Auditory Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Therapy: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

Children treated for childhood malignancies may be at risk for early or delayed onset hearing loss that can impact learning, communication, school performance, social interaction, and overall quality of life (QOL). Survivors at particular risk include those treated with platinum compounds (cis-and/or carboplatin) for neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, osteosarcoma, or germ cell tumors and/or those treated with radiation impacting the ear at doses greater than 30 Gray (Gy) for pediatric head and neck tumors. The aims of the Auditory/Hearing Late Effects Task Force of Children’s Oncology Group in this report were: 1) to review ototoxicity resulting from childhood cancer therapy including platinum compounds (cisplatin and carboplatin) and radiation; 2) to describe briefly cochlear pathophysiology and genetics of cisplatin-related hearing loss; 3) to explain the impact of hearing loss resulting from chemotherapy and radiation; and 4) to offer recommendations regarding evaluation and management of pediatric patients at risk for treatment-related hearing loss. A questionnaire is included as a tool to assist pediatricians in assessment.