Roadmap to a Global Template for Implementation of Ototoxicity Management for Cancer Treatment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Audiology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Ototoxicity, a side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, significantly impacts patient quality-of-life.
• Hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular dysfunction are common consequences, yet standardized clinical management is lacking.
• The physical, socioeconomic, and psychological effects necessitate a structured approach to ototoxicity management (OtoM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on cancer treatment-related ototoxicity.
• To propose a roadmap for developing and implementing standardized OtoM programs.
• To address the needs of patients, survivors, and caregivers throughout cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on ototoxicity and its management.
• Identification of strategic areas for advancing OtoM.
• Proposal of near-term and longer-term goals for OtoM implementation.

Main Results:

• Lack of widely adopted standards for clinical management of cancer treatment-related ototoxicity.
• Identification of five strategic areas to advance OtoM: beneficiary engagement, workforce enhancement, program development, policy/funding, and research.
• A need for consensus recommendations and a roadmap to guide OtoM development and adoption.

Conclusions:

• Standardized OtoM is crucial for improving outcomes for cancer patients and survivors.
• A strategic roadmap is proposed to guide the worldwide adoption of OtoM.
• Multifaceted efforts are required to integrate effective OtoM into cancer care.