Adverse Events in Testicular Cancer Survivors Using EORTC QLQ-TC26: A Multi-Institutional, Cross-Sectional Study in...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Survivorship Care
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Testicular cancer treatment can lead to long-term adverse events affecting survivors' quality of life.
• The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Testicular Cancer 26 (EORTC QLQ-TC26) is a key tool for assessing these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of adverse events in testicular cancer survivors.
• To assess the impact of chemotherapy cycles and paclitaxel use on these adverse events.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 551 testicular cancer survivors from eight Japanese institutions.
• Data collected included demographics, treatment details (chemotherapy cycles, paclitaxel use), follow-up duration, and EORTC QLQ-TC26 adverse event scores.

Main Results:

• Survivors receiving three or more chemotherapy cycles reported significantly worse adverse event scores.
• Chemotherapy impacted scores for peripheral neuropathy (tingling/numbness, cold extremities) and hearing problems.
• Peripheral neuropathy showed a tendency to improve over time, while hearing problems did not improve.

Conclusions:

• Testicular cancer survivors experience persistent adverse events, particularly hearing impairment, after intensive chemotherapy.
• Long-lasting adverse events, especially hearing issues, require better patient education and management strategies.