I have read articles about the use of cisplatin and its effects on hearing loss. What are the latest journals saying about this. I have heard through the grapevine about combining another drug with cisplatin that has actually decreased the chances for hearing loss but do not know any details and if that is a part of the protocol now for treatment.
There is a drug called Sodium Thiosulfate (STS) that is being tested in children to see if it can protect children's hearing from Cisplatin related ototoxicity. As of this date, the drug is only available through a clinical trial. Information about that trial can be found here:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00716976
STS has been used in the past to treat cyanide poisoning. However, it appears to also have this nice side effect of protecting hearing. There was a medical article written a while ago which showed that STS was able to protect mice from the ototoxic effects of hearing loss. THe problem with many of the drugs that protect the hearing is that they also seem to protect the tumor as well. In fact, that was the problem originally. They then changed the dosing to administer the STS 6 hours after the Cisplatin. According to the study they were able to not only protect the hearing but they were able to do so without reducing the efficacy of Cisplatin. Information about the article and a video on the subject can be found here:
http://www.neuroblastomafoundation.org/blogs/videos/archive/2009/07/02/neuroblastoma-and-hearing-loss.aspx
The trial I mentioned before is based up on this study and it is a worthwhile discussion to have with your oncologist. I certainly wish this option was available when Sydney was in treatment.
With hope,
Mark Dungan - father to Sydney (dx 6/21/2003 at age 2, stage 4 neuroblastoma, nmyc amplified, completed A3973, completed ANBL0032, 3F8, Nestle vaccine, currently NED), Graham, and Ainsley