Improving the usability of grading scales for drug-induced ototoxicity with a focus on real world data collection.

Purpose: Chemotherapy induced ototoxicity (e.g. by cisplatin) is a regularly occurring although underreported challenge in clinical practice. Several reviews of ototoxicity monitoring throughout clinical trials reveal difficulty in estimating the incidence due to the use of different scales and classification systems. In this communication, we introduce a scale  to improve the assessment of ototoxicity during routine cancer care incorporating patient reported outcomes.

Methods: Combining and updating the existing ototoxicity scales to develop a new and universally applicable grading scale.

Results: The developed scale includes all types of ototoxicity (hearing loss as well as tinnitus) and combines audiogram measurements with patient reported outcomes.

Conclusion: Using a single scale for assessing and grading ototoxicity in routine care as well as in clinical trials may improve the current understanding of the actual incidence and actual patient burden of this toxicity.  In addition, it could  enhance the opportunities for intervention and/or aural rehabilitation.