Ototoxicity - Fennec Pharmaceuticals | Testicular Cancer Conference 2024 presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals

Ototoxicity - Fennec Pharmaceuticals | Testicular Cancer Conference 2024 presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals

At the 2024 Testicular Cancer Conference presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals, Dan Sleiter, a senior Medical Science Liaison from Fennec Pharmaceuticals, presented on the topic of ototoxicity caused by cisplatin chemotherapy. Ototoxicity refers to ear poisoning, which can result in permanent and progressive hearing loss. Cisplatin is a common chemotherapeutic agent used to treat various solid tumors, including germ cell tumors associated with testicular cancer. Despite its efficacy, cisplatin poses a significant risk to auditory health, with 60-90% of patients potentially developing hearing loss. 

Sleiter explained that ototoxicity affects the cochlea, the snail-shaped organ in the inner ear responsible for hearing. Cisplatin generates reactive oxygen species that damage the hair cells within the cochlea, leading to irreversible hearing impairment. Symptoms  include tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), vertigo (a sense of dizziness), and sensorineural hearing loss that typically begins at high frequencies before progressing  to affect normal speech frequencies.  

He emphasized that hearing loss from cisplatin is not only immediate but can continue to worsen over time due to the drug's prolonged retention in the cochlea. This hearing  impairment significantly impacts the quality of life, affecting communication, social  interaction, emotional well-being, and even career and educational opportunities.  Despite these risks, audiological monitoring before, during, and after chemotherapy is often underutilized.  

Sleiter highlighted the importance of incorporating strategies to prevent ototoxicity into cancer treatment plans without compromising the effectiveness of chemotherapy. 

During the Q&A session, he noted that medications exist to help reduce cisplatin induced ototoxicity when administered appropriately, emphasizing that these interventions are given after cisplatin treatment to aid in clearing the drug from the  cochlea.  

In conclusion, Sleiter's presentation underscored the need for increased awareness of  cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, routine hearing assessments for patients undergoing  treatment, and proactive measures to mitigate hearing loss to improve long-term quality  of life for cancer survivors.  

The slides from Dan’s presentation can be downloaded here.

Learn more about Fennec here.