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Cancer Resources > Cancer News > 2007 > April

Testicular cancer survivors at heightened mortality risk

David Douglas

Last Updated: 2007-04-13 12:26:44 -0400 (Reuters Health)

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Although survival after testicular cancer diagnosis is high, such patients appear to be at greater risk of death from other causes, Norwegian researchers report in the April 4th issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

"Though most patients with testicular cancer, even those with widespread disease, are today cured by multimodal treatment approaches, after 10 to 20 years, these cancer survivors are at increased risk to die from non-cancer causes such as infections, cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary disorders," lead researcher Dr. Sophie D. Fossa told Reuters Health.

Using data from North America and Europe, covering 1943 to 2002, Dr. Fossa of the University of Oslo and colleagues identified 38,907 one-year survivors of testicular cancer.

There were 2942 deaths from all non-cancer causes after a median follow-up of 10 years. Overall, this exceeded the expected rate in the general population by 6%, giving a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.06.

"Compared with age-matched men from the general population, the risk is particularly high in those with the testicular cancer diagnosis before the age of 35," continued Dr. Fossa.

For circulatory diseases, the SMR in this group was 1.23. In these patients who were treated in 1975 or later with radiotherapy alone, the SMR was 1.70.

Among other findings, were that men treated with chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy after 1974, had a SMR for all infections of 2.48 and for all respiratory diseases, the corresponding value was 2.53.

The researchers call for further studies, but Dr. Fossa pointed out that "patients and health care officers should be aware of this risk and reduce it by lifestyle changes and regular health controls."

J Natl Cancer Inst 2007;99:534-544.

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