A recent study followed a group of testicular cancer survivors who underwent cisplatin-based chemotherapy for an average of 14 years. The study revealed that 78% of these survivors face significant challenges in hearing in daily situations, impacting their quality of life.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology, this study, conducted by researchers from the University of South Florida and Indiana University, shed light on the long-term effects of common chemotherapy on cancer survivors. It documented how the hearing difficulties and loss among survivors persist over time, impacting their everyday lives.
One of the researchers, Robert Frisina, emphasized the importance of understanding these sensory issues to develop better treatment strategies and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors in the long run.
Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy drug for cancers like bladder, lung, neck, and testicular cancer, can lead to hearing loss as it affects the ears directly and damages sensory cells critical for hearing. Although this risk is known, the study highlighted the lack of regular hearing assessments for patients undergoing chemotherapy, emphasizing the need for routine evaluations to manage and prevent long-term hearing damage.
The research suggested that higher doses of cisplatin correlate with more severe and worsening hearing loss, especially in patients with additional risk factors like high blood pressure and poor cardiovascular health. The study emphasized the necessity of continuous monitoring of these patients for life to address potential age-related hearing loss as they age.
The study, part of The Platinum Study funded by the National Cancer Institute, aims to encourage further exploration of alternative treatment protocols and preventive measures such as FDA-approved drugs to combat or reduce hearing loss from chemotherapy.
Recommendations by the researchers include considering alternative treatment plans, adjusting the dosages and timing of cisplatin administration, and exploring innovative solutions like Pedmark, an FDA-approved injection that helps reduce cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
Promoting optimal hearing is crucial for overall wellness, allowing individuals to engage with their loved ones, enjoy music and entertainment, and stay connected to the vibrant world around them. Ensuring good hearing health is essential for a fulfilling life.
The American Cancer Society warns that platinum chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin can harm the inner ear’s cochlea, leading to hearing loss, with higher doses posing a greater risk of damage.
