Assessment of the Late Effects of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer on Hearing

• Grant number: 24/21617-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Gil
• Grantee: Camilla Florian Leite
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer in children and adolescents up to 19 years old has different and specific characteristics compared to neoplasms in adults, but despite this, it generally shows a better response to treatment. Childhood cancer represents 2 to 3% of all tumors in Brazil. Cancer treatment during childhood development can lead to alterations that persist throughout life. Ototoxic drugs are harmful to the labyrinth, and depending on various factors, they can cause sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and nausea (cochlear and vestibular symptoms). Some antineoplastic drugs, such as carboplatin and cisplatin, have ototoxic potential. Objective: To analyze the late effects of childhood and adolescent cancer treatment on hearing. Method: This study was conducted with children aged 7 years and older, followed by GRAACC, who have been off treatment for at least 2 years and received chemotherapy with carboplatin and/or cisplatin, or cranial or neuroaxis radiotherapy. Both sexes were included, and all participants presented Type A tympanometric curves. All selected individuals will undergo pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and acoustic immittance measurements. After data collection, statistical analysis of the results will be performed.