The cumulative effect of cisplatin on auditory brainstem responses and otoacoustic emissions in a dog: An experimental case study

The aim of this experimental case study was to investigate the cumulative effects of repeated clinical doses of the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin on transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in an Australian cattle dog. The use of the dog as an animal model for the study of the cumulative effects of cisplatin on cochlear function was also explored. In addition, total and filterable (protein-unbound) platinum (Pt) plasma concentrations were measured to investigate if any ototoxic effects of cisplatin as measured by TEOAEs, DPOAEs and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) could be related to changes in Pt concentration. The results of the study suggested that OAEs do provide a valid and an objective method of detecting and monitoring cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in humans and dogs. The OAE response shifts following the administration of cisplatin, together with an increase in total plasma Pt concentration after three cycles of cisplatin, suggested a cumulative effect of cisplatin on cochlear function. However, the OAE response shifts could not be attributed to filterable Pt concentrations in plasma. The study also demonstrated that the dog is a good animal model for the study of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The limitations of the study and directions for future research were discussed