Auditory function in pediatric osteosarcoma patients treated with multiple doses of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)

Serial auditory evaluations were performed in 54 pediatric patients (5 to 18 yr) treated with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) for osteosarcoma. Each course of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) comprised 150 mg/m2 and was administered initially at two weekly intervals for seven courses (3 mo) and subsequently at three monthly intervals for 15 to 21 mo. Overall, 604 courses were administered, and observations were conducted from diagnosis to 6 yr. Bilateral hearing loss was detected in all patients. The loss varied from mild (20 to 40 dB) to profound (greater than 90 dB). Initial losses occurred in the higher frequencies and were also greater at these frequencies. Significant loss was first observed after 300 mg/m2 for frequencies over 4000 Hz and gradually shifted to incorporate the lower frequencies. Hearing loss was permanent.