High Cholesterol after TC???

[R50]

I just got a call from my Doctor and my cholesterol was high.It seems like no one in my family has had this.Im just wondering if my low Testosterone Level's can be linked to High Cholesterol

[Margaret]

R50: I have been told my our doctors that high cholesterol and weight gain are side effects of chemo and he may battle them for the rest of his life. Which I found surprising. He also said that higher sugar levels can also be a result. I will see what I can find on the internet that may help you.

[Already Bald]

R50: I will see what I can find on the internet that may help you.

Thank you Margaret. I am very interested in this subject as well.
Specifically, the long term effects of chemo on the cardio-vascular system.

[Karen]

I just happened to get a PubCrawler update today that has just such an abstract! Will post to research library as well when I get a chance.

Med Oncol. 2007;24(2):175-81.

Long-term complications of platinum-based chemotherapy in testicular cancer survivors.Oh JH, Baum DD, Pham S, Cox M, Nguyen ST, Ensor J, Chen I.
Department of General Internal Medicine, Ambulatory Treatment and Emergency Care, Unit 437, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030-4009.

The purpose of this study was to describe the rates of cardiovascular and other medical complications related to the use of platinum-based chemotherapy in American testicular cancer survivors. The study sample consisted of 143 eligible long-term testicular cancer survivors. Participants were interviewed, their medical records were reviewed, and blood was obtained for cholesterol measurement during their follow-up visit. The mean follow-up time was 8.4 yr, and their mean age at follow-up was 41.2 yr; 72.7% had had non-seminoma, and 82.5% had received platinum-based chemotherapy. Hypertension rates in the platinum-treated group increased significantly from baseline to follow-up; however, once adjusted for blood pressure measurement (undiagnosed hypertension), no such increase was seen, and hypertension rates were already higher than national estimates at baseline in all groups. At the follow-up visit, the rates of hyperlipidemia (adjusted for measured cholesterol level) in both platinum- and non-platinum-treated groups (28.4% and 37.5%, respectively) were higher than national estimates (16.9%). Rates of coronary artery disease were higher in those who had received platinum and radiation (11.1%) than in those who had received platinum alone (4.3%), but this difference was not statistically significant. As suggested by previous studies, platinum-based chemotherapy may be associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease. However, our data suggest that undiagnosed hypertension and hyperlipidemia may be significant confounders, and we also observed a trend toward lower testosterone levels in participants who experienced cardiovascular complications.
PMID: 17848741 [PubMed - in process]

[R50]

R50: I have been told my our doctors that high cholesterol and weight gain are side effects of chemo and he may battle them for the rest of his life. Which I found surprising. He also said that higher sugar levels can also be a result. I will see what I can find on the internet that may help you.

Thanks,its been about 7 year's for me since the 2 rounds of BEP.These days I worry more about my Weight and Heart then the Cancer.I have to go to Doctor's tomorrow because 3 other tests were also high but the secretary didn't tell me what they were.I don't know if some doctor's don't like to give results of blood tests over the phone?? Its got my Anxiety up now .I thought I had a Thyroid or Testosterone problem.Thats why I originally made the appointment.The Thyroid test came back normal.

[Margaret]

First, great info Karen. This was more than I could find.

R50, I know it is always anxious getting blood work back and I am hoping all goes well during your appt. I always pictured 'movie of the week' cancer pat. being skinny. So I was very surprised to hear about high Cholesterol and weight gain. My husband lost about 30 pounds after chemo and RPLND, but has since gained all of it back and seems to be more difficult than before to loose it.

Maybe someone else knows more about Testosterone, but it was my understanding if it were low it could also result in weight gain. The good news about all of this is, it is fixable. They can regulate your cholesterol and Testosterone with medication.

Please let us know what you find out. And by the way...super news about the Thyroid test coming back normal. I know for some that is a concern and now that is one less thing to worry about.

[R50]

I remember 1 Doctor telling me that there was a increased risk of diabete's from the chemo.He didn't know that I had only 2 cycle's but maybe thats all it takes.I did start to gain weight a few month's before my TC in the year 2000.Since then I have had trouble with my weight control.Lack of exercise is a major factor.

[Margaret]

little bits of information I found: I hope I am not repeating Karen's great info.

The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking chemo:

Blood test abnormalities: Elevated blood lipid levels (including cholesterol and triglycerides).

PURPOSE: To determine whether long-term survivors of metastatic testicular cancer have an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity more than 10 years after chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven patients treated with cisplatin-containing chemotherapy before 1987 who were in remission for at least 10 years and whose ages were 50 years at the time of analysis were evaluated for the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Sixty-two of 87 patients were additionally evaluated for cardiac damage and cardiovascular risk factors. Their cardiovascular risk profile was compared with that of 40 patients with comparable age and follow-up duration treated with orchidectomy only for stage I disease.

RESULTS: Major cardiac events were found in five (6%) of the 87 patients (age at time of event, 30 to 42 years; time after chemotherapy, 9 to 16 years): two with myocardial infarction and three with angina pectoris with proven myocardial ischemia. An increased observed-to-expected ratio of 7.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 18.3) for coronary artery disease, as compared with the general male Dutch population, was found. In addition, one patient experienced a cerebrovascular accident. Exercise ECG did not reveal cases of subclinical coronary artery disease. Echocardiography showed normal systolic left ventricular function in most patients, but diastolic left ventricular function was disturbed in 33% of the patients. Of 62 chemotherapy patients, 79% had hypercholesterolemia, 39% had hypertension, 25% still experienced Raynaud’s phenomenon, and 22% had microalbuminuria. Compared with patients with stage I disease, the chemotherapy patients had higher blood pressure and higher total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and were more insulin-resistant.

