Sodium Thiosulfate for Hearing Loss During Cancer Treatment

This trial explores whether the drug Pedmark® sodium thiosulfate (STS) can protect against hearing loss during cisplatin cancer treatment. While STS has reduced hearing issues in children, this study focuses on its effects in adults. It seeks participants who are beginning their first cisplatin treatment for cancer and have not previously been exposed to cisplatin. Those currently taking medications that affect hearing or with a history of severe allergic reactions to similar substances may not qualify. As a Phase 1 trial, the research aims to understand how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research.

The trial requires that you stop taking any ototoxic medications (drugs that can harm your hearing) if they cannot be safely discontinued or switched to a safer alternative.

Research shows that sodium thiosulfate (STS) is generally safe and can help prevent hearing loss in children receiving cisplatin, a common cancer treatment. Studies have found that administering STS after cisplatin treatment reduces the risk of hearing damage. This treatment, already approved for children and young adults, protects the ears from harmful effects.

Sodium thiosulfate is unique because it has the potential to protect hearing without interfering with cancer treatment. Unlike standard treatments for hearing loss, which typically focus on rehabilitation after damage has occurred, sodium thiosulfate is administered intravenously immediately following cisplatin chemotherapy to prevent hearing damage from happening in the first place. Researchers are excited because it offers a proactive approach, aiming to shield the ears from the toxic effects of chemotherapy, which is a significant advancement over the reactive strategies currently available. This could mean preserving hearing for patients undergoing essential cancer treatments, significantly improving their quality of life.

Research shows that sodium thiosulfate (STS) can help prevent hearing loss caused by cisplatin, a common cancer treatment. Clinical studies have found that STS reduces the risk of hearing damage in patients taking cisplatin. Although approved for children and young adults, its effectiveness in adults remains under investigation. In this trial, participants will receive STS after their standard cisplatin treatment to evaluate its potential to protect hearing during cancer treatment. Previous research demonstrated that adding STS after cisplatin treatment led to less hearing loss, suggesting its protective benefits.⁴⁶⁷⁸⁹