Why some patients have hearing loss or nerve damage after platinum chemotherapy
Genetic Susceptibility and Biomarkers of Platinum-related Toxicities
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 ID | NIH-11099958 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: People who never received platinum chemotherapy or whose hearing or nerve problems have other known causes are unlikely to benefit directly.
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 performed: 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
Indianapolis, United States
- 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 below.