergoing organ-sparing surgery (OSS) for small testicular lesions. Methods: Patients with small (≤20 mm) marker-negative clinical stage I testicular tumors were managed by OSS with tumor enucleation and frozen section examination (FSE) for the past 15 years at our institution. Benign and malignant cases were compared, focusing on preoperative and postoperative lesion sizes. Results: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Ten (11.2%) of them were treated for synchronous bilateral tumors. Sixty-seven (67.7%) of ninety-nine lesions were benign, confirming a high concordance rate (98%) between FSE and final histology. Patients with benign tumors were significantly older than patients with malignant tumors (p = 0.026), and benign tumors were detected more frequently during urologic work-up of hormone disorders (p = 0.001). Preoperative tumor size was a strong predictor of malignancy (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.726; p < 0.001). According to the Youden index, the best cutoff to predict tumor dignity was 13.5 mm, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 53% and 85%, respectively. No cases of local recurrence or distant metastasis were confirmed after a median follow-up of 42 months. Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with previous reports, supporting an OSS approach in small testicular tumors whenever possible. Most tumors ≤ 20 mm were benign, and in the case of malignancy, OSS with FSE and consecutive orchiectomy is oncologically safe due to the high concordance rate of FSE and final histology, thus preventing a two-stage procedure.

Testicular Cancer Survivorship

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

Hypogonadism and Sexual Dysfunction in Testicular Tumor Survivors: A Systematic Review

Testicular tumor is the most common malignancy in men of reproductive age. According to the tumor histology and staging, current treatment options include orchiectomy alone or associated with adjuvant chemo- and/or radiotherapy. Although these treatments have considerably raised the percentage of survivors compared to the past, they have been identified as risk factors for testosterone deficiency and sexual dysfunction in this subgroup of men. Male hypogonadism, in turn, predisposes to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular impairment that negatively affects general health. Accordingly, longitudinal studies report a long-term risk for cardiovascular diseases after radiotherapy and/or cisplatin-based chemotherapy in testicular tumor survivors. The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence on hypogonadism and sexual dysfunction in long-term cancer survivors, including the epidemiology of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, to increase the awareness that serum testosterone levels, sexual function, and general health should be evaluated during the endocrinological management of these patients.

Quantification of the Leydig cell compartment in testicular biopsies and association with biochemical Leydig cell dysfunction in testicular cancer survivors

A simple histological method to evaluate the Leydig cell compartment is lacking. We aimed to establish such a method and to investigate if Leydig cell hyperplasia of the biopsy contralateral to the tumour-bearing testicle in patients with testicular germ cell cancer is associated with biochemical signs of Leydig cell dysfunction after long-term follow-up. A case group of 50 long-term testicular germ cell cancer survivors without human chorionic gonadotropin elevation, 10 testicular germ cell cancer patients with elevated human chorionic gonadotropin and 10 controls without testicular malignancy were included. For each subject, 2-4 representative sections from their testicular biopsies were selected for analysis. Using the image processing program ImageJ (V.1.48, NIH), an area with a minimum of 50 tubules was selected and delineated (total selected area) and the total Leydig cell area was calculated by adding up every delineated Leydig cell group within the total selected area. Four different methods were tested for the ability to quantify the Leydig cell compartment. In the 50 testicular germ cell cancer survivors, associations between the area of the Leydig cell compartment and serum levels of testosterone and luteinising hormone were investigated using linear regression analysis. The Leydig cell compartment was best quantified by the total Leydig cell area/total selected area index, which was significantly larger in the human chorionic gonadotropin-positive patients than in controls (P = 0.00001). In the 50 human chorionic gonadotropin-negative testicular germ cell cancer survivors, increasing total Leydig cell area/total selected area was significantly associated with decreased levels of total testosterone and decreased total testosterone/luteinising hormone ratio after a median of 9-year follow-up. In conclusion, a new simple method, total Leydig cell area/total selected area, was established to estimate the Leydig cell compartment in testicular biopsies. The index identified Leydig cell hyperplasia in the contralateral biopsy in patients with testicular germ cell cancer, and it was associated with long-term biochemical Leydig cell dysfunction. Although in testicular germ cell cancer survivors, the clinical value is limited because the contralateral biopsies are not commonly available, we propose a closer andrological follow-up in any patient with an increased total Leydig cell area/total selected area index.

