Medical interventions for the prevention of platinum-induced hearing loss in children with cancer

The impact of the temporal sequence of cranial radiotherapy and platin-based chemotherapy on hearing impairment in pediatric and adolescent CNS and head-and-neck cancer patients: A report from the PanCareLIFE consortium

The impact of the temporal sequence by which cranial radiotherapy (CRT) and platin-based chemotherapy (PCth) are administered on sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in pediatric and adolescent central nervous system (CNS) and head-and-neck (HN) cancer patients has not yet been studied in detail. We examined the ototoxic effects of sequentially applied CRT and PCth. This study included children and adolescents with CNS and HN tumors who participated in the multicountry PanCareLIFE (PCL) consortium. Audiological outcomes were compared between patients who received CRT prior to PCth and those who received it afterwards. The incidence, degree and posttreatment progression of SNHL, defined as Muenster classification grade ≥MS2b, were evaluated in 141 patients. One hundred and nineteen patients were included in a time-to-onset analysis. Eighty-eight patients received CRT prior to PCth (Group 1) and 53 patients received PCth before CRT (Group 2). Over a median follow-up time of 1.6 years, 72.7% of patients in Group 1 experienced SNHL ≥ MS2b compared to 33.9% in Group 2 (P < .01). A time-to-onset analysis was performed for 74 patients from Group 1 and 45 patients from Group 2. Median time to hearing loss (HL) ≥ MS2b was 1.2 years in Group 1 and 4.4 years in Group 2 (P < .01). Thus, audiological outcomes were better for patients who received CRT after PCth than before. This finding should be further evaluated and considered within clinical practice in order to minimize hearing loss in children and adolescents with CNS and HN tumors.

An evidence gap map of interventions for noncommunicable diseases and risk factors among children and adolescents

Substance misuse, obesity, mental health conditions, type 1 diabetes, cancers, and cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases together account for 41% of disability-adjusted life years linked to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among children and adolescents worldwide. However, the evidence on risk factors and interventions for this age group is scarce. Here we searched four databases to generate an evidence gap map of existing interventions and research gaps for these risk factors and NCDs. We mapped 159 reviews with 2,611 primary studies; most (96.2%) were conducted in high-income countries, and only 100 studies (3.8%) were from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The efficacy of therapeutic interventions on biomarkers and adverse events for NCDs appears to be well evidenced. Interventions for mental health conditions appear to be moderately evidenced, while interventions for obesity and substance misuse appear to be moderate to very low evidenced. Priority areas for future research include evaluating digital health platforms to support primary NCD prevention and management, and evaluating the impact of policy changes on the prevalence of obesity and substance misuse. Our findings highlight the wide disparity of evidence between high-income countries and LMICs. There is an urgent need for increased, targeted financing to address the research gaps in LMICs.

Genome-wide analyses of platinum-induced ototoxicity in childhood cancer patients: Results of GO-CAT and United Kingdom MAGIC consortia

