Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in patients receiving concurrent chemoradiation in carcinoma cervix

Background: Weekly cisplatin at 40mg/m2 is the most common regimen followed in our institution. However, patients receiving cisplatin can experience high-frequency hearing loss due to its expansive toxicity profile, a side effect known as ototoxicity. The dearth of information on the extent and severity of cisplatin-associated ototoxicity prevents implementing a context-specific audiological monitoring program. The study aimed to determine the extent and severity of cisplatin ototoxicity in patients receiving concurrent chemoradiation in carcinoma cervix. Methods: Otoscopic examinations and audiological investigations were undertaken at regular intervals in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation for carcinoma cervix with single-agent cisplatin in the Department of Radiation Oncology, with the aid of the Department of ENT. All the audiological investigations were provided free of cost. Sixty-six patients who met the inclusion criteria were sent for audiological evaluation before the start of chemotherapy, immediately after chemotherapy completion and after one month following chemotherapy. Results: The study found that cisplatin was associated with high frequency, predominantly bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Among 66 patients, seven patients (11%) developed cisplatin-induced hearing loss. However, most of the patients developed mild and minimal hearing loss. Conclusion: The study concluded that patients receiving concurrent chemoradiation for carcinoma cervix with cisplatin developed predominantly bilateral, high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. However, most patients developed minimal or mild hearing loss.