Long term deficiency of vitamin D in germ cell testicular cancer survivors

Background

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy significantly improved the survival of patients with germ cell testicular cancer. However, long term side effects of chemotherapy have non-negligible impact on the quality of life of these young patients, who have a long life expectancy after being successfully treated.

Materials and Methods

25-OH vitamin D, testosterone, FSH and LH of patients with testicular cancer were retrospectively evaluated and for each patient clinical information were collected. The tissue of 52 patients with germ cell tumors was analyzed for VDR expression by immunohistochemistry. The serum 25-OH vitamin D and VDR expression were correlated to the patients 'clinical characteristics.

Results

25-OH vitamin D was analyzed in 82 patients. Insufficient (< 30 ng/ml) levels were detected in 65%-85%, mild deficient (< 20 ng/ml) in 25%-36% and severe deficient (< 10 ng/ml) in 6%-18% of the patients over a median follow-up of 48 months. No difference in serum 25-OH vitamin D was detected over the follow-up time points. No correlation with histology, stage and type of treatment was found. The 25-OH vitamin D levels were not correlated to testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Interestingly, the expression of VDR was much higher in non seminoma than in seminoma tissue.

Conclusions

Patients with testicular cancer have reduced vitamin D levels after the treatment of the primary cancer. Since long term hypovitaminosis D leads to high risk of fractures, infertility and cardiovascular diseases, we envision that vitamin D should be regularly checked in patients with testicular cancer and replaced if needed.

High risk of hypogonadism in young male cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Cancer and its treatment in childhood and young adulthood can cause hypogonadism, leading to increased risk of long-term morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of presenting with biochemical signs of hypogonadism in testicular cancer survivors (TCS) and male childhood cancer survivors (CCS) in relation to the type of treatment given.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

PATIENTS

Ninety-two TCS, 125 CCS (mean age 40 and median age 34 years, respectively; mean follow-up time 9.2 and 24 years, respectively) and a corresponding number of age-matched controls.

MEASUREMENTS

Fasting morning blood samples were analysed for total testosterone (TT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The odds ratios (OR) for hypogonadism, defined as primary, secondary, compensated or ongoing androgen replacement, were calculated for TCS and CCS and for subgroups defined by diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

Hypogonadism was found in 26% of CCS and 36% of TCS, respectively (OR: 2.1, P = .025 and OR = 2.3, P = .021). Among CCS, the OR was further increased in those given testicular irradiation (OR = 28, P = .004). Radiotherapy other than cranial or testicular irradiation plus chemotherapy, or cranial irradiation without chemotherapy, associated also with increased ORs (OR = 3.7, P = .013, and OR = 4.4, P = .038, respectively). Among TCS, those receiving >4 cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy had OR = 17, P = .015.

CONCLUSIONS

Biochemical signs of testosterone deficiency are recognized as markers of decreased life expectancy. Thus, the risk of hypogonadism in TCS and CCS should be recognized and emphasizes the need of long-term follow-up for these men.

Toxicities Associated with Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Long-Term Testicular Cancer Survivors

Testicular cancer has become the paradigm of adult-onset cancer survivorship, due to the young age at diagnosis and 10-year relative survival of 95%. This clinical review presents the current status of various treatment-related complications experienced by long-term testicular cancer survivors (TCS) free of disease for 5 or more years after primary treatment. Cardiovascular disease and second malignant neoplasms represent the most common potentially life-threatening late effects. Other long-term adverse outcomes include neuro- and ototoxicity, pulmonary complications, nephrotoxicity, hypogonadism, infertility, and avascular necrosis. Future research efforts should focus on delineation of the genetic underpinning of these long-term toxicities to understand their biologic basis and etiopathogenetic pathways, with the goal of developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies to optimize risk-based care and minimize chronic morbidities. In the interim, health care providers should advise TCS to adhere to national guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease risk factors, as well as to adopt behaviors consistent with a healthy lifestyle, including smoking cessation, a balanced diet, and a moderate to vigorous intensity exercise program. TCS should also follow national guidelines for cancer screening as currently applied to the general population.

