Chemotherapy-related cardiovascular morbidity in testicular cancer patients. Markers & mechanisms

PhD ceremony: Ms. R. Altena, 14.45 uur, uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Title: Chemotherapy-related cardiovascular morbidity in testicular cancer patients. Markers & mechanisms

Promotor(s): prof. J.A. Gietema, prof. E.G.E. de Vries

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Since the introduction of platinum-based chemotherapy regimens in the late 1970s, testicular cancer has become a highly curable malignancy with a 10-year survival rate of 80%. As a result of this favourable prognosis, in addition to a still increasing incidence rate, the population of successfully treated testicular cancer survivors is growing. Treatment-related complications, in particular cardiovascular diseases, are increasingly recognised in this population. The aim of this thesis was to search for early biomarkers of subclinical treatment-related damage in testicular cancer patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Increases in biomarkers for vascular damage were found, as well as increased damage to the heart and blood vessels. Possible targets for mechanisms that contribute to endothelial damage due to chemotherapy were also found. These findings may lead to early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in testicular cancer survivors and may facilitate their treatment.