Using an FDA-approved cancer drug to prevent hearing loss from chemotherapy and noise exposure
Official title: Repurposing an FDA approved Drug, B-Raf Kinase Inhibitor Dabrafenib for Protection from Cisplatin- and Noise- induced Hearing Loss
Funded at Scintillon Institute for Photobiology · NIH-11000301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a cancer drug called dabrafenib can help protect your hearing from damage caused by chemotherapy and loud noises, by keeping important cells in your inner ear healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scintillon Institute for Photobiology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $533,267 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC018850-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy or those frequently exposed to loud noises who are at risk of hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not undergo chemotherapy or are not exposed to significant noise levels may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of repurposing dabrafenib, a BRAF kinase inhibitor already approved for cancer treatment, to protect against hearing loss caused by cisplatin chemotherapy and noise exposure. The study involves testing the drug's effectiveness in preventing cell death in inner ear cells, which are crucial for hearing. Through laboratory experiments, researchers will assess how well dabrafenib can safeguard these cells from damage and explore the underlying biological mechanisms involved. If successful, this could lead to a new preventive treatment for hearing loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy or exposed to loud noises.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new preventive treatment option for patients at risk of hearing loss due to chemotherapy or noise exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the repurposing of existing drugs for new indications is a common approach, this specific application of dabrafenib for hearing loss is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teitz, Tal — Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
- Study coordinator: Teitz, Tal
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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.