Increased risk of testis failure in testicular germ cell tumor survivors undergoing radiotherapy

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are prevalent in males of reproductive age. Among the available therapeutic choices, pelvic radiotherapy (RT) and simple surveillance (SURV) are usually pursued. However, RT is considered to have life-threatening effects on testicular functions. In this study we sought to clarify this issue by evaluating sperm parameters and sex hormones in 131 TGCTs RT-treated-patients at both baseline (T0) and 12 (T1) and 24 months (T2) of follow-up. An age-matched group of 61 SURV patients served as control. Sperm parameters were comparable between SURV and RT at T0.

The RT group showed a significant reduction of all sperm parameters at T1 (all P values < 0.05 vs T0 and vs SURV at T1) and increased levels of sperm aneuploidies, with some degree of recovery at T2. On the other hand, despite normal levels of total testosterone being detected in both groups, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the RT group progressively increased at T1 and T2 with a relative risk of developing subclinical hypogonadism of 3.03 (95% CI: 1,50–6,11) compared to SURV. Again, compared to SURV, exposure to RT was associated with a 5.78 fold (95% CI: 2,91–11,48) risk of developing vitamin D insufficiency. These data suggest a likely RT-dependent impairment of the Leydig cell compartment.

Clinical significance of androgen secretion disorders in men with a malignancy

Cancer and its treatment can lead in men to testosterone deficiency, accompanied by somatic and mental symptoms. Germ cell tumours and their treatment may disturb the pituitary-gonadal axis, hence leading to significant clinical abnormalities. In some prostate cancer patients, castration, temporary or permanent, is a desired therapeutic condition. Yet, it is burdened with various side effects of complex intensity and significance. Last but not least, patients in the terminal stage of a malignancy present with low testosterone concentrations as a part of anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Oncological management of such patients disturbs their homeostasis, androgen metabolism included, which results in numerous complications and worsens their quality of life. In the present paper, we analysed the frequency and sequelae of testosterone deficiency in some clinical scenarios, on the basis of original papers, meta-analyses and reviews available in PubMed. Androgen secretion disorders in male cancer patients depend on a cancer type, stage and methods of treatment. Number of testicular cancer survivors is increasing, and as a consequence, more patients cope with late complications, testosterone deficiency included. Hormone therapy in prostate cancer patients significantly prolongs survival, and then numerous men experience long-term adverse effects of androgen deficiency. Those, in turn, particularly the metabolic syndrome, may contribute to increased mortality. Androgen deficiency is a part of cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome. The role of androgen deficiency in cancer patients is still under debate, and further studies are urgently needed to establish appropriate clinical guidelines.

Risk of low bone mineral density in testicular germ cell cancer survivors: association with hypogonadism and treatment modality

The cure rate of testicular cancer exceeds 95%, but testicular cancer survivors (TCS) are at increased risk of hypogonadism (HG). It has been suggested that TCS have reduced bone mineral density (BMD), but it is unclear whether this is related to HG or a direct effect of cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TCS have decreased BMD, and if BMD is related to HG and/or the cancer treatment given. We investigated 91 TCS (mean age at diagnosis: 31 years; mean 9.3 years follow-up) and equal number of age matched controls (mean age at inclusion 40.3 years and 41.2 years, respectively). Total testosterone and LH were measured. BMD was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Low BMD (LBD) was defined as Z-score <-1. Compared to eugonadal TCS, both TCS with untreated HG (mean difference: -0.063 g/cm² ; 95% CI: -0.122; -0.004 p = 0.037) and TCS receiving androgen replacement (mean difference -0.085 g/cm² ; 95% CI: -0.168; -0.003; p = 0.043) presented with statistically significantly 6-8% lower hip BMD. At the spine, L1-L4, an 8% difference reached the level of statistical significance only for those with untreated HG (mean difference: -0.097 g/cm² ; 95% CI: -0.179; -0.014; p = 0.022). TCS with untreated HG had significantly increased OR for spine L1-L4 LBD (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.3; 13; p = 0.020). The associations between the treatment given and BMD were statistically non-significant, both with and without adjustment for HG. In conclusion, TCS with HG are at increased risk of impaired bone health. Prevention of osteoporosis should be considered as an important part in future follow up of these men.

