[Experimental study of the ototoxicity of cisplatinum]

Cisplatinum, used in numerous multiple chemotherapy regimens, provokes cochleovestibular toxicity. Two series of rats were treated with single or increasing fractionated doses, and audiometric consequences evaluated from modifications in auditory evoked potentials from brain stem and from electrocochleographic recordings. The ototoxic effect was found to be dose related with a cumulative effect. Fractionated doses were less ototoxic than single doses. The mechanism of production of this ototoxicity has not been determined but is probably similar to that of the aminoglycosides.