Longitudinal Audiological and Vestibular Follow-up in Adult Cancer Patients Receiving Platinum-Based Chemotherapy

Platinum-based chemotherapy is widely used in cancer care but carries a substantial risk of cochleotoxicity and vestibulotoxicity. This study aimed to characterize early (3-month) and long-term (1-year) auditory and vestibular effects of platinum derivatives in adults, with the goal of improving monitoring strategies.

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Audiologists working with oncology teams should consider structured longitudinal monitoring of both hearing and vestibular function in patients on platinum-based chemotherapy, as early detection of toxicity may allow treatment modification; this study reinforces — and may refine — existing ototoxicity monitoring guidelines.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Platinum-based chemotherapy is widely used and its ototoxic and vestibulotoxic side effects are a significant survivorship concern; longitudinal data characterizing the timeline of these toxicities can directly improve monitoring protocols and quality of life for cancer survivors.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Longitudinal study tracks both hearing loss (cochleotoxicity) and balance dysfunction (vestibulotoxicity) in adult cancer patients on platinum chemotherapy.
02Published in JARO (Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology), a leading audiology/otology research journal.
03Early audiological and vestibular changes were characterized over serial follow-up assessments.
04Findings are relevant to developing or updating ototoxicity monitoring protocols in oncology settings.
05Both cochlear and vestibular toxicity pathways were assessed, providing a more complete picture of platinum drug side effects.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Platinum-based chemotherapy causes early cochleotoxicity and vestibulotoxicity detectable through longitudinal audiological and vestibular assessments.

studysupported

Serial audiological and vestibular follow-up can characterize the timeline of platinum-induced toxicity in adult cancer patients.

studysupported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42443713
DOI: 10.1007/s10162-026-01062-y.
Journal: Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 2b
Population: Adult cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy
Intervention: Platinum-based chemotherapy with longitudinal audiological and vestibular monitoring

Primary outcomes

Early cochleotoxicity detection via audiological assessment; Vestibulotoxicity characterization via vestibular function testing

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