Dynamics of hormonal disorders following unilateral orchiectomy for a testicular tumor

Testicular tumors and their treatment interfere with homeostasis, hormonal status included. The aim of the study was to evaluate hormonal disorders of the pituitary–gonadal axis in men treated for testicular tumors. One hundred twenty-eight men treated for a unilateral testicular tumor at our institution were included. The hormonal status was prospectively evaluated in 62 patients before orchiectomy, 120 patients 1 month after orchiectomy and 110 patients at least 1 year after the treatment. The concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), testosterone (T), estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin were measured. The clinically significant testosterone deficiency was defined either as testosterone <2.31 ng/mL or testosterone within the range of 2.31–3.46 ng/mL but simultaneous with T/LH ratio ≤1. Changes in hormone levels were significant: LH and FSH rose in the course of observation, and the concentration of hCG, testosterone, estradiol decreased. PRL concentration was the lowest at 1 month after orchiectomy. In multivariate analysis, the risk of the clinically significant testosterone deficiency was 0.2107 (95% CI 0.1206–0.3419) prior to orchiectomy, 0.3894 (95% CI 0.2983–0.4889) 1 month after surgery and 0.4972 (95% CI 0.3951–0.5995) 1 year after the treatment. The estradiol concentration was elevated in 40% of patients with recently diagnosed testicular cancer and that was correlated with a higher risk of testosterone deficiency after the treatment completion. Hormonal disorders of the pituitary–gonadal axis in men treated for testicular tumors are frequent. The malignant tissue triggers paraneoplastic disorders that additionally disturb the hormonal equilibrium.

Longitudinal Changes in Serum Levels of Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone in Testicular Cancer Patients after Orchiectomy Alone or Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists whether Leydig cells recover after testicular cancer (TC) treatment or whether premature hormonal aging will occur.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate serial changes in total testosterone (TT) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in patients treated with orchiectomy alone (Stage I) or combination chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP).

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

Changes in TT and LH were investigated during 5-yr follow-up (Stage I: n=75, BEP: n=81). A selected group of TC patients with mild Leydig cell dysfunction (LH ≥ 8 IU/l) were followed for a longer period (Stage I: n=20, BEP: n=23). An age-matched control group of 839 healthy men served as controls for TT and LH levels.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Changes in age-adjusted TT and LH were evaluated separately in each treatment group with univariate linear regression analysis. The proportion of patients initiating testosterone substitution during follow-up was calculated.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In the 75 Stage I patients there were no significant changes in LH and TT, while in the 81 BEP treated patients there was a significant decline in LH during follow-up (-24.2 percentage point/yr, 95% confidence interval: -38.5 to -9.9, p=0.001). In total, 11% of Stage I patients and 15% of BEP-treated patients initiated testosterone substitution. In the 23 BEP-treated patients with mild Leydig cell dysfunction there was a significant decline in age-adjusted TT (-0.9 percentage point/yr, 95% confidence interval: -1.8 to -0.04, p=0.04), while in the 20 Stage I patients there were no significant changes in age-adjusted LH and TT. Limitations include the retrospective study design.

CONCLUSIONS

TT remained stable during 5-yr follow-up in TC patients treated with orchiectomy alone or BEP. BEP-treated patients with mild Leydig cell dysfunction during follow-up were at risk of long-term testicular failure and evaluation of Leydig cell function beyond follow-up should be considered in this group of patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This study shows that the majority of testicular cancer survivors had stable testosterone levels after treatment for testicular cancer. However, 11-15% of patients needed testosterone substitution after treatment.

