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Slide Preparation Method to Preserve Three-dimensional Chromatin Architecture of Testicular Germ Cells
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Long-Term Cognitive Functioning in Testicular Germ-Cell Tumor Survivors
Michal Chovanec1,2,3, Lucia Vasilkova4,3, Lucia Setteyova5
12nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
The Oncologist
|January 21, 2018
Summary
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause long-term cognitive difficulties in germ-cell tumor (GCT) survivors. This study found significant cognitive impairment in GCT survivors who received these treatments compared to those with orchiectomy alone.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Survivorship Research
Background:
- Cancer treatments can lead to cognitive deficits in survivors.
- Germ-cell tumors (GCTs) are a common cancer in young adults.
- Long-term cognitive functioning (CogF) in GCT survivors requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate long-term cognitive functioning (CogF) in germ-cell tumor (GCT) survivors.
- To compare CogF between GCT survivors who received different treatment modalities.
- To identify factors associated with cognitive impairment in GCT survivors.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 155 GCT survivors from Slovakia was assessed.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog).
- Survivors were categorized into groups based on treatment: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, both, or orchiectomy alone.
Main Results:
- Any treatment beyond orchiectomy resulted in significantly greater cognitive difficulties.
- Radiotherapy was associated with declines in overall cognitive functioning and perceived cognitive impairment.
- Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, or radiotherapy alone, led to impairment in all cognitive domains compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- GCT survivors experience long-term cognitive impairment following curative treatment.
- Treatment modalities, particularly radiotherapy and chemotherapy, significantly impact long-term CogF.
- Findings support avoiding unnecessary overtreatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in GCT management.
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