Hearing loss (ototoxicity) is a major adverse effect of cisplatin and carboplatin chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to identify novel genetic variants that play a role in platinum-induced ototoxicity. Therefore, a genome-wide association study was performed in the Genetics of Childhood Cancer Treatment (GO-CAT) cohort (n = 261) and the United Kingdom Molecular Genetics of Adverse Drug Reactions in Children Study (United Kingdom MAGIC) cohort (n = 248). Results of both cohorts were combined in a meta-analysis. In primary analysis, patients with SIOP Boston Ototoxicity Scale grade ≥1 were considered cases, and patients with grade 0 were controls. Variants with a p-value <10^-5 were replicated in previously published data by the PanCareLIFE cohort (n = 390). No genome-wide significant associations were found, but variants in TSPAN5, RBBP4P5, AC010090.1 and RNU6-38P were suggestively associated with platinum-induced ototoxicity. The lowest p-value was found for rs7671702 in TSPAN5 (odds ratio 2.0 (95% confidence interval 1.5-2.7), p-value 5.0 × 10^-7). None of the associations were significant in the replication cohort, although the effect directions were consistent among all cohorts. Validation and functional understanding of these genetic variants could lead to more insights in the development of platinum-induced ototoxicity.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Sodium Thiosulfate in the Treatment of Uremic Pruritus: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Uremic pruritus is a distressful complication of chronic kidney disease and results in impaired quality of life and higher mortality rates. Intravenous sodium thiosulfate has been reported to alleviate pruritus in hemodialysis patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of intravenous sodium thiosulfate in patients with uremic pruritus. A systematic search of electronic databases up to June 2021 was conducted for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the clinical effects of sodium thiosulfate in the management of patients with uremic pruritus. Two reviewers selected eligible articles and evaluated the risk of bias; the results of pruritus assessment and uremic pruritus-related laboratory parameters in selected studies were analyzed. There are four trials published between 2018 and 2021, which include 222 participants. The sodium thiosulfate group displayed significant decrease in the pruritus score (standardized mean difference = -3.52, 95% confidence interval = -5.63 to -1.41, p = 0.001), without a significant increase in the adverse effects (risk ratio = 2.44, 95% confidence interval = 0.37 to 15.99, p = 0.35) compared to the control group. Administration of sodium thiosulfate is found to be a safe and efficacious complementary therapy in improving uremic pruritus in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Cisplatin Combined with Combretastatin A4 Phosphate on Human Osteosarcoma-Xenografted Mice

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of anticancer therapy combining a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin (DDP), and a vascular disruptive drug, combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P), in osteosarcoma. First, a human osteosarcoma-xenografted mice model was established. Second, the transplanted tumor models were treated with DDP and CA4P in combination or as monotherapy. Third, the therapeutic effects and the mechanism of the drug combination in the inhibition of transplanted tumors was studied. Finally, the toxic effects of the drugs were observed and recorded. The results showed that DDP combined with CA4P significantly inhibited the growth and lung metastasis of transplanted tumors compared with the monotherapy drug group and vehicle control group. Histopathological analysis revealed that apoptotic and necrotic cell death significantly increased in the combination group, and combined treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells compared with either agent alone or the vehicle control. Additionally, no obvious toxic effects were observed in the combination group. These results indicate that the combined effects of DDP and CA4P on the progression of human osteosarcoma in vivo were superior to that of either agent alone. DDP combined with CA4P exerted synergistic effects at lower concentrations and promoted apoptosis and necrosis, as well as inhibited proliferation of osteosarcoma cells, but it did not increase the systemic toxic effects of chemotherapy. Our findings highlight CA4P as an effective anticancer agent candidate for combination with DDP in clinical applications to treat osteosarcoma.

Association of Sodium Thiosulfate With Risk of Ototoxic Effects From Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Platinum-induced ototoxic effects are a significant issue because platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used therapeutic medications. Sodium thiosulfate (STS) is considered a potential otoprotectant for the prevention of platinum-induced ototoxic effects that functions by binding the platinum-based agent, but its administration raises concerns regarding the substantial attenuation of the antineoplastic outcome associated with platinum.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between concurrent STS and reduced risk of ototoxic effects among patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy and to evaluate outcomes, including event-free survival, overall survival, and adverse outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

From inception through November 7, 2020, databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies enrolling patients with cancer who were undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy that compared ototoxic effects development between patients who received STS and patients who did not and provided adequate information for meta-analysis were regarded as eligible. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

The data were extracted by 2 reviewers independently. A random-effects model was used to explore objectives.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Relative risks (RRs) for ototoxic effects development and hemopoietic event development comparing the experimental group and the control group were estimated. Secondary outcomes were hazard ratios (HRs) for event-free survival and overall survival. Sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analysis were conducted to further consolidate pooled results.