Associations between long-term serum platinum and neurotoxicity and ototoxicity, endocrine gonadal function, and cardiovascular disease in testicular cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the associations between long-term serum levels of platinum (se-Pt) and neurotoxicity and ototoxicity (NTX), endocrine gonadal function (endocrine-GF), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in testicular cancer survivors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 292 cisplatin-treated testicular cancer survivors (1980-1994) participated in a national follow-up study (2007-2008). Se-Pt was quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and categorized in quartiles. Symptoms of NTX were assessed with scale for chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity (SCIN), with each symptom in 4 categories and total SCIN score categorized in quartiles. Endocrine-GF was categorized according to cutoff values for the 25, 50, and 75 percentiles of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone within each decadal age group established from a control group. CVD was defined as ischemic heart disease, stroke, or artery occlusion. Associations between se-Pt levels and NTX, endocrine-GF, or risk for CVD, were analyzed with ordinal logistic regression and Cox regression, respectively.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 19 years (range: 13-28). In ordinal regression analyses, increasing quartiles of se-Pt were significantly associated with increasing quartiles of SCIN (P for trend = 0.05), increased tinnitus (P<0.001), and increased hearing impairment (P = 0.04). The association remained significant for tinnitus when adjusting for cisplatin dose. Increasing LH quartiles was associated with increasing se-Pt quartiles (P = 0.04). No association between se-Pt in quartiles and CVD was established.

CONCLUSION

Median 19 years after treatment, increasing quartiles of se-Pt are associated with increasing SCIN score, tinnitus, hearing impairment, and increasing LH levels. However, these associations remained significant only for tinnitus and LH when adjusting for administered cisplatin dose.

Pregnancy after chemotherapy in male and female survivors of childhood cancer treated between 1970 and 1999: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort

BACKGROUND

The effect of many contemporary chemotherapeutic drugs on pregnancy and livebirth is not well established. We aimed to establish the effects of these drugs on pregnancy in male and female survivors of childhood cancer not exposed to pelvic or cranial radiotherapy.

METHODS

We used data from a subset of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort, which followed 5-year survivors of the most common types of childhood cancer who were diagnosed before age 21 years and treated at 27 institutions in the USA and Canada between 1970 and 1999. We extracted doses of 14 alkylating and similar DNA interstrand crosslinking drugs from medical records. We used sex-specific Cox models to establish the independent effects of each drug and the cumulative cyclophosphamide equivalent dose of all drugs in relation to pregnancies and livebirths occurring between ages 15 years and 44 years. We included siblings of survivors as a comparison group.

FINDINGS

We included 10 938 survivors and 3949 siblings. After a median follow-up of 8 years (IQR 4-12) from cohort entry or at age 15 years, whichever was later, 4149 (38%) survivors reported having or siring a pregnancy, of whom 3453 (83%) individuals reported at least one livebirth. After a median follow-up of 10 years (IQR 6-15), 2445 (62%) siblings reported having or siring a pregnancy, of whom 2201 (90%) individuals reported at least one livebirth. In multivariable analysis, survivors had a decreased likelihood of siring or having a pregnancy versus siblings (male survivors: hazard ratio [HR] 0·63, 95% CI 0·58-0·68; p<0·0001; female survivors: 0·87, 0·81-0·94; p<0·0001) or of having a livebirth (male survivors: 0·63, 0·58-0·69; p<0·0001; female survivors: 0·82, 0·76-0·89; p<0·0001). In male survivors, reduced likelihood of pregnancy was associated with upper tertile doses of cyclophosphamide (HR 0·60, 95% CI 0·51-0·71; p<0·0001), ifosfamide (0·42, 0·23-0·79; p=0·0069), procarbazine (0·30, 0·20-0·46; p<0·0001) and cisplatin (0·56, 0·39-0·82; p=0·0023). Cyclophosphamide equivalent dose in male survivors was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of siring a pregnancy (per 5000 mg/m(2) increments: HR 0·82, 95% CI 0·79-0·86; p<0·0001). However, in female survivors, only busulfan (<450 mg/m(2) HR 0·22, 95% CI 0·06-0·79; p=0·020; ≥450 mg/m(2) 0·14, 0·03-0·55; p=0·0051) and doses of lomustine equal to or greater than 411 mg/m(2) (0·41, 0·17-0·98; p=0·046) were significantly associated with reduced pregnancy; cyclophosphamide equivalent dose was associated with risk only at the highest doses in analyses categorised by quartile (upper quartile vs no exposure: HR 0·85, 95% CI 0·74-0·98; p=0·023). Results for livebirth were similar to those for pregnancy.

