Identifying the unmet supportive care needs of individuals affected by testicular cancer: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose To critically appraise studies to identify experiences of unmet supportive care needs of individuals affected by testicular cancer. Methods A registered priori systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. CINAHL, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE were searched for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies using a wide range of search terms. All articles were double screened according to a pre-determined eligibility criterion. Reference lists of the final included studies were checked for further eligible studies. The review process was managed using Covidence systematic review software. Data from the studies were extracted, methodological quality appraisal conducted, and a narrative synthesis conducted. Results Of the 72 papers identified, 36 studies were included. In descending order of frequency of need, psychological needs were identified in 26/36, physical needs 18/36, interpersonal/intimacy needs 19/36, health system/information needs 11/36, cognitive needs 9/36, social needs 7/36, and of equal frequencies counts of 4/36 for family, practical, and patient-clinician information needs. Only one study explored spiritual needs and no daily living needs were identified. Conclusions The experience of needs varied in terms of frequency and distress which were commonly influenced by the age of the individual across the cancer care continuum persisting after 1-year post-treatment. Implications for Cancer Survivors When caring for individuals affected by testicular cancer, clinicians are encouraged to take a holistic lens to cancer care, particularly to explore issue or concerns that young men affected by testicular cancer might be embarrassed or reticent to discuss.

Experiences of sexual well-being interventions in males affected by genitourinary cancers and their partners: an integrative systematic review

“…This integrative review has shed light on the paucity of studies in other genitourinary cancers. Sexual well-being has been a significant unmet need in other GU studies in testicular cancer [8], bladder cancer [10], kidney cancer [9], and penile cancer [11]. Although this review aimed to understand the experiences of men and their partners with GU cancers, the literature comprised only prostate cancer studies, which is an important observation.…”

“…In developing future sexual well-being interventions, the healthcare professionals must ensure that the patients' unmet sexual needs are identified and addressed [8,10]. One recommendation is to address the patients' unmet needs by completing a biopsychosocial screening at the time of their clinic review.…”

“…However, all treatment modalities for GU cancers can negatively impact sexual function at some stage in the cancer trajectory, given the invasive nature of treatments [1,6,7]. Existing systematic reviews among GU cancer populations [8][9][10][11][12][13] have all identified that patients affected Podium presentation of this work was presented at the British Association of Urology Nurses Annual Conference in November 2022 and was awarded the Best Oral Presentation.…”

Testicular cancer in 2023: Current status and recent progress

“…Cardiovascular toxicities, hearing impairment, peripheral neuropathy, second primary cancers, hypogonadism, infertility, psychological effects, and long-term surgical complications represent some of the multitude of survivorship issues that can occur (Table 4). [134][135][136][137][138][139][140] In addition to underscoring the need for long-term patient follow-up and screening programs for these complications, the late effects also highlight the importance of risk 135 Shrem 2022, 136 Feldman 2018, 137 Kerns 2018, 139 and Agrawal 2020. 140 b lifetime risk for all men diagnosed with GCT) for developing a second, contralateral testicular GCT.…”

“…Cardiovascular toxicities, hearing impairment, peripheral neuropathy, second primary cancers, hypogonadism, infertility, psychological effects, and long‐term surgical complications represent some of the multitude of survivorship issues that can occur (Table 4). 134–140 In addition to underscoring the need for long‐term patient follow‐up and screening programs for these complications, the late effects also highlight the importance of risk stratification and limiting therapy to just what is needed to achieve a cure and nothing more. The availability of survivorship‐specific resources varies significantly, and many patients, particularly in less well resourced centers, have very limited, if any, access to survivorship services.…”