Long-term survival and morbidity in patients with metastatic malignant germ cell tumors treated with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy

Vascular Toxicity of Antineoplastic Agents

Among the various deleterious effects of cancer chemotherapy, vascular toxicity is the least well recognized. This lack of recognition may be because the vasculotoxic phenomena are not unique to antineoplastic agents, can occur in patients without exposure to these agents, and the fact cancer itself may produce a hypercoagulable state. As a result, many vascular events either go unnoticed, are ignored, and/or are attributed to the underlying malignancy. Many antineoplastic therapies are associated with various vascular phenomena that range from simple phelibitis to lethal microangiopathy. Recognition of these events is important to minimize the morbidity and even prevent unnecessary deaths. Herein we review the vascular syndromes that have been reported in association with antineoplastic agents.

Fertility after cancer: a prospective review of assisted reproductive outcome with banked semen specimens

OBJECTIVE

To examine the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) using cryopreserved semen from patients with cancer.

DESIGN

Prospective.

SETTING

Therapeutic semen banking program at a tertiary healthcare center.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty-nine men with cancer who cryopreserved their sperm before treatment at our facility from 1982 to 2001 and withdrew their samples for assisted reproduction (IUI, IVF, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]).

INTERVENTION(S)

Sperm bank records were used to identify the patients. Information on fertility potential indices was obtained from medical records and through interviews. Of the 29 patients, 9 had testicular cancer, 12 had Hodgkin's disease, and 8 had other types of cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Pregnancy and live births.

RESULT(S)

A total of 87 ART cycles (42 IUI, 26 IVF, and 19 ICSI) was performed. Of those cycles, 18.3% resulted in pregnancy (7% IUI, 23% IVF, and 37% ICSI), and 75% of the pregnancies resulted in a live birth (100% IUI, 83% IVF, and 57% ICSI). There was no significant difference in the outcomes when the results were stratified by type of ART and malignancy. None of the 11 infants who were born had congenital anomalies.

CONCLUSION(S)

Our findings emphasize the need for physicians to discuss the issue of semen cryopreservation with all men of reproductive age who have cancer before antineoplastic therapy is started.

Cardiovascular disease as a long-term complication of treatment for testicular cancer

PURPOSE

To assess the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and cardiac risk factors in long-term survivors of testicular cancer according to treatment received.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All resident male patients registered in the United Kingdom between 1982 and 1992 attending for follow-up were eligible for recruitment. Patients completed a current health questionnaire and underwent clinical review, along with hematologic, biochemical, and hormonal profiles. For patients not under routine review, follow-up information was sought from their general practitioner and mortality data were sought from the Office of National Statistics. Descriptive analysis was performed on all variables and comparisons were made among patients treated by orchidectomy and follow-up only, chemotherapy alone (C), radiotherapy alone (RT), and radiotherapy and chemotherapy (C/RT).

RESULTS

Data on cardiovascular events were available on 992 patients. After a median follow-up of 10.2 years, 68 events had been reported, including 18 deaths. After adjusting for age, increased risk for cardiac events was seen after C (relative risk [RR] = 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15 to 5.84; P =.022), RT (RR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.04 to 5.45; P =.036), and C/RT (RR = 2.78; 95% CI, 1.09 to 7.07; P =.032). There were no significant differences in cardiac risk factors. On multivariate analysis, age, treatment group, free thyroxine, protein, and magnesium levels were associated with cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSION

In long-term survivors of testicular cancer, we observed a two-fold or greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This was not due to increases in cardiac risk factors, which suggests a direct or indirect treatment effect. These data support the continued research into the minimization of treatment in good-prognosis testicular cancer.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and gynecologic oncology: a review

