how long is chemo treatment for testicular cancer

Can stage 0 testicular cancer be cured?

Chemotherapy (chemo) is the use of drugs to treat cancer. The drugs can be swallowed in pill form, or they can be injected by needle into a vein or muscle. To treat testicular cancer , the drugs are usually given into a vein (IV). Chemo is systemic therapy. This means that the drug travels throughout the body to reach and destroy the cancer cells.

What is the survival rate for testicular cancer?

Treatment is typically chemotherapy with 4 cycles of EP (etoposide and cisplatin) or 3 or 4 cycles of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin). Another option might be VIP (etoposide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin) for 4 cycles. Radiation therapy is generally not used for stage IIC seminoma.

Why would I need to be treated for testicular cancer?

All chemotherapy is given over different time periods so it’s best to check with your nurse about how long you are likely to be in the unit for. This can range from anything up to an hour to an all day treatment slot so please be prepared to bring along some bits …

How long do chemo cycles last for testicular cancer?

Jan 21, 2019 · Generally, for stage II testicular cancer, 3 to 4 cycles of chemotherapy are given and for stage I, chemo is given in two or three cycles. Fully metastasized stage II and stage III of testicular cancer will need higher dosage of chemotherapy or even a combination of chemotherapeutic drugs.

How many rounds of chemo is normal for testicular cancer?

How effective is chemo for testicular cancer?

Do you lose your hair with chemo for testicular cancer?

What is the average length of time for chemotherapy treatment?

Can you live a long life after testicular cancer?

How long does it take to recover from BEP chemo?

What can I expect at my first chemo treatment?

Is chemo common for testicular cancer?

Does chemo make you lose weight?

What is a typical chemo schedule?

Is 4 rounds of chemo a lot?

What should you not do during chemotherapy?

Carcinoma in Situ (Stage 0) Testicular Tumors

In this stage, the cancer has not spread outside the testicle, and your tumor marker levels (like HCG and AFP) are not elevated. If CIS is diagnose...

Stage III Seminomas and Non-Seminomas

Even though stage III tumors have spread by the time they are found, most of them can still be cured.Both stage III seminomas and non-seminomas are...

Recurrent Testicular Cancer

If the cancer goes away with treatment and then comes back, it's said to have recurred or relapsed. If this happens, it’s usually within the first...

Sertoli Cell and Leydig Cell Tumors

Typically, radical inguinal orchiectomy is the treatment for Sertoli cell and Leydig cell tumors. Radiation therapy and chemo generally don't work...

More Treatment Information For Testicular Cancer

For more details on treatment options – including some that may not be addressed here – the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the Na...

How long does it take for testicular cancer to recur?

If this happens, it’s usually within the first 2 years after treatment. In general, if the cancer recurs, it’s probably best to get a second opinion from a center with extensive experience in treating relapsed testicular cancer before starting treatment.

What is the treatment for cancer after chemo?

If a man’s cancer recurs after chemo or if treatment is no longer working, he will be treated with different chemo, which typically includes ifosfamide, cisplatin, and either etoposide, paclitaxel, or vinblastine.

What is the procedure to remove lymph nodes?

If tumor marker levels are normal, there are 2 main options: Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND): This is surgery to remove the lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen. If the lymph nodes that were removed contain cancer, chemo (typically for 2 cycles) might be given.

How many cycles of chemo for lymph nodes?

Chemotherapy: This is typically the preferred treatment. It is usually either 4 cycles of EP (etoposide and cisplatin) or 3 cycles of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin). Radiation: This may be an option instead of chemo if the lymph nodes aren't enlarged from cancer spread.

How many cycles of BEP for cancer?

This can help reduce the risk that the cancer will come back. If cancer was found in the lymph nodes after surgery, 2 to 4 cycles of BEP or EP (etoposide and cisplatin) may be given, depending on how many nodes had cancer in them. This has a high cure rate, but it can have side effects (which are mostly short-term).

How often do you have to watch for stage 2 seminoma?

The doctor will then watch closely (every 3 to 6 months) for any signs that the cancer has come back .

What is stage 0 testicular cancer?

Carcinoma in situ (stage 0) testicular tumors. In this stage, the cancer has not spread outside the testicle, and tumor marker levels (like HCG and AFP) are not elevated. If CIS is diagnosed after surgery removes the testicle, no other treatment is needed. If CIS is found after a testicular biopsy (such as for fertility problems), ...

Types of drugs

You usually have a combination of drugs to treat testicular cancer. Or you might have a drug called carboplatin on its own. The most common types of chemotherapy drugs are:

How you have chemotherapy

You usually have several types of chemotherapy drugs together. You have them into your bloodstream (intravenously).

Where you have chemotherapy

You usually have treatment into your bloodstream at the cancer day clinic. You might sit in a chair for a few hours so it’s a good idea to take things in to do. For example, newspapers, books or electronic devices can all help to pass the time. You can usually bring a friend or family member with you.

Before you start chemotherapy

You need to have blood tests to make sure it’s safe to start treatment. You have these either a few days before or on the day you start treatment. You have blood tests before each round or cycle of treatment.

When you go home

Chemotherapy for testicular cancer can be difficult to cope with. Tell your doctor or nurse about any problems or side effects that you have. The nurse will give you telephone numbers to call if you have any problems at home.

How does chemo help with testicular cancer?

Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy which uses drugs in treating cancer. These drugs are taken orally or are given intravenously with the help of a needle. Generally, to treat testicular cancer drugs are given in vein IV. These drugs travel throughout the body and aim at destroying the cancer cells. This treatment is mainly used for breaking the tumors and killing the cancer cells. Depending on the spreading of the cancer, tolerance of the patient, type and stage of the cancer, chemotherapeutic drugs are prescribed to the patients by an oncologist.

How long does it take to give a testicular drug?

It has to be given slowly, for around 30 mins. Patient’s condition is often tested before prescribing the drug, as it can have adverse side effects.

How does testicular cancer affect fertility?

Effect on fertility: During the treatment of testicular cancer, the body’s ability to produce sperm reduces.

How is chemotherapy delivered?

This is the most commonly delivered method for chemotherapy. In this method, the drugs are injected into the veins. This allows rapid circulation of the drug in the bloodstream that carries the drug to the tumour. There are several ways of intravenous administration:

Do you have to monitor chemo patients?

During chemotherapy, regular monitoring of the patients is compulsory. They have to follow a healthy regime in order to cope up with the effects. The general follow up for testicular cancer can be read here.

Can chemo be given with other drugs?

Chemotherapeutic drugs are often given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Learn more about the chemotherapy drugs here These drugs have a higher impact in treating the cancer. Combining the drugs also increases the survival rate. Following are the chemotherapeutic regimen in treating testicular cancer:

What are the two prognostication models for testicular cancer?

There are two major prognostication models for testicular cancer: staging,

How many people will die from testicular cancer in 2021?

Incidence and Mortality. Estimated new cases and deaths from testicular cancer in the United States in 2021: [ 1] New cases: 9,470. Deaths: 440. Testicular cancer is a highly treatable, usually curable, cancer that most often develops in young and middle-aged men. Most testicular cancers are germ cell tumors.

What is stage 3 cancer?

Stage III implies spread beyond the retroperitoneal nodes based on physical examination, imaging studies, and/or blood tests (i.e., patients with retroperitoneal adenopathy and highly elevated serum tumor markers are stage III). Stage III can be further stratified based on the location of metastasis and the degree of elevation of serum tumor markers. In the favorable group (IIIA), metastases are limited to lymph nodes and lung, and serum tumor markers are no more than mildly elevated. Stage IIIB patients have moderately elevated tumor markers, while stage IIIC patients have highly elevated markers and/or metastases to liver, bone, brain or some organ other than the lungs. These subclassifications of stage III correspond to the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification system for disseminated germ cell tumors. [ 2]

How many men will have teratoma after chemo?

Case series of men undergoing postchemotherapy resections have reported that roughly 10% will have viable germ cell cancer, 45% will have teratoma, and 45% will have no viable tumor. [ 30] Numerous attempts have been made to identify the patients who need surgery and the patients who can be safely observed. Variables predictive of finding only necrosis or fibrosis at surgery are: [ 31]

What percentage of testicular tumors are seminomas?

[ 1] . Less than 50% of malignant testicular germ cell tumors have a single cell type, of which roughly 50% are seminomas.

How many people fathered children after testicular cancer?

In two, large studies, roughly 70% of patients actually fathered children after treatment for testicular cancer. [ 33, 34] The likelihood of recovering fertility is related to the type of treatment received.

What is an undescended testis?

An undescended testis (cryptorchidism). A family history of testis cancer (particularly in a father or brother). A personal history of testis cancer. Surgical correction of an undescended testis (orchiopexy) before puberty appears to lower the risk of testis cancer, but this isn't certain.

How to treat testicular cancer?

Surgical methods have been refined, and doctors know more about the best ways to use chemotherapy and radiation to treat different types of testicular cancer. In some cases, more than one of type of treatment might be used.

How to learn more about clinical trials?

If you would like to learn more about clinical trials that might be right for you, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials.

What kind of doctor treats cancer?

You may have different types of doctors on your treatment team, depending on the stage of your cancer and your treatment options. These doctors may include: 1 A urologist: a surgeon who specializes in treating diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system 2 A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy 3 A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines like chemotherapy

Why do we do clinical trials?

Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies that are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures . Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.

What do people with cancer need?

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

What is the difference between a urologist and a radiation oncologist?

A urologist: a surgeon who specializes in treating diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system. A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy. A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines like chemotherapy. You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, ...

What is the number to call for cancer treatment?

Call our National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-227-2345 and speak with one of our trained specialists. Palliative Care. Find Support Programs and Services in Your Area.

How many cycles of chemotherapy for non-seminoma?

Giving patients with the "non-seminoma" form of testicular tumor just one cycle of chemotherapy was just as effective at preventing the cancer from coming back as the standard two cycles, the study found.

How many cycles of chemo do you get if you have cancer?

If the latter route is chosen, the patient receives no chemotherapy unless their cancer comes back, at which point they receive three cycles of chemo.

Does cutting chemotherapy in half reduce side effects?

Cutting the amount of chemotherapy in half also reduced serious side effects that can have a lifelong impact on a patient's health, said the team of British researchers.

Did Taylor say the side effects of the treatment were really difficult?

For his part, Taylor acknowledged that "the side effects of the treatment were really difficult."

Does testicular cancer change practice?

Two U.S. experts in treating testicular cancer agreed that the study might change practice. But they also cautioned that treatment decisions are always made on a case-by-case basis.