INTERPRETATION

Greater doses of contemporary alkylating drugs and cisplatin were associated with a decreased likelihood of siring a pregnancy in male survivors of childhood cancer. However, our findings should provide reassurance to most female survivors treated with chemotherapy without radiotherapy to the pelvis or brain, given that chemotherapy-specific effects on pregnancy were generally few. Nevertheless, consideration of fertility preservation before cancer treatment remains important to maximise the reproductive potential of all adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer.

FUNDING

National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and the American Lebanese-Syrian Associated Charities.

Testosterone deficiency and quality of life in Australasian testicular cancer survivors: a prospective cohort study

This is the first prospective study in a contemporary Australian/New Zealand population to determine the prevalence of testosterone deficiency in testicular cancer survivors at 12 months from treatment, and any association with poorer quality of life. Hormone assays from 54 evaluable patients in a prospective cohort study revealed biochemical hypogonadism in 18 patients (33%) and low-normal testosterone in 13 patients (24%). We found no association between testosterone levels and quality of life (all P > 0.05). Hypogonadal patients should be considered for testosterone replacement to prevent long-term morbidity.

Longitudinal Serum Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Levels in a Population-Based Sample of Long-Term Testicular Cancer Survivors

Purpose

To assess longitudinal long-term alterations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in testicular cancer survivors (TCSs).

Patients and Methods

In all, 307 TCSs treated from 1980 to 1994 provided blood samples after orchiectomy but before further treatment, at Survey I (SI; 1998-2002), and Survey II (SII; 2007-2008). Levels of sex hormones were categorized according to quartiles and reference range (2.5 and 97.5 percentiles) of 599 controls for each decadal age group. TCSs were categorized according to treatment: surgery, radiotherapy (RT), or chemotherapy (CT). The risk of higher (LH) or lower (testosterone) levels was assessed with χ2 test (FSH) or ordinal logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs.

Results

Risk of lower testosterone and higher LH and FSH levels was significantly increased for TCSs at all time points after RT or CT. At SII, ORs were 3.3 (95% CI, 2.3 to 4.7) for lower testosterone categories and 5.2 (95% CI, 3.5 to 7.9) for RT and CT. ORs for increased LH and FSH were 4.4 (95% CI, 3.1 to 6.5) and 18.9 (95% CI, 11.0 to 32.6) for RT, respectively, and 3.6 (95% CI, 2.4 to 5.3) and 14.2 (95% CI, 8.3 to 24.4) for CT, respectively. The cumulative platinum dose was significantly associated with risk of higher LH levels at both surveys and higher FSH at SI. In total, half the TCSs had at least one of three sex hormone levels outside the reference range at SII.

Conclusion

Long-term TCSs are at risk of premature hormonal aging. Our findings may pertain to cancer survivors in general, underlining the importance of extended follow-up.

Minimizing toxicity in early-stage testicular cancer treatment

Testicular cancer is the paradigm of a curable malignancy, with 10-year survival rates exceeding 95%. Cisplatin-based regimes offer a survival gain of several decades of life; however, measures of outcomes in testicular cancer are evolving. Survivorship issues are becoming increasingly important in this young adult population. Long-term risks of second malignancy and cardiovascular disease secondary to chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been extensively documented, leading to an increased uptake of surveillance. However, the optimal surveillance schedule is not universally agreed upon. Research into modalities to detect relapse and frequency is ongoing. Reducing the treatment burden with fewer cycles of chemotherapy (one cycle of bleomycin, cisplatin and etoposide instead of two for stage I high-risk nonseminomatous tumors) or less toxic alternatives (carboplatin instead of radiotherapy for stage I seminomas) is currently being explored. This article details the toxicities associated with the diagnosis and treatments of early-stage testicular cancer and current strategies used to minimize toxicity while retaining the excellent cure rates.