RESULTS

Among 4 eligible studies that were included, there were 3 randomized clinical trials and 1 controlled study. A total of 278 patients were allocated to the experimental group (ie, platinum-based chemotherapy plus STS; 158 patients, including 13 patients using contralatral ears of the control group as samples) or the control group (ie, chemotherapy; 133 patients, including 13 patients using contralateral ears of the experimental group as samples). Overall, patients who received STS had a statistically significantly decreased risk of ototoxic effects during the course of platinum-based chemotherapy (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.49-0.77; P < .001; I2 = 5.0%) without a statistically significant increase in the risk of poor event-free survival (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.70-1.82; P = .61; I2 = 0%) or overall survival (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 0.90-4.03; P = .09; I2 = 0%). In the trial sequential analysis of event-free survival (z = -0.52) and overall survival (z = -1.68), although the cumulative z curves did not surpass the traditional significance boundary (-1.96 to 1.96 for both) or sequential monitoring boundary (event-free survival: -8.0 to 8.0; overall survival boundary not renderable in the analysis because the information size was too small) of the adjusted CI, they did not reach the required information size.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis found that concurrent STS delivery was associated with a decreased risk of platinum-induced ototoxic effects among patients treated with platinum-induced chemotherapy. These findings suggest that concurrent STS for protection against ototoxic effects should be considered for patients indicated for platinum-based chemotherapy.

Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: Updates on molecular mechanisms and otoprotective strategies

Cisplatin is a highly effective antitumor drug generally used in the treatment of solid malignant tumors. However, cisplatin causes severe side effects such as bone marrow depression, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity, thus limiting its clinical application. The incidence of ototoxicity induced by cisplatin ranges from 20% to 70%, and it usually manifests as a progressive, bilateral and irreversible hearing loss. Although the etiology of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains unclear, an increasing body of evidence suggests that the ototoxicity of cisplatin is mainly related to the production of reactive oxygen species and activation of apoptotic pathway in cochlear tissues. Many drugs have been well proved to protect cisplatin-induced hearing loss in vitro and in vivo. However, the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin is also weakened by systemic administration of those drugs for hearing protection, especially antioxidants. Therefore, establishing a local administration strategy contributes to the otoprotection without affecting the effect of cisplatin. This review introduces the pathology of ototoxicity caused by cisplatin, and focuses on recent developments in the mechanisms and protective strategies of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Strategies to reduce the risk of platinum containing antineoplastic drug-induced ototoxicity

INTRODUCTION

Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent against a variety of solid tumors in adults and in children. Unfortunately, a large percentage of patients suffer permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Up to 60% of children and at least 50% of adults suffer this complication that seriously compromises their quality of life. Hearing loss is due to damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear. The mechanisms of cochlear damage are still being investigated. However, it appears that inner ear damage is triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and inflammation 34.

AREAS COVERED

We discuss a number of potential therapeutic targets that can be addressed to provide hearing protection. These strategies include enhancing the endogenous antioxidant pathways, heat shock proteins, G protein coupled receptors and counteracting ROS and reactive nitrogen species, and blocking pathways that produce inflammation, including TRPV1 and STAT1 36.

EXPERT OPINION

Numerous potential protective agents show promise in animal models by systemic or local administration. However, clinical trials have not shown much efficacy to date with the exception of sodium thiosulfate. There is an urgent need to discover safe and effective protective agents that do not interfere with the efficacy of cisplatin against tumors yet preserve hearing 151.

Assessment and Management of Platinum-Related Ototoxicity in Children Treated for Cancer

Platinum compounds are a group of chemotherapeutic agents included in many pediatric and adult oncologic treatment protocols. The main platinum compounds are cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin. Their use in clinical practice has greatly improved long-term survival of pediatric patients, but they also cause some toxic effects: ototoxicity, myelosuppression, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. Hearing damage is one of the main toxic effects of platinum compounds, and it derives from the degeneration of hair cells of the ear, which, not having self-renewal capacity, cannot reconstitute themselves. Hearing loss from platinum exposure is typically bilateral, sensorineural, and permanent, and it is caused by the same mechanisms with which platinum acts on neoplastic cells. According to available data from the literature, the optimal timing for the audiological test during and after treatment with platinum compounds is not well defined. Moreover, no substances capable of preventing the onset of hearing loss have been identified.

