Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Following Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Germ Cell Tumors

Abstract

Background Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are one of the most curable of the solid neoplasms. They are highly sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy, which contributes to 5 - year survival rates exceeding 90%. Any late effects of treatment are a key consideration when treating a highly curable disease in a young population. There is good evidence that platinum-based chemotherapy increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality late in life; the exact nature of the risk is not well understood, nor is there any consensus on a mechanism for this effect. This article examines the current literature to assess the nature and size of the risk posed, and considers possible mechanisms for the effect. We consider the implications of treatment for GCT with platinum-based chemotherapy, as well as the implications for long-term follow-up and optimal clinical care of patients requiring systemic therapy. Discussion