Changes in Bone Mineral Density in Newly Diagnosed Testicular Cancer Patients After Anticancer Treatment

Context: Patients with germ cell tumors (GCTs) have an excellent prognosis but are at risk for silent fractures. Data on bone mineral density (BMD) after anticancer treatment are scarce. Objective: The objective of the study was BMD monitoring in GCT patients treated with or without chemotherapy. Design: We prospectively studied 63 newly diagnosed GCT patients with a median age of 33 years (range 16–70 y) within 3 months of unilateral orchidectomy. Twenty-seven patients (42.9%) had no metastases. Thirty-six patients (57.1%) with metastatic disease received combination chemotherapy. Setting: This study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of a single academic institution. Interventions: We performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and collected blood samples on a yearly basis, before and up to 5 years after anticancer treatment. Main Outcome Measures: Changes in total hip and lumbar spine BMD, serum concentrations of gonadal hormones, and bone turnover markers were measured. Results: BMD remained ...