Cisplatin and Ototoxicity: The Hidden Impact on Hearing
Cisplatin is a lifesaving chemotherapy drug and the foundation of treatment for testicular cancer, pioneered in testicular cancer treatment by Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. In 1974, he added an experimental drug to the chemotherapy regimen for testicular cancer, and almost overnight, he turned the research world upside down, and a disease that was almost universally fatal became eminently curable. Cisplatin remains the cornerstone of testicular cancer treatment, which is over 95% curable when detected early and treated with a combination of cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs.
In addition to testicular cancer, cisplatin is also used to treat a variety of other cancers such as lung, bladder, ovarian, and head and neck cancers.
However, while cisplatin is highly effective in curing testicular cancer, it comes with a serious side effect: hearing loss, also known as “Ototoxicity." According to the study “Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: A concise review of the burden, prevention, and interception strategies,” patients treated with cisplatin are five times more likely to develop hearing issues, including:
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
High-frequency hearing loss (difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds)
Trouble hearing normal conversations in later stages
More than half of patients—both adults and children—experience long-term hearing impairment, which can significantly impact their daily lives. One example is Tristan, a young boy who was diagnosed with testicular cancer at just 3 years old.
Now almost 5, Tristan suffers from cisplatin-induced hearing loss and relies on hearing aids to navigate daily life. His story highlights the profound effect hearing loss can have on children, impacting their ability to learn, communicate, and engage with the world around them.
The Problem: No Standard Monitoring for Hearing Loss
Despite this well-known risk, there are no standardized guidelines for monitoring and preventing hearing damage in adult cancer patients, including those with testicular cancer. A recent study reviewed published research and surveyed oncologists about their real-world practices. The findings showed major inconsistencies in how hearing loss is tracked and managed—meaning some patients may not receive adequate monitoring or early intervention.
the solution: PEDMARK
To address this unmet need, Fennec Pharmaceuticals developed PEDMARK, the first and only FDA-approved sodium thiosulfate (STS) formulation designed to help prevent cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
Approved for adolescents and young adults by the FDA, PEDMARK is also recommended by the NCCN guidelines for patients aged 15–39 but can be administered to older adults as well.
This marks a significant step forward in preserving the quality of life for cancer patients.
Why This Matters for Testicular Cancer Patients
Testicular cancer can affect men at any age, and many go on to live long, healthy lives after treatment. However, the impact of cisplatin-induced hearing loss can last well beyond cancer treatment. Hearing loss can severely affect a patient’s quality of life, leading to challenges in communication, career limitations, and social isolation. The difficulty in hearing normal conversations or enjoying day-to-day activities can be emotionally taxing and hinder overall well-being.
To understand the emotional and practical consequences of hearing loss, Jake's Story provides a powerful, personal account of how hearing impairment from cancer treatment affects not just hearing, but life itself. Watch Jake's Story on YouTube to see how hearing loss can change a person's life and underscore the importance of protecting hearing during treatment.
If you or your testicular cancer patient are interested in receiving PEDMARK, reach out to Fennec Pharmaceuticals today.
Fennec HEARS at 1-833-7PEDMARK (1-833-773-3627)
As research advances and new solutions like PEDMARK become available, there is hope for better protection against hearing damage while still benefiting from the life-saving power of cisplatin.
Source Citation: Chattaraj, A., Syed, M. P., Low, C. A., & Owonikoko, T. K. (2023). Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: A Concise Review of the Burden, Prevention, and Interception Strategies. JCO Oncology Practice, 19(5). https://doi.org/10.1200/op.22.00710