From Surviving Cancer to Getting on With Life: Adult Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Survivors' Perspectives on Transition From Follow-Up Care to Long-Term Survivorship

With an increasing incidence and a high cure rate, a growing number of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) survivors require specialized follow-up care. However, knowledge of these patients' needs is lacking, leaving TGCT survivors with unmet care needs at risk of symptom burden when transitioning to long-term survivorship. This grounded theory study aimed to understand the perspectives of TGCT survivors' transition from follow-up care to long-term survivorship. A total of 12 adult TGCT survivors in follow-up care or completion less than a year were in-depth semi-structured interviewed. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed by constant comparison, and the core category "Dealing with back-and-forth forces" emerged in the integrated concepts. Two comparative processes in dealing with those forces were identified: the process of Living beyond the sword of Damocles involved the transition from feeling threatened by cancer to overcoming those threats; the process of Getting on with one's life can be described as transitioning from a period where cancer overruled their lives to carrying on with everyday life. The processes toward long-term survivorship follow general characteristics; the transition itself is an individual journey that depends on (life) experiences. The constructed model can guide healthcare professionals and researchers involved in TGCT survivorship to understand TGCT survivors' individual and ensuing needs. When TGCT survivors receive individualized and tailored follow-up care, it can assist in preventing and reducing long-term and late effects on long-term survivorship

Perspectives and Concerns on Late Effects Regarding Sexuality among Adolescents and Young Adults Treated for Testicular Germ Cell Tumor: The PRICELESS-Study-A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to explore perspectives and concerns regarding sexuality among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) possibly experiencing late effects after testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) treatment. A qualitative study was performed in which semi-structured interviews were held with thirteen AYAs from a center of expertise for TGCT in the Netherlands. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clark's thematic analysis method. Seven interacting and interconnected themes were found: desire to have children, rediscovering sexuality, insecurity about sexual performance, acceptance of physical change, loss of masculinity, burden on relationship, and openness in discussing sexuality. Concerns about the desire to have children seem to play a significant role. In conclusion, TGCT patients face multiple changes (physical, emotional, relational, and sexual), followed by a difficult period of acceptance, after which a new phase of rediscovering sexuality appeared. These findings can help to make healthcare professionals aware of the underlying mechanisms and concerns about sexuality. Furthermore, insights can help to develop sexuality-themed items for a broader monitoring tool to structurally assess the late effects to support discussing sexuality

Prevalence of neoplasia at colonoscopy among testicular cancer survivors treated with platinum-based chemotherapy

Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We determined the yield of colonoscopy in TCS to assess its potential in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. We conducted a colonoscopy screening study among TCS in four Dutch hospitals to assess the yield of colorectal neoplasia. Neoplasia was defined as adenomas, serrated polyps (SPs), advanced adenomas (AAs: ≥10 mm diameter, high-grade dysplasia or ≥25% villous component), advanced serrated polyps (ASPs: ≥10 mm diameter or dysplasia) or CRC. Advanced neoplasia (AN) was defined as AA, ASP or CRC. Colonoscopy yield was compared to average-risk American males who underwent screening colonoscopy (n = 24,193) using a propensity score matched analysis, adjusted for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption and body mass index. A total of 137 TCS underwent colonoscopy. Median age was 50 years among TCS (IQR 43–57) vs 55 years (IQR 51–62) among American controls. A total of 126 TCS were matched to 602 controls. The prevalence of AN was higher in TCS than in controls (8.7% vs 1.7%; P =.0002). Nonadvanced adenomas and SPs were detected in 45.2% of TCS vs 5.5% of controls (P &lt;.0001). No lesions were detected in 46.0% of TCS vs 92.9% of controls (P &lt;.0001). TCS treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have a higher prevalence of neoplasia and AN than matched controls. These results support our hypothesis that platinum-based chemotherapy increases the risk of colorectal neoplasia in TCS. Cost-effectiveness studies are warranted to ascertain the threshold of AN prevalence that justifies the recommendation of colonoscopy for TCS.</p

Prevalence of neoplasia at colonoscopy among testicular cancer survivors treated with platinum-based chemotherapy

Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We determined the yield of colonoscopy in TCS to assess its potential in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. We conducted a colonoscopy screening study among TCS in four Dutch hospitals to assess the yield of colorectal neoplasia. Neoplasia was defined as adenomas, serrated polyps (SPs), advanced adenomas (AAs: ≥10 mm diameter, high-grade dysplasia or ≥25% villous component), advanced serrated polyps (ASPs: ≥10 mm diameter or dysplasia) or CRC. Advanced neoplasia (AN) was defined as AA, ASP or CRC. Colonoscopy yield was compared to average-risk American males who underwent screening colonoscopy (n = 24,193) using a propensity score matched analysis, adjusted for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption and body mass index. A total of 137 TCS underwent colonoscopy. Median age was 50 years among TCS (IQR 43–57) vs 55 years (IQR 51–62) among American controls. A total of 126 TCS were matched to 602 controls. The prevalence of AN was higher in TCS than in controls (8.7% vs 1.7%; P =.0002). Nonadvanced adenomas and SPs were detected in 45.2% of TCS vs 5.5% of controls (P &lt;.0001). No lesions were detected in 46.0% of TCS vs 92.9% of controls (P &lt;.0001). TCS treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have a higher prevalence of neoplasia and AN than matched controls. These results support our hypothesis that platinum-based chemotherapy increases the risk of colorectal neoplasia in TCS. Cost-effectiveness studies are warranted to ascertain the threshold of AN prevalence that justifies the recommendation of colonoscopy for TCS.</p

Prevalence of neoplasia at colonoscopy among testicular cancer survivors treated with platinum-based chemotherapy

Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We determined the yield of colonoscopy in TCS to assess its potential in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. We conducted a colonoscopy screening study among TCS in four Dutch hospitals to assess the yield of colorectal neoplasia. Neoplasia was defined as adenomas, serrated polyps (SPs), advanced adenomas (AAs: ≥10 mm diameter, high-grade dysplasia or ≥25% villous component), advanced serrated polyps (ASPs: ≥10 mm diameter or dysplasia) or CRC. Advanced neoplasia (AN) was defined as AA, ASP or CRC. Colonoscopy yield was compared to average-risk American males who underwent screening colonoscopy (n = 24,193) using a propensity score matched analysis, adjusted for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption and body mass index. A total of 137 TCS underwent colonoscopy. Median age was 50 years among TCS (IQR 43-57) vs 55 years (IQR 51-62) among American controls. A total of 126 TCS were matched to 602 controls. The prevalence of AN was higher in TCS than in controls (8.7% vs 1.7%; P = .0002). Nonadvanced adenomas and SPs were detected in 45.2% of TCS vs 5.5% of controls (P < .0001). No lesions were detected in 46.0% of TCS vs 92.9% of controls (P < .0001). TCS treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have a higher prevalence of neoplasia and AN than matched controls. These results support our hypothesis that platinum-based chemotherapy increases the risk of colorectal neoplasia in TCS. Cost-effectiveness studies are warranted to ascertain the threshold of AN prevalence that justifies the recommendation of colonoscopy for TCS

Perspectives and Concerns on Late Effects Regarding Sexuality among Adolescents and Young Adults Treated for Testicular Germ Cell Tumor: The PRICELESS-Study—A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to explore perspectives and concerns regarding sexuality among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) possibly experiencing late effects after testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) treatment. A qualitative study was performed in which semi-structured interviews were held with thirteen AYAs from a center of expertise for TGCT in the Netherlands. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis method. Seven interacting and interconnected themes were found: desire to have children, rediscovering sexuality, insecurity about sexual performance, acceptance of physical change, loss of masculinity, burden on relationship, and openness in discussing sexuality. Concerns about the desire to have children seem to play a significant role. In conclusion, TGCT patients face multiple changes (physical, emotional, relational, and sexual), followed by a difficult period of acceptance, after which a new phase of rediscovering sexuality appeared. These findings can help to make healthcare professionals aware of the underlying mechanisms and concerns about sexuality. Furthermore, insights can help to develop sexuality-themed items for a broader monitoring tool to structurally assess the late effects to support discussing sexuality

Receptor status of breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy: A literature review

The definition of PABC is inconsistently given as either breast cancer diagnosed exclusively during pregnancy, or combined with breast cancer diagnosed within six months to five years after delivery, and sometimes even longer. The longer away from the delivery date breast cancer is diagnosed, the less clear this association with pregnancy may become. Therefore, breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy (BCdP) may not necessarily be the same disease entity as PABC. This review aims to provide an overview of BCdP receptor status, as this has not been assessed before. BCdP tumors were predominantly ER negative (56.6 %), PR negative (57.2 %) or both ER and PR negative (47.9 %). Moreover, HER2-overexpression was seen in 33.2 % of BCdP patients and 27.6 % had triple negative disease. This predominantly ER and PR negative profile with more often HER2 overexpression is aggressive and distinct from non-pregnant similar-aged patients, warranting future comparative research

