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. 1990 Jan;61(1):151–155. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1990.31

Long-term somatic side-effects and morbidity in testicular cancer patients.

N Aass 1, S Kaasa 1, E Lund 1, O Kaalhus 1, M S Heier 1, S D Fosså 1
PMCID: PMC1971317  PMID: 2297486

Abstract

In order to evaluate long-term somatic morbidity after treatment for testicular cancer 149 patients with NED greater than or equal to 3 years answered a questionnaire. The patients had been treated with surgery only (32 patients, radiotherapy only (39 patients), cisplatin-based chemotherapy plus surgery (46 patients) or chemotherapy plus radiotherapy with or without surgery (32 patients). Raynaud-like phenomena were the most frequent side-effect occurring significantly more often after cisplatin-based chemotherapy than after surgery or radiotherapy (33/72 patients versus 5/68 patients). Peripheral sensory 'neuropathy' was reported by 18% of all the patients. Seventeen per cent and 11% complained of pulmonary symptoms and auditory symptoms, respectively. Gastrointestinal side-effects were more frequent after any type of cytotoxic therapy than after surgery only (34/47 patients versus 5/22 patients). Twenty-six patients had fathered children after treatment. About 80% of the patients were in full time wage-earning activity when they answered the questionnaire. In conclusion, 3-7 years after treatment for testicular cancer, 30-50% of the patients had minor somatic complaints whereas serious side-effects seldom occurred.

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Selected References

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