Late onset hearing loss: a significant complication of cancer survivors treated with Cisplatin containing chemotherapy regimens

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2010 Mar;32(2):119-23. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181cb8593.

Abstract

Cisplatin is a known ototoxic agent and has been associated with late onset hearing loss (LOHL) in children beyond completion of treatment. We completed a retrospective review of 160 patients yielding 59 who received cisplatin and had sufficient data to determine the presence of LOHL. LOHL was defined as a significant change in hearing thresholds 6 months past the last cisplatin therapy. A significant change was defined as a decrease of >15 dB in a frequency from 1 to 8 kHz in either ear, or a decrease of 10 dB at 2 or more frequencies in the same ear, compared with the previously entered audiogram. Hearing loss was classified using the Brock grading system for each ear. Of the 59 patients evaluated, 51% exhibited LOHL. Univariate analysis indicated LOHL was significantly associated with age of diagnosis (P=0.031), diagnosis of medulloblastoma (P=0.035), hearing aids (P=0.010), and cranial radiation (P=0.044), particularly to the posterior fossa (P=0.023). Multivariate analysis revealed only radiation to the posterior fossa (P=0.02) and the use of hearing aids (P=0.01) were significantly associated with LOHL. LOHL is a significant complication in childhood cancer survivors who receive cisplatin. Long-term audiologic monitoring after therapy is needed to identify the affected patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects*
  • Cochlea / drug effects
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survivors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cisplatin