A prospective study of neuropsychological functioning in testicular cancer patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Whether systemic chemotherapy has a negative effect on cognitive function in patients, concern oncologists. In testicular cancer patients (TCPs) treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, only few cross-sectional studies have addressed this concern. We prospectively studied neuropsychological functioning in TCPs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In a consecutive sampling, 122 TCPs were examined at baseline (after orchidectomy, before any additional treatment) and then at follow-up at a median of 12 months after end of treatment. The examinations included a neuropsychological test battery, interview on background variables and questionnaires on mental distress, fatigue and neurotoxic symptoms. Changes in neuropsychological functioning from baseline to follow-up were compared between three treatments groups: no chemotherapy (N = 31), one cycle of chemotherapy (N = 38) and two or more cycles of chemotherapy (N = 53). Variables associated with a decline in neuropsychological test performance from baseline to follow-up were explored.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant differences in proportions of TCPs with a decline in neuropsychological test performance were observed between the three treatment groups. Decline in neuropsychological test performance was not associated with demographic variables, distress, fatigue or with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION:

No negative effect of systemic chemotherapy on neuropsychological test performance in TCPs at 1-year follow-up was found in this study.

• Authors: T Skaali, S D Fosså, S Andersson, M Cvancarova, C W Langberg, G Lehne, A A Dahl
• Journal: Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology (Ann Oncol) Vol. 22 Issue 5 Pg. 1062-1070 (May 2011) ISSN: 1569-8041 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21048038 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Interview, Psychological
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuropsychological Tests
• Orchiectomy
• Prospective Studies
• Seminoma (drug therapy, psychology, surgery)
• Testicular Neoplasms (drug therapy, psychology, surgery)
• Young Adult