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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss due to Imatinib
Venkata Satya Suresh Attili1, P P Bapsy, G Anupama
1Department of Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore 560029, India. sureshattili@yahoo.com
Leukemia Research
|January 29, 2008
Summary
This case report details the first instance of bilateral irreversible sensorineural hearing loss linked to Imatinib therapy. Oncologists should monitor for this potential ototoxicity in patients receiving Imatinib treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ototoxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in cancer therapy.
- While effective, drug-induced side effects require ongoing investigation.
- Ototoxicity is a known, albeit less common, adverse effect of certain cancer drugs.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old male with chronic myeloid leukemia developed bilateral irreversible sensorineural hearing loss.
- The hearing loss occurred after 3 months of Imatinib treatment.
- Audiometric evaluations confirmed the sensorineural hearing loss.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of Imatinib-induced bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
- The findings suggest a direct link between Imatinib and ototoxicity.
- The hearing loss was irreversible.
Implications:
- Oncologists must consider Imatinib-induced ototoxicity in patients presenting with hearing loss.
- This case highlights the need for audiological monitoring during Imatinib therapy.
- Further research into the mechanisms of Imatinib ototoxicity is warranted.
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