Changes in bone mineral density in newly diagnosed testicular cancer patients after anticancer treatment

Patients with germ cell tumors (GCTs) have an excellent prognosis but are at risk for silent fractures. Data on bone mineral density (BMD) after anticancer treatment are scarce.

The objective of the study was BMD monitoring in GCT patients treated with or without chemotherapy.

We prospectively studied 63 newly diagnosed GCT patients with a median age of 33 years (range 16-70 y) within 3 months of unilateral orchidectomy. Twenty-seven patients (42.9%) had no metastases. Thirty-six patients (57.1%) with metastatic disease received combination chemotherapy.

This study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of a single academic institution.

We performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and collected blood samples on a yearly basis, before and up to 5 years after anticancer treatment.

Changes in total hip and lumbar spine BMD, serum concentrations of gonadal hormones, and bone turnover markers were measured.

BMD remained normal in stage I patients. In patients with metastatic disease, a significant decrease in lumbar spine BMD (-1.52%; P = .004) and total hip BMD (-2.05%; P < .0001) was observed 1 year after chemotherapy and remained stable thereafter for up to 5 years. There was no significant relationship between the observed decrease in BMD and gonadal status, vitamin D status, or cumulative dose of cisplatin or (antiemetic) corticosteroids.

Metastatic GCT survivors demonstrate significant bone loss within the first year after curative combination chemotherapy, with no recovery up to 5 years after anticancer treatment. Whether this bone loss is associated with increased fracture risk and whether this could be prevented by bone modifying treatment remains to be established.