A prospective multicenter observational study investigating the concordance between patient-reported hearing loss and commonly used ototoxicity grading systems in patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy

Author(s):
Burger, A.V.M. (0000-0003-0435-3981); Duinkerken, C.W. (0000-0001-9194-6560); Theunissen, E.A.R.; Schaeffers, A.W.M.A.; Hauptmann, M.; Hoetink, A.E.; Balm, A.J.M.; Boer, J.P. de; Maas-Bannink, E.; Exterkate, L.; Slingerland, M. (0000-0002-4181-8656); Jansen, J.C.; Stokroos, R.J.; Bree, R. de; Devriese, L.A.; Dreschler, W.A.; Bruintjes, T.D. (0000-0001-5955-8453); Sluis, K.E. van; Zuur, C.L.
Published
2026
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to compare the accuracy of the TUNE, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading systems in reflecting the severity of treatment-related hearing loss, as measured by pure-tone audiometry and patient-reported hearing loss using the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing scale compare questionnaire (SSQ).

Methods: This study is a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional, and observational study from 2018 to 2024 conducted at the Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Amsterdam, Leiden University Medical Center, and University Medical Center Utrecht. In this trial, 109 patients with an indication for curative platinum-based chemotherapy (dose >= 200 mg/m2) were included, of whom 74 were eligible for analysis. Standard frequency and extended high-frequency pure tone audiometry were measured at baseline and follow-up. The SSQ was administered at follow-up to assess patient-reported outcome measures for hearing loss. The TUNE, ASHA, and CTCAE criteria were derived from audiometry. Concordance and Spearman's correlations were evaluated between all 3 grading systems and the SSQ.

Results: The concordance of TUNE with the SSQ was 81%. The concordance of CTCAE and ASHA with the SSQ was 73% and 68%, respectively. A statistically significant Spearman's correlation coefficient of -.35 (P = .01) was found between TUNE and the SSQ. The Spearman's correlation coefficient with CTCAE or ASHA and SSQ was -.10 (P = .10) and .04 (P = .75), respectively. Conclusion: This study found that the TUNE is better in reflecting platinum-related patient-reported hearing loss compared to the CTCAE and ASHA.

ototoxicitychemotherapycisplatinPROMScancer
Date issued
2026-01-18
Language
English
Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Is part of
Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology
hdl
1887/4298275
doi
10.1177/00034894251408705