Cisplatin vestibular ototoxicity: preliminary report

Area of Science:

• Ototoxicology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapy agent.
• Vestibular ototoxicity is a known side effect of cisplatin, impacting balance and hearing.
• Monitoring strategies for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity are crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence of vestibular ototoxicity in patients receiving cisplatin at 180 mg/M2.
• To compare the incidence of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity with pre-existing vestibular abnormalities.
• To recommend monitoring guidelines for cisplatin vestibular ototoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Prospective monitoring of 16 patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy.
• Dosage administered: 180 mg/M2.
• Vestibular function tests were performed pre-therapy and during treatment.

Main Results:

• The incidence of ototoxicity was 18%.
• Preexisting vestibular functional abnormalities were observed in 31% of patients.
• The incidence of vestibular ototoxicity was low for the dosage levels used.

Conclusions:

• Pre-therapy vestibular screening is recommended for all patients.
• Patients with pre-existing vestibular dysfunction require weekly monitoring.
• Routine testing is advised for patients with normal pre-therapy function once cumulative doses exceed 400 mg.