Testicular cancer survivors ‘have increased heart risk’

Men who have survived testicular cancer have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, a new study suggests.

Dutch researchers, writing in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, have called for these patients to undergo cardiac monitoring as part of their follow-up care.

The study examined 2,412 men at least five years after they had survived the cancer between 1965 and 1995.

Their cardiovascular disease rates were compared to those of the general public as a control.

Results revealed that, at a median follow-up of over 18 years, survivors of testicular cancer had a modestly improved risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and that recent smoking increased the risk of myocardial infarction 2.6-fold.

Patients who had received radiation therapy to the chest had a three times higher risk of heart disease, whilst those that were treated with the chemotherapy combination PVB (cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin) had a 1.9-fold increase in their risk of myocardial infarction.

The research team concluded: “Testicular cancer survivors experience a moderately increased myocardial infarction risk at young ages. Physicians should be aware of excess cardiovascular disease risk associated with mediastinal radiotherapy, PVB chemotherapy, and recent smoking.”

They urged survivors of testicular cancer to consult with their GP regarding cardiac monitoring.

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