[Cisplatin ototoxicity. A clinical study]

The ototoxicity of cis-DDP (cisplatin) has been known for some time. It affects the outer and inner hair cells of the cochlea which are damaged. So far, the data laid down in the literature concerning extent and frequency of hearing defects differ widely. In the present study we analysed the ototoxic effect of cis-DDP in 124 patients with different types of carcinoma. We investigated a possible dependence of ototoxicity of the patient's age, the platinum dose, the manner of administration, and of the previously existing audiometric anomaly. In 48% of the patients studied we found a therapy-induced, dose-dependent hearing defect mainly at a high frequency range (4-8 kilohertz). Its degree is influenced by the mode of cisplatin application. The most serious hearing defects were caused by a dose of 100 mg per square metre body surface. The results of our investigations are discussed and compared with those of other clinical studies.