Sperm cryopreservation permits young men, undergoing cancer treatments, to preserve their fertility. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation have the same goal for young women and could also be an option for children. However, only primordial follicles survive after freezing and a follicular maturation is needed after thawing. This maturation has not yet been realized in humans, pregnancies have only been obtained in animal models. As cryopreservation is yet effective in humans, many teams have already cryopreserved the ovarian tissue of patients who have nothing to lose as their follicular reserve would have been destroyed or severely depleted by cancer treatment. The preservation of fertility is rarely an issue in gynecologic oncology because it usually concerns post-menopausal women. However, they are early-onset forms of gynecologic cancers and in these cases fertility is often threatened. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation may be performed when curative or prophylactic ovariectomy must be undergone, when chemotherapy with high-dose alkylating agents is planned or when pelvic radiation is needed (particularly in cases requiring chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy). In some of these situations it would be dangerous to graft back the tissue to the patient as cancer cells could remain within the grafts, the best solution in this case would be the in vitro follicular maturation.

Late effects of treatment for germ cell tumors during childhood and adolescence

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term sequelae of treatment for malignant germ cell tumors (GCT) during childhood and adolescence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 128 patients treated for GCT at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 1962 and 1988, 73 are long-term survivors (continuously disease-free for > or =5 years after diagnosis), with a median follow-up of 11.3 years). Survivors' ages at diagnosis ranged from birth to 18.3 years (median, 9.2 years); 64% (47 patients) were female. Initial surgical resection was followed by observation for stage I germinomas (n = 2), testicular tumors (n = 13), and selected cases of ovarian or sacrococcygeal tumors (n = 2), and by radiation therapy (RT) for patients with stage II to III germinoma (n = 8). The remaining 48 patients received postoperative chemotherapy (vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide [VAC] +/- doxorubicin, 1962 to 1978; VAC and/or cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin [PVB], 1979 to 1988). RT was added to the chemotherapy for 21 patients. Late complications involving various organ systems and their relationship to treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

More than two-thirds of long-term survivors (n = 50) had at least 1 complication, and half (n = 38) had > 1 organ system affected. The systems most often involved included the musculoskeletal (41% of survivors), endocrine (42%), cardiovascular (16% excluding those who had only abnormal chest radiograph), gastrointestinal (25%), genitourinary tract (23%), pulmonary (19%), and neurologic (16%) systems. High-frequency hearing loss occurred in 58% (11 of 19) of patients treated with cisplatin. Musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract abnormalities were most frequent in patients whose treatment included RT.

CONCLUSIONS

A high frequency of late effects after treatment for pediatric GCT, particularly in patients who received RT, was demonstrated. Treatment sequelae could be anticipated from the intensity and type of therapeutic modalities. Treatment-directed screening evaluations may improve quality of life in long-term survivors of pediatric GCT through timely identification of sequelae that can be prevented or ameliorated.

Analysis of risk factors for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in patients with testicular cancer

This study evaluates the degree and relevance of persisting ototoxicity after cisplatin-based standard-dose chemotherapy for testicular cancer, with emphasis on identification of potential factors for an increased risk of this late sequel. Hearing thresholds of 86 patients with a median age of 31 years (range 21-53 years) and a median follow-up time of 58 months (range 15-159 months) were assessed by conventional pure-tone audiometry. Interviews were conducted evaluating the patients' history with special regard to audiological risk factors, as well as circumstances of ototoxic symptoms. Details concerning treatment and patient variables were extracted retrospectively from the patients' charts. An additional screening programme assessed current body functions, blood parameters and other late toxicities. Symptomatic ototoxicity persisted in 20% of patients (59% tinnitus, 18% hearing loss, 23% both), while 10% had experienced completely reversible ototoxic symptoms for a duration of 1-18 months after treatment. Symptoms were bilateral in 81% of patients. Hearing thresholds were compatible with cisplatin-induced hearing loss in 42% of audiograms performed. Subjective (history) and objective (audiogram) findings were not always consistent. The following statistically significant risk factors for ototoxicity were established: high cumulative dose of cisplatin (P < 0.0001); history of noise exposure (P = 0.006). Additionally, high doses of vincristine (P = 0.001) seemed to result in reversible ototoxic symptoms. No other independent risk factors were identified. In conclusion, persisting ototoxicity represents a clinical sequel for approximately 20% of testicular cancer patients treated at standard dose but may affect more than 50% of patients receiving cumulative doses of cisplatin > 400 mg m(-2). Previous noise exposure may also result in a threefold increased risk for cisplatin ototoxicity. Future studies should use these risk factors as important stratification criteria for trials aiming at the evaluation and prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon and other late vascular complications following chemotherapy for testicular cancer

