Knowledge Deficit About How Chemotherapy Affects Long-Term Survival in Testicular Tumor Patients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology
• Patient Education

Background:

• Germ cell tumors have a good prognosis due to platinum-based chemotherapy.
• Long-term effects of chemotherapy (CTx) are significant but poorly understood by survivors.
• Limited data exists on testicular tumor survivors' awareness of CTx long-term effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge of testicular tumor patients regarding chemotherapy and its long-term effects.
• To identify factors associated with knowledge deficits about chemotherapy's long-term consequences.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among testicular tumor patients treated at University Hospital Dresden (2011-2021).
• Patients who received chemotherapy were questioned about their understanding of the treatment and its potential long-term sequelae.
• Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of knowledge deficits.

Main Results:

• Of 198 patients who received chemotherapy, 5% did not recall treatment, and 55% could not name the chemotherapy type.
• Awareness was highest for second tumor risk (63%) and andrological issues (59-60%).
• 18.7% knew no long-term effects; 54.3% knew only 5 out of 14 potential effects. Low education and one carboplatin course predicted knowledge deficits.

Conclusions:

• Germ cell tumor patients demonstrate a low awareness of chemotherapy's long-term effects.
• This knowledge gap poses risks for inadequate prevention and follow-up, potentially impacting long-term survival.
• Enhanced patient education on chemotherapy's long-term consequences is crucial for survivors' well-being.