Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Linked to Worse QOL in Testicular GCT Survivors

Patients with testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) treated with chemotherapy have previously reported experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which can contribute to impaired quality of life (QOL).

A recent study by Zuzana Orszaghova, MD, and colleagues, has evaluated the occurrence of CIPN and how it relates to QOL in GCT survivors.

The Slovakia-based study utilized the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life – Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy questionnaire (QLQ-CIPN20) and Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), which were prospectively completed by 151 survivors of GCT during their annual follow-up.

The median follow-up was 10 years. Each score from the QLQ-C30 was correlated with CIPN and defined as high or low as obtained from the CIPN20. Survivors with a high overall CIPN score reported impaired QOL in QLQ-C30, as well as worse global health status and physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning compared to survivors with low CIPN (all P<.00001).

Survivors with high CIPN also experienced more fatigue, nausea, pain, dyspnea, sleeping disorders, and appetite loss compared to those with low CIPN (all P<.004). A higher burden of CIPN was related to more financial problems versus low CIPN. Spearman analysis was used to confirm negative correlation of overall CIPN20 score with QLQ-C30 global health status.

CIPN serves as a strong predictor of impaired QOL in GCT survivors, leading to worse functional and symptom QOL scores. Physicians should ensure not to overtreat patients receiving chemotherapy for GISTs.