CONCLUSION: In long-term survivors of metastatic testicular cancer, we observed a significantly increased risk for occurrence of cardiac events accompanied by a persisting unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile. Accurate follow-up, focused on cardiovascular complications and aimed at intervention in these young cancer survivors, seems to be important.

http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/full/18/8/1725

[R50]

I just happened to get a PubCrawler update today that has just such an abstract! Will post to research library as well when I get a chance.

Med Oncol. 2007;24(2):175-81.

Long-term complications of platinum-based chemotherapy in testicular cancer survivors.Oh JH, Baum DD, Pham S, Cox M, Nguyen ST, Ensor J, Chen I.
Department of General Internal Medicine, Ambulatory Treatment and Emergency Care, Unit 437, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030-4009.

The purpose of this study was to describe the rates of cardiovascular and other medical complications related to the use of platinum-based chemotherapy in American testicular cancer survivors. The study sample consisted of 143 eligible long-term testicular cancer survivors. Participants were interviewed, their medical records were reviewed, and blood was obtained for cholesterol measurement during their follow-up visit. The mean follow-up time was 8.4 yr, and their mean age at follow-up was 41.2 yr; 72.7% had had non-seminoma, and 82.5% had received platinum-based chemotherapy. Hypertension rates in the platinum-treated group increased significantly from baseline to follow-up; however, once adjusted for blood pressure measurement (undiagnosed hypertension), no such increase was seen, and hypertension rates were already higher than national estimates at baseline in all groups. At the follow-up visit, the rates of hyperlipidemia (adjusted for measured cholesterol level) in both platinum- and non-platinum-treated groups (28.4% and 37.5%, respectively) were higher than national estimates (16.9%). Rates of coronary artery disease were higher in those who had received platinum and radiation (11.1%) than in those who had received platinum alone (4.3%), but this difference was not statistically significant. As suggested by previous studies, platinum-based chemotherapy may be associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease. However, our data suggest that undiagnosed hypertension and hyperlipidemia may be significant confounders, and we also observed a trend toward lower testosterone levels in participants who experienced cardiovascular complications.
PMID: 17848741 [PubMed - in process]

thanks for the information.Sometime's its easy to blame any Cancer with Chemo treatment for problem's as we get older.I guess a strict diet and exercise can help.

[R50]

First, great info Karen. This was more than I could find.

R50, I know it is always anxious getting blood work back and I am hoping all goes well during your appt. I always pictured 'movie of the week' cancer pat. being skinny. So I was very surprised to hear about high Cholesterol and weight gain. My husband lost about 30 pounds after chemo and RPLND, but has since gained all of it back and seems to be more difficult than before to loose it.

Maybe someone else knows more about Testosterone, but it was my understanding if it were low it could also result in weight gain. The good news about all of this is, it is fixable. They can regulate your cholesterol and Testosterone with medication.

Please let us know what you find out. And by the way...super news about the Thyroid test coming back normal. I know for some that is a concern and now that is one less thing to worry about.

Thanks,I just have to wait tomorrow to see what the other 3 test that were high were all about.It must be something more serious because I had to make an appointment.Secretary only told me about the Cholesterol.Im worrying about diabetes or who knows what else.I don't think I got any tests regarding the TC but I did get a CBC,BMP,LFTS tests.

[Margaret]

If it is causing you a great deal of anxiety maybe call them back and tell them it is distressing you and you would like to know which tests came back high so you can research them prior to your visit.

[Jay68442]

This is interesting. I often wondered about the long term effects of chemo on my body. I have high triglycerides. Its been that way for many years now. Just a few days ago I had a CT scan of the liver because of elevated liver enzymes. (man did I miss the sweet taste of the barum. Yum) Seems the medication I have been on is causing this but they wanted to take a look to be sure all is ok. We know this because when I am off the medication the levels come down to normal or almost normal levels. I will be doing some more reading when I get some time.

[R50]

If it is causing you a great deal of anxiety maybe call them back and tell them it is distressing you and you would like to know which tests came back high so you can research them prior to your visit.

I called the Doctor's office back and the 4 test's that were high were all cholesterol related.I have not been eating or exercising regularly so Im not going to blame it on the TC or Chemo 7 year's ago.I still did not get my results on the Testosterone Test.Of course if that was low they would not bring it up.But Im betting its under 300 once again.

[R50]

This is interesting. I often wondered about the long term effects of chemo on my body. I have high triglycerides. Its been that way for many years now. Just a few days ago I had a CT scan of the liver because of elevated liver enzymes. (man did I miss the sweet taste of the barum. Yum) Seems the medication I have been on is causing this but they wanted to take a look to be sure all is ok. We know this because when I am off the medication the levels come down to normal or almost normal levels. I will be doing some more reading when I get some time.

I think thie high cholesterol was also in relations to taking Zoloft.In the past 10 day's I stopped taking it and am feeling a bit better.Its really all about diet and I have not been eating right lately.

[R50]

I called the Doctor's office back and the 4 test's that were high were all cholesterol related.I have not been eating or exercising regularly so Im not going to blame it on the TC or Chemo 7 year's ago.I still did not get my results on the Testosterone Test.Of course if that was low they would not bring it up.But Im betting its under 300 once again.

I am most worried about Chemo because my Dad passed away from too much Chemo from Hodgkin's disease about 11 year's ago.The Chemo caused leukemia in his case which was bad. Of course he relapsed like every 6 month's so he got alot of Chemo and Radio over 5 year's.I saw somewhere there is about a 1% risk that TC patients can get leukemia but it might be under 1% depending on how many rounds and what stage it was.