Cardiovascular events in survivors of high-dose chemotherapy for germ cell tumors

Int J Urol. 2008 Jul;15(7):642-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2008.02066.x.

Abstract

The objective was to investigate cardiovascular complications in long-term survivors treated by high-dose chemotherapy. We analyzed 13 previously successfully treated metastatic germ cell cancer patients. The patients ranged in age from 16 to 38 years (median: 27 years). Patients were treated by high-dose ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE) or high-dose etoposide, ifosfamide and cisplatin (VIP). In a minimal follow-up of 48 months, the incidence of cardiovascular events and the accumulated doses of platinum were analyzed from the total amounts of cisplatin and/or carboplatin. The calculated accumulated doses of platinum ranged from 487 to 4302 mg (median: 2297 mg). Cardiovascular events were observed in two patients who received cumulative doses of more than 3000 mg of platinum. Survivors of high-dose chemotherapy may have a risk of developing cardiovascular complications during the early phase of follow-up. In particular, patients who have received carboplatin-based high dose chemotherapy require careful observation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Carboplatin / administration & dosage*
  • Carboplatin / adverse effects*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage*
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / drug therapy*
  • Survivors
  • Testicular Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Carboplatin
  • Cisplatin