Why some patients have hearing loss or nerve damage after platinum chemotherapy
Official title: Genetic Susceptibility and Biomarkers of Platinum-related Toxicities
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11099958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looking for genes and blood markers that show which adults treated with platinum chemotherapy will develop hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or nerve damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2012 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $780,965 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA157823-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who received platinum-based chemotherapy (especially cisplatin), can undergo hearing and nerve testing, and are willing to provide blood samples are the best fit.
✕Less likely to help
People who never received platinum chemotherapy or whose hearing or nerve problems have other known causes are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project follows a large group of adults—primarily testicular cancer survivors—who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Participants have hearing tests (audiograms), symptom questionnaires for tinnitus and neuropathy, and give blood samples for DNA and biomarker testing. Researchers compare clinical results with genetic variants (for example, WFS1) and other biomarkers to find patterns that predict who developed ototoxicity or neuropathy. The team aims to use those findings to guide safer treatment choices or preventive strategies for people at higher risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could let doctors predict who is likely to suffer hearing loss or nerve damage from platinum drugs so they can consider alternative treatments, dose changes, or protective measures.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work from this group has already linked a genetic variant (WFS1) to cisplatin-related hearing loss and documented high rates of hearing and nerve problems, but routine predictive tests are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
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Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Travis, Lois B. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Travis, Lois B.
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.