A study by University of South Florida and Indiana University researchers has revealed substantial long-term hearing loss in cancer survivors under cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Published in JAMA Oncology, the research followed testicular cancer survivors for an average of 14 years post-treatment, finding that 78% faced significant hearing difficulties in everyday scenarios, detrimentally affecting their quality of life. This pioneering study is the first to assess real-world listening challenges and hearing loss progression over an extended period.
According to Robert Frisina, Chair of the USF Department of Medical Engineering, understanding these effects is crucial for developing better therapeutic strategies and preventive measures to enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors.
Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy drug for various cancers is known to impact multiple body parts, including the ears. The drug accumulates in the ears, causing inflammation and destruction of sensory cells vital for hearing, leading to permanent and progressive hearing loss even after treatment concludes.
Despite the known risks, Victoria Sanchez, Associate Professor in the USF Health Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, highlighted a nationwide lack of routine hearing assessments for chemotherapy patients. The study underscores the need for regular auditory evaluations to manage and mitigate long-term hearing damage.
The research found that higher cisplatin doses correlated with more severe and progressive hearing loss, especially in patients with high blood pressure and poor cardiovascular health. These patients also struggled more in noisy environments, like restaurants.
Dr. Lois B. Travis from Indiana University School of Medicine emphasized the importance of lifelong monitoring, as the current median age of the survivors studied is 48, and they will eventually face age-related hearing loss.
Innovative solutions, such as Pedmark, an FDA-approved injection that mitigates cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children, represent promising advancements. Sanchez stressed the importance of protecting and treating hearing loss.
According to the American Cancer Society, other platinum chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin, also damage the cochlea in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss, with higher doses posing a greater risk.