Interlaboratory Gleason grading variation affects treatment: a Dutch historic cohort study in 30 509 patients with prostate cancer

Aim: Substantial variation in Gleason grading (GG) of prostate cancer (PCa) exists between Dutch pathology laboratories. This study investigates its impact on treatment strategies. Methods: Pathology reports of prostate needle biopsies and clinical data of patients with PCa diagnosed between 2017 and 2019 were retrieved from the Dutch nationwide network and registry of histopathology and cytopathology and The Netherlands Cancer Registry. We investigated the impact of grading variation on treatment strategy for patients whose grade was decisive in treatment choice. First, we evaluated the effect of grading practice (low, average or high grading) on active treatment (AT) versus active surveillance in patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <10 ng/mL and cT1c/cT2a disease. Second, we assessed the association of grading practice with performance of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in patients with PSA 10-20 ng/mL or cT2b disease. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyse the relation between laboratories' grading practices and AT or PLND. Results: We included 30 509 patients. GG was decisive in treatment strategy for 11 925 patients (39%). AT was performed significantly less often in patients diagnosed by laboratories that graded lower than average (OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.88). Conversely, patients received AT significantly more often when diagnosed in high-grading laboratories versus average-grading laboratories (OR=1.21, 95% CI 1.03 to1.43). PLND was performed significantly less often in patients diagnosed by low-grading versus average-grading laboratories (OR=0.66, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.90). Conclusion: Our study shows that the odds that a patient undergoes AT or PLND, depends on laboratories' grading practices in a substantial number of patients. This likely influences patient prognosis and outcome, necessitating standardisation of GG to prevent suboptimal patient outcome

Use of the ISUP e-learning module improves interrater reliability in prostate cancer grading

AIMS: Prostate cancer (PCa) grading is an important prognostic parameter, but is subject to considerable observer variation. Previous studies have shown that interobserver variability decreases after participants were trained using an e-learning module. However, since the publication of these studies, grading of PCa has been enhanced by adopting the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 2014 grading classification. This study investigates the effect of training on interobserver variability of PCa grading, using the ISUP Education web e-learning on Gleason grading. METHODS: The ISUP Education Prostate Test B Module was distributed among Dutch pathologists. The module uses images graded by the ISUP consensus panel consisting of 24 expert uropathologists. Participants graded the same 10 images before and after e-learning. We included those who completed the tests before and after training. We evaluated variation in PCa grading in a fully crossed study design, using linearly weighted kappa values for each pathologist, comparing them to other pathologists and to the ISUP consensus panel. We analysed the improvement in median weighted kappas before and after training, using Wilcoxon's signed rank-test. RESULTS: We included 42 pathologists. Inter-rater reliability between pathologists improved from 0.70 before training to 0.74 after training (p=0.01). When compared with the ISUP consensus panel, five pathologists improved significantly, whereas the kappa of one pathologist was significantly lower after training. All pathologists who improved significantly, graded with less than substantial agreement before training. CONCLUSIONS: ISUP Prostate Test B e-learning reduces variability in PCa grading. E-learning is a cost-effective method for standardisation of pathology

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury and mortality: An observational study.

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors, approved for the treatment of various types of cancer, are known to cause a unique spectrum of side effects, including acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, risk factors, renal outcomes, and mortality of AKI in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors.MethodsPatients receiving checkpoint inhibitors between January 2013 and May 2020 at the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, were identified using the Utrecht Patient Oriented Database. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of ≥1.5 times the baseline value, based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for AKI and to evaluate the relationship between AKI and mortality. Persistent renal dysfunction was diagnosed in AKI patients with a final serum creatinine measurement of >1.3 times the baseline value.ResultsAmong 676 patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors, the overall incidence of AKI was 14.2%. Baseline variables independently associated with AKI were a gynecologic malignancy, monotherapy with ipilimumab, and the use of a diuretic, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker, or proton pump inhibitor at baseline. AKI was checkpoint inhibitor-associated in one third of all patients with AKI. Checkpoint inhibitor-associated AKI was mostly low-grade, occurred a median of 15 weeks after checkpoint inhibitor initiation, and resulted in persistent renal dysfunction in approximately 40% of the patients. Patients with all-cause AKI had a twofold increased mortality risk, but checkpoint inhibitor-associated AKI was not associated with increased mortality.ConclusionsIn this study, patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors frequently developed AKI due to various etiologies. AKI directly related to the effect of checkpoint inhibitor toxicity did not increase mortality. However, AKI not related to the effect of checkpoint inhibitor toxicity was associated with increased mortality