Different infusion durations for preventing platinum-induced hearing loss in children with cancer

BACKGROUND

Platinum-based therapy, including cisplatin, carboplatin or oxaliplatin, or a combination of these, is used to treat a variety of paediatric malignancies. Unfortunately, one of the most important adverse effects is the occurrence of hearing loss or ototoxicity. In an effort to prevent this ototoxicity, different platinum infusion durations have been studied. This review is the third update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of different durations of platinum infusion to prevent hearing loss or tinnitus, or both, in children with cancer. Secondary objectives were to assess possible effects of these infusion durations on: a) anti-tumour efficacy of platinum-based therapy, b) adverse effects other than hearing loss or tinnitus, and c) quality of life.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the electronic databases Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; the Cochrane Library 14 November 2019), MEDLINE (PubMed) (1945 to 14 November 2019) and Embase (Ovid) (1980 to 14 November 2019). In addition, we handsearched reference lists of relevant articles and we assessed the conference proceedings of the International Society for Paediatric Oncology (2009 up to and including 2019) and the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (2014 up to and including 2019). We scanned ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP; apps.who.int/trialsearch) for ongoing trials (both searched on 4 November 2019).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing different platinum infusion durations in children with cancer. Only the platinum infusion duration could differ between the treatment groups.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed the study selection, 'Risk of bias' assessment and GRADE assessment of included studies, and data extraction including adverse effects. Analyses were performed according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified one RCT and no CCTs; in this update no additional eligible studies were identified. The RCT (total number of children = 91) evaluated the use of a continuous cisplatin infusion (N = 43) versus a one-hour bolus cisplatin infusion (N = 48) in children with neuroblastoma. For the continuous infusion, cisplatin was administered on days one to five of the cycle, but it is unclear if the infusion duration was a total of five days. Risk of bias was present. Only results from shortly after induction therapy were provided. No clear evidence of a difference in hearing loss (defined as asymptomatic and symptomatic disease combined) between the different infusion durations was identified as results were imprecise (risk ratio (RR) 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 4.13, low-quality evidence). Although the numbers of children were not provided, it was stated that tumour response was equivalent in both treatment arms. With regard to adverse effects other than ototoxicity, we were only able to assess toxic deaths. Again, the confidence interval of the estimated effect was too wide to exclude differences between the treatment groups (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.07 to 17.31, low-quality evidence). No data were available for the other outcomes of interest (i.e. tinnitus, overall survival, event-free survival and quality of life) or for other (combinations of) infusion durations or other platinum analogues.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Since only one eligible RCT evaluating the use of a continuous cisplatin infusion versus a one-hour bolus cisplatin infusion was found, and that had methodological limitations, no definitive conclusions can be made. It should be noted that 'no evidence of effect', as identified in this review, is not the same as 'evidence of no effect'. For other (combinations of) infusion durations and other platinum analogues no eligible studies were identified. More high-quality research is needed.

Pharmacotherapy of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common symptom for which there is in most cases no causal therapy. The search for an improvement of tinnitus through pharmacological interventions has a long tradition. The observation that tinnitus can be transiently suppressed by the use of lidocaine has shown that the symptom is susceptible to pharmacotherapy. So far, however, no medication has been found for either acute or chronic subjective tinnitus that reliably leads to a long-term reduction or even complete disappearance of the symptom for the majority of tinnitus sufferers. Nevertheless, in everyday clinical life, drugs are frequently used, usually off-label, to relieve tinnitus or tinnitus-associated symptoms (e.g. sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety disorder or hearing loss). This chapter shows the different approaches to acute and chronic subjective tinnitus by means of pharmacotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, this review reports on the scientific studies carried out in this area in recent years and explains the difficulties in finding a suitable medication for most forms of tinnitus. In addition, it reports on the pharmacotherapeutic options for objective tinnitus and describes the development of tinnitus as a side effect of certain drugs. Finally, possible target structures are mentioned, which should possibly be addressed in pharmacological studies in the near future.