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

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate adverse events in testicular cancer survivors using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Testicular Cancer 26 (EORTC QLQ-TC26).

METHODS

Testicular cancer survivors at eight high-volume institutions in Japan were surveyed regarding age, International Germ Cell Consensus Classification, number of chemotherapy cycles, paclitaxel use, follow-up period after treatment, and adverse events scores of EORTC QLQ-TC26. Adverse events scores were assessed by the number of chemotherapy cycles and the follow-up period.

RESULTS

A total of 551 testicular cancer survivors responded to the adverse events questionnaires of EORTC QLQ-TC26. Median age at response was 43 years and median follow-up was 61 months. Chemotherapy was administered to 393 (71%) survivors, and paclitaxel was used in 91 (17%) survivors. Testicular cancer survivors who received three or more cycles of chemotherapy showed significantly worse adverse events scores than those without chemotherapy. Scores for tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes, pale/cold fingers or toes, and problems with hearing were affected by chemotherapy. Tingling or numbness tended to improve over time, whereas problems with hearing showed no evidence of improvement. In addition, scores for tingling or numbness were worse when paclitaxel was used.

CONCLUSIONS

Testicular cancer survivors suffered from adverse events with three or more cycles of chemotherapy, and problems with hearing did not improve after treatment. We should provide testicular cancer survivors with adequate information about long-lasting adverse events, particularly problems with hearing.