Cardiovascular events and survival of male patients with germline cell tumors

Introduction and aim

Testicular germline tumors affect young male patients. Although they have high survival rates, they also have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population. In this study we aim to evaluate the cardiovascular events and survival rates of a cohort of testicular cancer patients.

Methods

We included 274 consecutive testicular cancer patients treated at a university hospital, with an active cardio-oncology program – cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and CV events were evaluated. Survival rates were compared with its reference general population matched for age, sex, and region, using the Ederer II method.

Results

The prevalence of CV risk factors like high blood pressure and smoking, and CV events (acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary thromboembolism and exertional angina) were higher in testicular cancer patients. The survival analysis revealed that, in the first few years after diagnosis, there was a slight increase in mortality compared to their reference general population. However, from 7 years onwards, the survival of testicular cancer papers did not show any differences compared to its general reference population, according to age, sex, and geographical area.

Conclusion

Testicular germline cancer patients represent a young high-risk population, with CV risk factors and CV events. However, it carefully followed, long-term prognosis in terms of survival can be the same of a person who did not suffer this cancer. Therefore, it is important to strengthen cardio-oncology prevention strategies in this young population.