Male reproductive health after childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

The majority of children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with cancer will become long-term survivors. Although cancer therapy is associated with many adverse effects, one of the primary concerns of young male cancer survivors is reproductive health. Future fertility is often the focus of concern; however, it must be recognized that all aspects of male health, including pubertal development, testosterone production, and sexual function, can be impaired by cancer therapy. Although pretreatment strategies to preserve reproductive health have been beneficial to some male patients, many survivors remain at risk for long-term reproductive complications. Understanding risk factors and monitoring the reproductive health of young male survivors are important aspects of follow-up care. The Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer (COG-LTFU Guidelines) were created by the COG to provide recommendations for follow-up care of survivors at risk for long-term complications. The male health task force of the COG-LTFU Guidelines, composed of pediatric oncologists, endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, a urologist, and a radiation oncologist, is responsible for updating the COG-LTFU Guidelines every 2 years based on literature review and expert consensus. This review summarizes current task force recommendations for the assessment and management of male reproductive complications after treatment for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers. Issues related to male health that are being investigated, but currently not included in the COG-LTFU Guidelines, are also discussed. Ongoing investigation will inform future COG-LTFU Guideline recommendations for follow-up care to improve health and quality of life for male survivors.

Testicular cancer survivorship

Because of a rising incidence of, and declining mortality from, testicular cancer, there are an increasing number of survivors of testicular cancer. Given their young age at diagnosis, the survivors have many years of life ahead of them during which they may experience adverse consequences from cancer and its treatment. Over the past few decades and particularly in this century, research into the short- and long-term effects of treatments of testicular cancer has grown rapidly, and now there exist a much greater body of data to help us counsel patients about the risks and side effects of these treatments.

A prospective study of neuropsychological functioning in testicular cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Whether systemic chemotherapy has a negative effect on cognitive function in patients, concern oncologists. In testicular cancer patients (TCPs) treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, only few cross-sectional studies have addressed this concern. We prospectively studied neuropsychological functioning in TCPs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a consecutive sampling, 122 TCPs were examined at baseline (after orchidectomy, before any additional treatment) and then at follow-up at a median of 12 months after end of treatment. The examinations included a neuropsychological test battery, interview on background variables and questionnaires on mental distress, fatigue and neurotoxic symptoms. Changes in neuropsychological functioning from baseline to follow-up were compared between three treatments groups: no chemotherapy (N = 31), one cycle of chemotherapy (N = 38) and two or more cycles of chemotherapy (N = 53). Variables associated with a decline in neuropsychological test performance from baseline to follow-up were explored.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences in proportions of TCPs with a decline in neuropsychological test performance were observed between the three treatment groups. Decline in neuropsychological test performance was not associated with demographic variables, distress, fatigue or with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

No negative effect of systemic chemotherapy on neuropsychological test performance in TCPs at 1-year follow-up was found in this study.

Emotional disorders in testicular cancer survivors in relation to hypogonadism, androgen receptor polymorphism and treatment modality

PURPOSE

It has been documented that testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) patients may be at increased risk of developing emotional distress (EMD). Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether EMD is related to the presence of hypogonadism, androgen receptor (AR) polymorphism and/or treatment intensity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three to five years after treatment, testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured in 165 TGCC patients. These patients also completed a questionnaire concerning mental health. EMD was measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The androgen receptor (AR) gene has two polymorphic regions in exon I; glutamine encoding CAG and glycine encoding GGN repeats. Association between emotional disorders and AR polymorphisms as well as type of treatment was assessed.

