Very high-dose cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: a preliminary report on early and long-term effects

Acute and subacute audiometric hearing changes were evaluated in 12 patients receiving 35 courses of very high-dose (vhd) cisplatin (200 mg/m2 per course) in hypertonic saline at 4 or 8-week intervals. Audiogical evaluations were performed both before and immediately after each course of chemotherapy, and again after the discontinuation of treatment. A significant drop of the mean hearing threshold (P less than 0.01) at high frequencies was observed even within 48 h from the end of the first course of therapy, with 50% of the patients presenting a hearing loss of more than 15 dB. At the same total dose (200 mg/m2), one course of this regimen provided an incidence of hearing loss of more than 15 dB, which was four times greater than that reported with two courses of standard-dose regimens. The incidence and severity of the hearing impairment progressed further with subsequent courses of chemotherapy. Compared with baseline levels, most patients (75%) receiving at least two courses had a moderate to severe hearing loss, especially involving 4 and 8 kHz. At the end of treatment, 33% of the patients complained of a nondisabling functional hearing impairment. No recovery occurred after chemotherapy had been discontinued for 9-28 weeks. At this dose level cisplatin is markedly ototoxic. The use of hypertonic saline and vigorous hydration are effective means of minimizing the risk of nephrotoxicity, but seem to have no effect on cisplatin-related ototoxicity.