Analysis of Late Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Testicular Cancer Survivors after High-Dose Platinum-Chemotherapy and Bone Marrow Transplant
This study evaluates heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease that has no observable symptoms (subclinical) in testicular cancer (TC) survivors who have undergone high-dose platinum chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. The most effective treatment for TC is using chemotherapy agents containing platinum. Some patients may need many cycles of chemotherapy and then undergo a bone marrow transplant (BMT). Platinum-containing chemotherapy is very effective, but the platinum levels can be in the body for decades after the initial exposure. This may lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, changes in the fats that circulate in the blood stream (lipids), increased risk of diabetes, change in weight and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Studying samples of blood in the laboratory from patients that have received platinum chemotherapy may help doctors learn more about the effects of platinum on cardiovascular risk. Computed tomography (CT) is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a specialized CT scan used to look at the blood vessels in the heart to see if there are any blockages. This study may help researchers understand the changes in the blood vessels that could lead to heart attacks and risk factors in testicular cancer survivors that have had high-dose platinum chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.