182 patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for testicular cancer at Hannover University Medical School who were in complete remission (CR) for more than 1 year after therapy were randomly selected for the evaluation of late vascular toxicity. 90 patients with a mean age of 28 years (19-53) and a median follow-up of 57.9 months (15-159) participated in this examination. Patients were examined clinically and digital photoelectric pulse plethysmography (PP) and Doppler-flow of the digital arteries after cold exposure were performed. Thirty seven per cent of patients developed symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) after chemotherapy, which were transient in 7%. PP proved to be highly diagnostic for RP with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 100%. As significant risk factors for the development of RP, the cumulative dose of bleomycin (P < 0.05) and the use of bleomycin in combination with vinblastine (PVB-regimen) instead of etoposide (PEB-regimen) (P < 0.01) were found. A trend for an increased frequency of RP was observed in patients who received bleomycin as a bolus instead of continuous infusion. No significant correlation was seen with the cumulative or single doses of cisplatin, etoposide or vinblastine, serum magnesium levels during or after chemotherapy or a history of smoking. RP was not associated with the occurrence of neuro- or ototoxicity. All 7 patients with hypertensive blood pressure before chemotherapy developed RP. Furthermore, the median postchemotherapy diastolic blood pressure had increased by 8 mmHg compared to prechemotherapy values, leading to significant hypertension in 8 patients (> 20 mmHg increase). 2 patients developed major vascular events with myocardial infarctions at 4 years and 5 years after chemotherapy, respectively. No cerebral infarction was registered. In summary, RP is the main late vascular toxicity affecting one third of patients after curative chemotherapy for testicular cancer. However, the incidence of RP following PEB-therapy in contrast to PVB-therapy appears to be lower. Major vascular events seem to be rare. The prospective evaluation of late toxicity should be part of current chemotherapy treatment for testicular cancer, and long-term follow-up of surviving patients is recommended.

Genomic imprinting: a proposed explanation for the different behaviours of testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors

Gonadal germ cell tumors in males are malignant in greater than 98% of cases while their ovarian counterparts are benign in 97% of cases. It has recently become clear that the maternal and paternal genomic contributions to the fertilized egg, provided by the haploid germ cells, have different and, to some extent, complementary effects on the developing embryo. This phenomenon, termed genomic imprinting, is a result of epigenetic modification of the genomes of male and female germ cells that has occurred in a sex-specific way during gametogenesis. There is a balance between the paternal and maternal effects in a normal embryo; results to date suggest that the paternal imprint promotes growth while the maternal imprint acts to limit potentially harmful overgrowth. It is proposed that differences in clinical behaviour between ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors can be explained by differences in the normal pattern of genomic imprinting of female and male germ cells.

Evidence of malignant features in histologically mature teratoma

A total of 33 specimens from 29 patients with residual stable teratoma and mature growing teratoma after chemotherapy was analyzed for clinicopathological and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) flow cytometric variables, as well as the presence of proliferative antigen and tumor marker levels in an attempt to explain their clinical behavior. We compared the flow cytometric and histological data of these stable and growing teratomas, and of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors before chemotherapy. The DNA content of residual teratoma did not differ significantly from that of the primary testicular tumors (1.38 versus 1.48). Histological analysis of stable and growing teratomas revealed no significant difference but proliferative cellular nuclear antigen was expressed mainly in the epithelial component of the growing teratoma. alpha-Fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and carcinoembryonic antigen were elevated in the fluid of 6 excised teratomas, while concomitant serum levels were normal. The aneuploidy and elevated cystic fluid tumor markers confirm the malignant phenotype of post-chemotherapy residual teratomas. Therefore, complete surgical removal is essential despite the benign histological appearance.

