Short- and long-term morbidity after treatment for testicular cancer

Acording to Oslo University Hospital, Norway, patients with testicular cancer are at risk of having severe short-term and life-threatening long-term effects.

After orchidectomy and before further treatment patients have major mental distress which gradually decreases during the treatment phase. Gastrointestinal side-effects dominate during both chemo- and radiotherapy, with the risk of severe haematological, infectious and thromboembolic complications during chemotherapy. Long-term sequelae comprise second cancers, cardiovascular morbidity/mortality and gonadal dysfunction.

Study suggests that patients should be informed about these potential complications and the importance of adjusting their lifestyle (e.g. smoking habits, physical activity and weight control).