Adverse health outcomes were similar in testicular cancer patients treated with either etoposide and cisplatin (EPX4) or 3 cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEPX3) in a study involving 952 individuals.

Participants were assessed >1 year postchemotherapy. They were given a physical exam, and completed a questionnaire. Investigators looked at odds of adverse health outcomes relative to certain factors and health behaviors. Among the results:

• Raynaud phenomenon occurred in ~12% of EPX4 patients, vs ~21% in those treated with BEPX3.
• Peripheral neuropathy occurred in ~29% and ~21%, respectively, and obesity in ~26% and 33%, respectively.
• Patients receiving larger cumulative bleomycin doses were 44% more likely to experience 5 or more adverse outcomes.
• Risk of experiencing adverse outcomes increased with age.
• Vigorous physical activity was protective.
• Current smokers were nearly 4 times more likely to have 5 or more outcomes; for ex-smokers, the increased odds of experiencing such was 76%.