Comparison of cisplatin-induced hearing loss in different durations of infusion and volume of hydration schedules in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with cisplatin-based chemoradiation

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients treated with cisplatin-based chemoradiation often suffer from cisplatin-induced hearing loss (CIHL). To prevent toxicities, patients receive hydration before and after cisplatin infusions. This study evaluated cisplatin-induced hearing loss between a long and short duration of infusion and volume of hydration schedule (DIVHS). Methods: Between 2019 and 2023, 161 patients were included in two Dutch hospitals. Patients received either weekly cisplatin (Cis40qw, n = 77) or triweekly cisplatin (Cis1003q3w, n = 88). Two different short and long DIVHS were used in each cisplatin regimen. Pure tone audiometry was performed at baseline and three months after chemoradiation. Pure tone averages (PTA) were calculated for PTA 1–2–4 kHz and PTA 8–10–12.5 kHz. CIHL was assessed using mean threshold shift. Results: In the Cis40qw group, the mean threshold shift at PTA 1–2–4 kHz was 3.1 dB in the short and 4.7 dB in the long DIVHS (p = 0.37). In the Cis100q3w cohort, the mean threshold shift was 5.3 dB in the short and 7.1 dB in the long DIVHS (p = 0.36). At PTA 8–10–12.5 kHz, the mean threshold shifts of the Cis40qw groups were 11.8 dB in the short versus 15.4 dB in the long DIVHS (p = 0.30). In the Cis100q3w cohort, the mean threshold shift was 19.9 dB in the short compared to 19.4 dB in the long DIVHS (p = 0.85). Conclusion: This study found no significant difference in CIHL between different DIVHS during cisplatin-based chemoradiation in HNSCC patients.