Atorvastatin to Reduce Hearing Loss from Cisplatin in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Official title: Atorvastatin to Reduce Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11176851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether the cholesterol medicine atorvastatin can lessen hearing loss caused by cisplatin in adults undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $397,537 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DC020452-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) with head and neck cancer scheduled for cisplatin-based chemoradiation who are not currently taking a statin.
✕Less likely to help
Patients already on statin therapy or those who do not develop hearing loss during treatment may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Adult patients with head and neck cancer scheduled for cisplatin-based therapy will be randomly assigned to receive either atorvastatin or placebo during treatment. The trial is multicenter and placebo-controlled, aiming to see if atorvastatin decreases the risk and severity of hearing loss after cisplatin. Participants will be monitored with audiograms and other safety assessments to ensure the cancer treatment remains effective. If successful, this approach could protect hearing without reducing cancer control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially reduced risk and severity of cisplatin-associated hearing loss for patients undergoing treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data and retrospective human data suggested statins may attenuate cisplatin-induced hearing loss; this trial seeks prospective confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmitt, Nicole Cherie — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Schmitt, Nicole Cherie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.