LM306 - Ototoxicity Monitoring as Part of a Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic

Abstract: Ototoxic medications including platinum chemotherapy drugs can cause permanent, life-altering hearing loss and tinnitus.  As survivorship has improved for many cancer patients, the urgency for improving quality of life increases.  This presentation will describe my experience with starting an ototoxicity monitoring program as part of a multidisciplinary team in a cancer center.  This Head & Neck team includes otolaryngologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists, nutritionists, a dentist and dental hygienist, nurses, and advanced practice providers.  Audiology is the newest addition to this team.  We will discuss the need for the program and innovations in care for the cancer patient.

Summary: A recently published study in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship (Konrad-Martin et al, 2023) reported on audiologist views of the importance of ototoxicity monitoring and barriers of implementation in cancer patients in the VA setting. They found that although many audiologists recognize the importance of caring for these patients, there are several barriers to implementing these programs. There is a lack of consistent ototoxic monitoring in this setting, and this presentation serves to look at some of the reasons why and describe my experience in joining a multidisciplinary team in a cancer center. The learning objectives include a more in-depth look at an area of audiology that is emerging as a vital part in helping cancer patients preserve their quality of life.  In addition to monitoring for changes, earlier intervention may be possible with this type of program in the form of hearing aids, tinnitus management, and hearing conservation. This presentation will include a basic level of pharmacology of cisplatin ototoxicity and radiation-induced hearing loss as well as recommended protocols for testing and working with a team of physicians and other allied health professionals to obtain proper referrals and improve patient quality of life.