Chemotherapy drug may cause ‘significant’ hearing loss Cancer survivorsAccording to a study from the University of South Florida and Indiana University.
Researchers followed 100 testicular cancer survivors who received a chemo drug called cisplatin for an average of 14 years, a USF press release reported.
Among the participants, whose average age was 48 years, 78% reported that they had “a great deal of difficulty in everyday listening situations.”
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This was reportedly the first study to assess the potential Deafness among cancer survivors.
“Patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy have a high risk of permanent hearing loss, and for some, this hearing loss persists years after chemotherapy treatment,” lead author Victoria Sanchez, associate professor in the USF Health Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, told Fox News Digital in an email.
A chemotherapy drug may “significantly” reduce hearing ability in cancer survivors, according to a study. (iStock)
“This hearing loss affects the way people hear in their daily lives, such as in noisy restaurants or other social gatherings.”
According to the National Cancer Institute website, cisplatin is a type of chemotherapy drug that contains the metal platinum.
The drug, given by IV, is approved for the treatment of bladder cancer, ovarian cancer and testicular cancer, either alone or in combination with other medications, the NCI said.
Higher doses of cisplatin resulted in more severe cases of cancer. DeafnessResearchers found.
According to the National Cancer Institute website, cisplatin is a type of chemotherapy drug that contains the metal platinum. (iStock)
Those most at risk included patients with poor heart health or high blood pressure.
“It was surprising to find that cardiac conditions were associated with increased hearing loss and an increased risk of hearing loss, highlighting the need for patients to consider this.” healthy lifestyle “We have several options to protect our ears,” Sanchez said.
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Ears are particularly sensitive to the drug because they can’t filter it out, according to the USF researchers.
“This causes inflammation and destruction of sensory cells important for coding sound, leading to permanent hearing loss that may get worse even after cisplatin treatment is completed,” the release said.
Researchers followed 100 testicular cancer survivors who were given a chemotherapy drug called cisplatin for an average of 14 years. (iStock)
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved cisplatin testicular cancer According to the NIH, a treatment for the condition was introduced in 1978.
The drug’s packaging label carries a warning about the potential for ototoxicity, which includes damage to the inner ear. Side effects of the drug,
,The packaging states, “Hearing loss may be unilateral or bilateral and becomes more frequent and severe with repeated dosing.”
“There may be a decrease in the ability to hear the tones of normal conversation.”
According to the packaging, it is unclear whether drug-induced ototoxicity is reversible.
“If hearing loss is identified early, treatment and support are available for hearing loss,” the lead study author said. “Healthcare providers can talk to patients about their risk of hearing loss and a plan for prevention.” (iStock)
Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that cancer patients talk to their doctor. health care providers Be aware of possible hearing loss as a side effect of treatment and have a hearing evaluation while receiving chemotherapy.
“Get your hearing checked if you have any concerns,” Sanchez advised.
“If hearing loss is identified, treatment and support for hearing loss is available. Health care providers can talk to patients about their risk of hearing loss and a plan for survival.”
Ears are particularly sensitive to the drug because they can’t filter it out, according to the USF researchers. (iStock)
Dr. Mark Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine NYU Langone Medical Center And a Fox News medical contributor said cisplatin is a “highly effective treatment” for testicular cancer, increasing cure rates from 10% to 90% when used in combination with other drugs.
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“This drug has a lot of side effects, including hearing loss, which is very well known, and about 80% of patients experience side effects from it,” Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital via email.
The doctor advised that a cost-benefit analysis should be done for all treatments.
“High doses of chemotherapy (especially platinum-based) and radiation to the head, ears, or brain can cause damage to one or both ears and hearing problems,” the ACS says. (iStock)
“Because it is a potentially fatal cancer, its benefits are usually worth the side effects, until newer, less toxic and equally effective treatments are developed,” Siegel said.
According to Sanchez, the main limitation of the study is that all of the patients were very similar — men treated for testicular cancer.
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“We need to do additional studies to understand this in women treated with cisplatin and other types of cancer,” he added.
The goal is to Research According to USF, this will lead to options in chemotherapy treatment plans and preventive medications to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
“Hearing loss related to cancer treatment is often permanent (does not go away), but hearing aids can help.”
The American Cancer Society warns on its website that chemotherapy drugs can affect hearing.
“High doses of chemotherapy (especially platinum-based) and radiation to the head, ears, or brain can cause damage to one or both ears and hearing problems,” the ACS says.
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“Hearing loss related to cancer treatment is often permanent (does not go away), but hearing aids can help.”
Fox News Digital requested comment from the FDA, ACS and several manufacturers of branded cisplatin drugs.