RESULTS

Neither anxiety (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.40-2.4) nor depression (OR 1.1; 95% CI 0.20-6.4) were overrepresented in biochemically hypogonadal TGCC patients and no association between AR polymorphisms and EMD was found. Patients treated with >or=5 cycles of cisplatinum based chemotherapy due to refractory or relapsed disease were more prone to experiencing symptoms of anxiety (p=0.006), but not depression (p=0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Biochemical hypogonadism and AR polymorphism do not seem to be risk factors for EMD in TGCC patients. Patients with refractory or relapsed disease receiving >or=5 cycles of cisplatinum based chemotherapy may, to a higher degree than patients receiving less intense therapy, suffer from anxiety.

Risk-Adapted Treatment in Clinical Stage I Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Testicular Cancer: The SWENOTECA Management Program

Purpose

To offer minimized risk-adapted adjuvant treatment on a nationwide basis for patients with clinical stage 1 (CS1) nonseminomatous germ-cell testicular cancer (NSGCT). The aim was to reduce the risk of relapse and thereby reducing the need of later salvage chemotherapy while maintaining a high cure rate.

Patients and Methods

From 1998 to 2005, 745 Norwegian and Swedish patients were included into a prospective, community-based multicenter Swedish and Norwegian Testicular Cancer Project (SWENOTECA) management program. Treatment strategy depended on the presence or absence of vascular tumor invasion (VASC). VASC-positive patients were recommended brief adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP), whereas VASC-negative patients could choose between ACT and surveillance.

Results

At a median follow-up of 4.7 years, there have been 51 relapses. On surveillance, 41.7% of VASC+ patients relapsed, compared with 13.2% of VASC− patients. After one course of BEP, 3.2% of VASC+ and 1.3% of VASC− patients relapsed. The toxicity of adjuvant BEP was low. Eight patients have died, none died from progressive disease.

Conclusion

One course of adjuvant BEP reduces the risk of relapse by approximately 90% in both VASC+ and VASC− CS1 NSGCT, and may be a new option as initial treatment for all CS1 NSGCT. One course of adjuvant BEP for VASC+ CS1 reduces the total burden of chemotherapy compared with surveillance or two courses of BEP. SWENOTECA currently recommends one course of BEP as standard treatment of VASC+ CS1 NSGCT, whereas both surveillance and one course of BEP are options for VASC− CS1 NSGCT.

Sexual function in men treated for testicular cancer

INTRODUCTION

Testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) patients may be at risk of developing sexual dysfunction after treatment.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in TGCC patients 3 to 5 years after treatment, and relate findings to biochemical hypogonadism, treatment intensity, and the expected prevalence in the Swedish male population.

METHODS

A questionnaire study on 129 consecutive TGCC patients 3 to 5 years post-treatment was performed. Comparators were an age-matched nationally representative group of men (N = 916) included in a study on sexual life in Sweden.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sexual functions (including erectile dysfunctional distress), time since last intercourse, sexual satisfaction, and experience of sexological treatment seeking were assessed using the same questions used in the epidemiological study on sexual life in Sweden. The findings in TGCC patients were correlated to biochemical signs of hypogonadism and type of oncological treatment: Surveillance, adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, or standard doses of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of TGCC patients than comparators were likely to report low sexual desire (odds ratio [OR] 6.7 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.1-21]) as well as erectile dysfunction (OR 3.8 [95% CI 1.4-10]). No significant differences were observed regarding erectile dysfunctional distress, change of desire over time, interest in sex, premature or delayed ejaculation, time since last intercourse, need for or receiving sexual advice, or sexual satisfaction. Hypogonadism did not predict erectile dysfunction (OR 1.1 [95% CI 0.26-4.5]) or low sexual desire (OR 1.2 [95% CI 0.11-14]). Treatment modality had no obvious impact on sexual function.

CONCLUSION

Men treated for testicular cancer had higher risk of having low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction 3 to 5 years after completion of therapy than comparators. These sexual dysfunctions were not significantly associated with treatment intensity or hypogonadism.