Cisplatin ototoxicity in children: a practical grading system

A long-term follow-up study was carried out to assess ototoxicity in children who had been treated for a malignant tumour with "standard dose" cisplatin (60-100 mg/m2 per course), and were at least 2 years from stopping treatment. The median age at diagnosis was 2 years 2 months (range 1 month to 13.5 years). On the basis of hearing assessment by pure-tone audiometry, a practical grading system of hearing loss from 0 to 4 is proposed. Moderate to severe high-frequency hearing loss (grade 2-4) was found in half the children and 10 require appropriate hearing aids. The risk of developing ototoxicity increased significantly with the cumulative cisplatin dose (P = 0.027), although there was considerable individual susceptibility. Serial follow-up testing, to a median of 4 years after completion of cisplatin treatment, showed no recovery of hearing in any of these children. We suggest careful monitoring of young children by a consultant audiological physician throughout treatment with cisplatin, particularly when doses of 400 mg/m2 and over have been reached. Alternative chemotherapy should be discussed if grade 2 ototoxicity develops.

Long-term sequelae of treatment for testicular germ cell tumours

Seventy-four patients previously treated in our department for germ cell tumour of the testis underwent a series of tests to determine the frequency of long-term therapeutic complications. All had received cisplatin-based chemotherapy as part of their treatment. There was a significant deterioration in renal function throughout the group. Eighteen (24%) had supine blood pressure greater than systolic 140 mmHg or diastolic 90 mmHg after treatment but hypertension did not correlate with renal impairment. Raynaud's phenomenon was common after chemotherapy (26/74) as was persistent sensory neuropathy (23/74). Although 34% had testosterone levels below the normal range, only six patients had a low free testosterone index with one testis still in situ; 18 patients have fathered children after chemotherapy. Approximately half of the patients completed a psychosexual questionnaire and some 30% of them admitted to sexual problems which they attributed to their treatment. Long-term sequelae of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for testicular malignancy are frequent and persistent, and follow-up of these patients should include prospective measurement of changes in blood pressure.

Testicular cancer in young Norwegians

The clinical experience is reviewed in 597 Norwegian testicular cancer patients (age range: 15-45 years) treated from 1979 to 1986. During this period, computer tomography, determination of serum AFP/HCG, and cisplatin-based chemotherapy represented the modern diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Before orchiectomy 67% of the patients had elevated AFP/HCG. An abnormal postorchiectomy serum tumour marker decrease and the presence of small vessel infiltration in the histological sections of the primary tumour significantly predicted microscopic retroperitoneal metastases in patients with clinical stage I (CSI) nonseminoma. One-third of these patients had a pathological stage II (PSII). After radiotherapy 99% of 90 seminoma patients (CSI/IIa) survived for 5 years. After cisplatin-based chemotherapy (+radiotherapy/surgery) the 5-year survival rate in 25 patients with advanced seminoma was 81%. The survival rate in 148 nonseminoma patients PSI/IIa was 100% and 87% in 94 patients with advanced nonseminoma (greater than or equal to CSIIb). Nausea, general exhaustion, myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, and Raynaud-like phenomena were the main acute treatment-related side effects. Slight gastrointestinal problems, slight peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud-like phenomena, and fertility disturbances were frequent late side effects. The sexual life in testicular cancer patients did not seem to be significantly impaired as compared to the normal population. Most of the patients reported no or only slight emotional problems during and after treatment. The need of thorough information at the time of diagnosis was stressed by most of them. Secondary cancer was diagnosed in 27 of 795 patients (1970-1982) (Testicular: 15; pulmonary: 4; sarcoma: 2; others: 6). Testicular cancer is today a curable malignancy. Future clinical research has to concentrate on the identification of high-risk and low-risk patients, the avoidance of overtreatment, and the reduction of toxicity (especially of long-term side effects).