Common Chemo Drug May Be Linked to Hearing Loss [Video]

Key Takeaways

A new study links the use of the common chemotherapy drug cisplatin with later hearing lossThe study of testicular cancer survivors found the extent of hearing loss rose along with the dose of cisplatin takenPatients may want to discuss what options they have for chemotherapy, given the findings

MONDAY, July 1, 2024 (HealthDay news) — A 14-year study of testicular cancer survivors suggests that a chemotherapy drug could greatly raise patients’ long-term odds for hearing loss.

The drug in question, cisplatin, has been a mainstay of cancer chemotherapy for decades. It’s often used to fight a range of cancers, including including bladder, lung, neck and testicular tumors.

Knowing that cisplatin might impact people’s hearing could help guide treatment, said study co-author Dr. Robert Frisina. He’s chair of the department of medical engineering at the University of South Florida (USF).

“This research gives oncologists the information they need to explore alternative treatment plans that …