The drug is under scrutiny now.
A comprehensive 14-year study involving testicular cancer survivors has revealed significant risks associated with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, particularly in relation to long-term hearing loss.
Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy medication for various cancers such as bladder, lung, neck, and testicular tumors, has been identified as a potential cause of severe hearing impairment among patients, according to findings published in JAMA Oncology. The study, led by Dr. Victoria Sanchez from the University of South Florida (USF), monitored the health of 100 male survivors of testicular cancer over an average follow-up period of 14 years.
The research highlighted that a significant majority (78%) of those treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy experienced varying degrees of hearing difficulties by the end of the study period. These hearing impairments were noted to substantially affect daily listening abilities and overall quality of life for the patients, as reported in a USF news release.
Dr. Robert Frisina, co-author of the study and chair of the department of medical engineering at USF, emphasized the importance of these findings for guiding oncologists in adjusting treatment strategies to minimize long-term side effects. This might involve modifications in the dosage and timing of cisplatin administration to mitigate its impact on hearing.
The study underscored that the extent of hearing loss tended to correlate with the cumulative dosage of cisplatin administered, especially in individuals with additional risk factors like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The mechanism behind cisplatin-induced hearing loss involves its ability to accumulate in the inner ear following intravenous administration, potentially triggering inflammation and damaging sensory cells critical for auditory function.
Dr. Lois Travis, senior author of the study and professor of cancer research at Indiana University School of Medicine, emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of cancer survivors, particularly as they age and may experience age-related hearing loss in addition to the effects of cisplatin treatment.
Sanchez and her team recommended routine hearing assessments for cancer patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy, stressing the importance of proactive management to mitigate long-term hearing damage.
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