A STUDY OF REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH SEMINOMA TREATED WITH RADIOTHERAPY AND ORCHIECTOMY - (SWOG-8711)

Purpose: The results of Southwest Oncology Group Study 8711 (Group 2B) are presented, The objective was to evaluate the natural history of s perm concentration and selected hormonal parameters in patients with t esticular cancer treated with orchiectomy and radiotherapy. Methods an d Materials: Of a total of 207 patients enrolled on SWOG 8711, 53 pure seminoma patients were identified who were treated with orchiectomy a nd radiotherapy only. Sperm concentration, follicle-stimulating hormon e (FSH) levels, and sexual satisfaction scores were the main parameter s followed. Results: A fraction of the patients were infertile prior t o receiving radiotherapy, Our analysis indicates that incidental radia tion dose to the remaining testicle affects time to recovery of fertil ity, and at an aggregate level, changes in FSH mirror changes in sperm concentration over time. This phenomenon is the same as that describe d in patients free from testicular cancer, These men evaluated their s exual activity as good after orchidectomy. Conclusion: Our data suppor t the use of clamshell-type testicular shields as a means of providing maximum protection to the remaining testicle. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scien ce Inc.